When Karan Johar and Tanmay bhatt posted their pictures online, everyone of you were shocked to see their weight loss and commented they consumed some drugs know as - Ozempic.
But what is Ozempic? How it works? Who sells it? Can you use it?
Read and Save this thread to know!
But what is Ozempic? How it works? Who sells it? Can you use it?
Read and Save this thread to know!
The name of this weight loss drug came onto the scene when Celebrities like Chelsea Handler, American Actress Amy Schumer and UK prime minister - Boris Johnson posted their weight loss on social media.
But the real hype happened when Elon posted about his weight loss on X and someone asked him what he used, he said - wegovy and Fasting (for calorie restriction)
But the real hype happened when Elon posted about his weight loss on X and someone asked him what he used, he said - wegovy and Fasting (for calorie restriction)
But what is this Wegovy?
Wegovy and Ozempic both are brand names of Semaglutide.
Semaglutide is a medicine that helps in weight loss. Ozempic helps in type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for Obesity.
Semaglutide is made by a company in Denmark Novo Nordisk and one more company make much more effective medication known as Tirzepatide (by American Company, LILY)
Tirzepatide has also two brand names, Mounjaro (for Diabetes) and Zepbound (for obesity)
Wegovy and Ozempic both are brand names of Semaglutide.
Semaglutide is a medicine that helps in weight loss. Ozempic helps in type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for Obesity.
Semaglutide is made by a company in Denmark Novo Nordisk and one more company make much more effective medication known as Tirzepatide (by American Company, LILY)
Tirzepatide has also two brand names, Mounjaro (for Diabetes) and Zepbound (for obesity)
Weight loss drugs are quite effective. This is evident from the fact that since their launch, the stock prices of both companies have increased two to three times.
Not only that, but in September of this year, the weight loss drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk surpassed the famous French luxury brand LVMH (Louis Vuitton) to become Europe’s most valuable company, with a valuation of $428 billion.
Additionally, thanks to these new weight loss medications, Lilly has also become the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical company.
Novo even announced that there will be a shortage of this weight loss medication in Europe next year as well due to high demand.
Not only that, but in September of this year, the weight loss drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk surpassed the famous French luxury brand LVMH (Louis Vuitton) to become Europe’s most valuable company, with a valuation of $428 billion.
Additionally, thanks to these new weight loss medications, Lilly has also become the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical company.
Novo even announced that there will be a shortage of this weight loss medication in Europe next year as well due to high demand.
But how does it work?
When we eat something like dal roti, our body releases various hormones, one of which is the GLP-1 hormone.
GLP-1 has many metabolic functions in the body, impacting the brain, heart, kidneys, pancreas, liver, and other organs.
It helps with glucose uptake, releasing insulin when blood glucose levels are high, and reducing glucose production.
Another function of GLP-1 is to reduce hunger and create a feeling of fullness, which it achieves by affecting the brain.
Semaglutide works in a similar way—it mimics this hormone and performs the same functions.
When we eat something like dal roti, our body releases various hormones, one of which is the GLP-1 hormone.
GLP-1 has many metabolic functions in the body, impacting the brain, heart, kidneys, pancreas, liver, and other organs.
It helps with glucose uptake, releasing insulin when blood glucose levels are high, and reducing glucose production.
Another function of GLP-1 is to reduce hunger and create a feeling of fullness, which it achieves by affecting the brain.
Semaglutide works in a similar way—it mimics this hormone and performs the same functions.
But why such Medication is required? What is the need? Can't people just lose weight and eradicate obesity?
Well, it is not that simple.
Obesity is a disease.
Many people might find this surprising, but it’s true.
The WHO has declared obesity a disease.
In 2008, the Obesity Society recognized it, followed by the American Medical Association in 2013, the World Obesity Federation in 2017, and the European Commission in 2021.
Recently, in March, six major American obesity organizations endorsed this position. Even in India, obesity experts and organizations support the notion that obesity is a chronic, progressive, and relapsing disease.
Well, it is not that simple.
Obesity is a disease.
Many people might find this surprising, but it’s true.
The WHO has declared obesity a disease.
In 2008, the Obesity Society recognized it, followed by the American Medical Association in 2013, the World Obesity Federation in 2017, and the European Commission in 2021.
Recently, in March, six major American obesity organizations endorsed this position. Even in India, obesity experts and organizations support the notion that obesity is a chronic, progressive, and relapsing disease.
In 2020, around 2.6 billion people worldwide were suffering from overweight and obesity—that’s one in every three individuals.
By 2035, this number is projected to reach 4 billion, meaning one in every two people. If this trend continues, overweight and obesity will cost the global economy $4 trillion by 2035.
