Oscars 2023: Why did host Jimmy Kimmel joke about Ozempic? Are we taking its weight loss potential too far?
Drugs and health care rarely a topic of conversation Oscar prizeBut host Jimmy Kimmel piqued audience interest after joking about the widespread use of diabetes drug Ozempic by Hollywood A-listers as a weight-loss formula. In his opening monologue, Kimmel talks about using prescription injectables to lose weight, and exclaims aloud: “Everyone looks great. As I look around the room, I can't help but think ‘Is Ozempic right for me?'”
The fact that a drug's cosmetic appeal outweighs its health benefits is mentioned, even in humorous cases, means that serious conversations about its supervised use need to be had. Simply because the side effects aren't great. “Although not yet available in India, GLP receptor agonist drugs are beneficial for weight loss, so diabetes and related issues. But these should be used according to the indications, as side effects are problematic. Initially, there is nausea and vomiting, and rarely inflammation of the pancreas,” said Dr. Anoop Misra, chair of the Fortis CDOC Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences.
What is ozone?
It is nothing more than the new weight loss drug semaglutide. This diabetes drug, sold under brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy, is effective at higher doses. It has also been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes. “As obesity becomes a growing health burden in India—an estimated 9.5 percent of men and 13.9 percent of women will be obese by 2040—it's as close to a panacea as any drug. The drug has been shown to help study participation Patients lost about 15 percent of their body weight, and some even lost 20 percent, which is unheard of for any other intervention other than bariatric surgery. Weight loss pills It is available in the market, but it does not work well. This medicine can help people lose weight, especially those with a history of obesity and a family history of related diseases. It should be prescribed to people who may not see much effect on a diet or who are unable to exercise because of their weight-induced joint pain,” Dr. Misra said.
“This drug works for the typical type 2 diabetic because their weight affects their blood sugar. So, there's long-term sugar control. It really works better than any drug that's been available recently,” said Max Healthcare chair and chair of the Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes. Dr. Ambrish Mithal, who is in charge, said.
What side effects do we need to know about?
“It should not be the first-line treatment for obesity for all. Also, when it becomes available in India – which may be a few months away – it can be expensive. It will cost at least Rs 8,000 to 9,000 per month. The important thing is , it can also cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea for the first few weeks,” Dr. Misra said. He felt the drug should be prescribed to three groups of people. liver. Second, those who are obese but unable to lose weight through traditional means. In fact, it can be taken slightly earlier for people with a family history of weight gain and weight maintenance. This drug works by making a person feel full with small, frequent meals. Third, the drug is suitable for those who, despite taking the drug, are obese and have uncontrolled diabetes,” he clarifies.
Dr. Mithal added: “In India, we have seen the adverse effects of Ozempic's earlier cousins, so caution is needed. All the hype about weight loss drowns out this fact.”
Why can't it just be relied on as a weight loss pill?
“You will regain some of your weight after you stop taking this medicine.No matter what method you use to lose weight, except bariatric surgery, once the intervention stopped, there was some weight gain. A longer study showed that this could also happen with semaglutide. Although the regained weight was different than when the drug was started, it was the same,” Dr. Misra said.
That's why Dr. Mithal is concerned with how far we can go with this as an easy alternative to what matters most – lifestyle modification. “It doesn't matter how much data we have that the weight is coming back. Unless we maintain our ideal weight, losing weight is pointless. So rely on other pillars like diet, sleep and exercise. Also, people with diabetes tend to lose weight more often than people without diabetes Lose a little less weight. So, before you consider using this drug, consult an endocrinologist and follow a regime of medical supervision,” he said.