Obesity is associated with 224 medical conditions. Yes, I’ll say it again—224 medical conditions, including 13 cancers, heart diseases, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver, kidney stones, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and over 200 more conditions.
By 2035, this number is projected to reach 4 billion, meaning one in every two people. If this trend continues, overweight and obesity will cost the global economy $4 trillion by 2035.
Obesity is associated with 224 medical conditions. Yes, I’ll say it again—224 medical conditions, including 13 cancers, heart diseases, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver, kidney stones, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and over 200 more conditions.
Many people might say that we can achieve weight loss through diet and lifestyle changes.
Do you think the world’s top researchers and experts haven’t thought about this?
Of course, they have. They’ve tested diet and lifestyle changes in studies and shown positive benefits. But there was one problem—the weight loss wasn’t sustainable. People would lose weight but couldn’t maintain it.
Why is that?
Do you think the world’s top researchers and experts haven’t thought about this?
Of course, they have. They’ve tested diet and lifestyle changes in studies and shown positive benefits. But there was one problem—the weight loss wasn’t sustainable. People would lose weight but couldn’t maintain it.
Why is that?
This happens because when we lose weight, our body fights back. If you’ve ever tried losing weight, you might have noticed that during or after the weight loss phase, you feel extremely hungry.
This is a natural response and a defense mechanism of the body to regain the lost weight.
And all this is regulated by the brain, as the brain controls body weight and food intake.
This is a natural response and a defense mechanism of the body to regain the lost weight.
And all this is regulated by the brain, as the brain controls body weight and food intake.
For some people, the drive to regain lost weight is much stronger than for others, which is why they struggle to maintain their weight loss.
This is exactly why weight loss drugs are being developed—to improve the health of these individuals who find it challenging to sustain their weight loss.
This is exactly why weight loss drugs are being developed—to improve the health of these individuals who find it challenging to sustain their weight loss.
Now, what are the benefits of such medication?
The strongest effect of these medications is, of course, weight loss—they can help reduce weight by 14% to 22%. So, if someone weighs 120 kg, they can expect to lose around 17 kg to 25 kg on average.
But these medications don't just benefit weight loss; they also reduce blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and fasting glucose by up to 5%, and decrease triglycerides and Hscrp (an inflammation marker) by 20% to 50%.
The strongest effect of these medications is, of course, weight loss—they can help reduce weight by 14% to 22%. So, if someone weighs 120 kg, they can expect to lose around 17 kg to 25 kg on average.
But these medications don't just benefit weight loss; they also reduce blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and fasting glucose by up to 5%, and decrease triglycerides and Hscrp (an inflammation marker) by 20% to 50%.
And Safety?
In a recent study involving over 17,000 human participants, there was up to a 20% decrease in cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. This has caused a sensation in the field of cardiology due to the positive and strong effects observed.
As for safety, these drugs have been approved for diabetes treatment since 2005, and multiple studies—over 50, involving up to 100,000 participants—haven’t shown any serious concerns.
In a recent study involving over 17,000 human participants, there was up to a 20% decrease in cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. This has caused a sensation in the field of cardiology due to the positive and strong effects observed.
As for safety, these drugs have been approved for diabetes treatment since 2005, and multiple studies—over 50, involving up to 100,000 participants—haven’t shown any serious concerns.
And Side Effects?
It’s obvious that if a drug has benefits, there will be some adverse effects as well. So, let's discuss some of the adverse effects of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide.
In studies, the most common adverse effects observed were headache, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, and other GI-related symptoms.
However, it was also shown that these adverse effects tend to decrease with long-term use of the medication. Starting with a smaller dose can also reduce the likelihood of these adverse effects.
It’s obvious that if a drug has benefits, there will be some adverse effects as well. So, let's discuss some of the adverse effects of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide.
In studies, the most common adverse effects observed were headache, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, and other GI-related symptoms.
However, it was also shown that these adverse effects tend to decrease with long-term use of the medication. Starting with a smaller dose can also reduce the likelihood of these adverse effects.
Now, there are some claims commonly found on the internet stating that these drugs can cause thyroid cancer, acute kidney disease, and pancreatitis, but these are baseless.
No strong correlation has been shown in human studies. Recently, in November, the SELECT TRIAL was published, involving over 17,000 human participants, and it showed no increased risk of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis with these drugs.
The data clearly indicates that pancreatitis occurred in less than 1% or even fewer cases. So, if someone makes these claims, ask them for a study, and they won’t be able to provide any strong, high-quality data to support it.
No strong correlation has been shown in human studies. Recently, in November, the SELECT TRIAL was published, involving over 17,000 human participants, and it showed no increased risk of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis with these drugs.
The data clearly indicates that pancreatitis occurred in less than 1% or even fewer cases. So, if someone makes these claims, ask them for a study, and they won’t be able to provide any strong, high-quality data to support it.
What is the Situation in USA and India on the approval of these drugs?
The US market has no shortage of approved weight loss drugs, whereas the situation in India isn’t as good. In the US, there are a total of six approved and available weight loss medications, with Semaglutide being approved in 2021 and Tirzepatide just recently in November.
However, in India, the only approved and available medication is Orlistat, which doesn’t show promising results.
Orlistat only helps with 3-4% weight loss, whereas Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, which were recently approved in the US, help achieve 14-22% weight loss.
The US market has no shortage of approved weight loss drugs, whereas the situation in India isn’t as good. In the US, there are a total of six approved and available weight loss medications, with Semaglutide being approved in 2021 and Tirzepatide just recently in November.
However, in India, the only approved and available medication is Orlistat, which doesn’t show promising results.
Orlistat only helps with 3-4% weight loss, whereas Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, which were recently approved in the US, help achieve 14-22% weight loss.
Last month, India’s Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) granted approval to Eli Lilly’s Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound, for diabetes treatment. However, approval for weight loss is still under review.
Eli Lilly hopes to launch Mounjaro in India by 2025, while Novo Nordisk plans to introduce its weight loss medication by 2026.
Novo Nordisk’s oral Semaglutide is available in India for diabetes treatment, but the higher-dose injectable version, which is intended for weight loss, has not yet been approved.
Eli Lilly hopes to launch Mounjaro in India by 2025, while Novo Nordisk plans to introduce its weight loss medication by 2026.
Novo Nordisk’s oral Semaglutide is available in India for diabetes treatment, but the higher-dose injectable version, which is intended for weight loss, has not yet been approved.
Cost ?
Semaglutide can cost up to 46,000 INR per month in the USA, whereas in India, it will range between 5,000 to 10,000 INR per month.
Although it’s still expensive, it's much more affordable compared to other countries, and prices are expected to decrease further over time.
Semaglutide can cost up to 46,000 INR per month in the USA, whereas in India, it will range between 5,000 to 10,000 INR per month.
Although it’s still expensive, it's much more affordable compared to other countries, and prices are expected to decrease further over time.
Now the real question - should you use it?
Will these drugs or medications be recommended or available for everyone? The answer is NO.
Indian obesity guidelines first recommend intensive lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and other measures. Only for those who do not benefit from lifestyle changes is medication recommended.
It is crucial to meet specific criteria to use these medications.
For example, if someone is suffering from obesity, they are eligible for this drug. Similarly, if someone has a BMI over 25 and is suffering from conditions like hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, or diabetes, they are also eligible for these weight loss drugs.
Will these drugs or medications be recommended or available for everyone? The answer is NO.
Indian obesity guidelines first recommend intensive lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and other measures. Only for those who do not benefit from lifestyle changes is medication recommended.
It is crucial to meet specific criteria to use these medications.
For example, if someone is suffering from obesity, they are eligible for this drug. Similarly, if someone has a BMI over 25 and is suffering from conditions like hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, or diabetes, they are also eligible for these weight loss drugs.
Just like other chronic diseases such as heart disease or hypertension, these weight loss medications will need to be taken lifelong to maintain the weight loss achieved, as obesity is a chronic disease. This makes sense.
However, it is still recommended to maintain healthy lifestyle behaviors alongside the medication.
However, it is still recommended to maintain healthy lifestyle behaviors alongside the medication.
Ending Notes:
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are very powerful obesity drugs that will help a lot of people in the future.
However, they are only for specific individuals, not for everyone who wants to lose weight. For most people, lifestyle changes are a better alternative.
Disclaimer: I am not a Doctor or Healthcare Professional. I am just a communicator. If you want to use such drugs please ask your doctor and obesity expert first. Do not pop these medications randomly.
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are very powerful obesity drugs that will help a lot of people in the future.
However, they are only for specific individuals, not for everyone who wants to lose weight. For most people, lifestyle changes are a better alternative.
Disclaimer: I am not a Doctor or Healthcare Professional. I am just a communicator. If you want to use such drugs please ask your doctor and obesity expert first. Do not pop these medications randomly.
Social notes:
I don't care if Karan and Tanmay took these drugs or not. It doesn't matter.
At the end of the day, weight loss is important.
And these drugs are not steroids.
I don't care if Karan and Tanmay took these drugs or not. It doesn't matter.
At the end of the day, weight loss is important.
And these drugs are not steroids.
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