Ozempic aka Wegovy aka Semaglutide

*CLICK HERE to grab your guide - Ozempic Facts Sheet for Fitness Enthusiasts

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With the rise of artificial foods, environmental toxins, and increasingly sedentary lives, for many people it seems harder than ever to manage their health, let alone feel vital in their bodies. We now find ourselves navigating a culture of excess and comfort that was historically unprecedented. Researchers, health care professionals, and individuals are seeking ways to compensate for the heavy swing of a currently unbalanced pendulum when it comes to the health of individuals. Enter Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist which mimics the GLP-1 hormone released in the gastrointestinal tract after eating. GLP-1 supports the production of insulin, which reduces blood glucose. Elevated levels of GLP-1 also signals to areas of the brain that are responsible for a signal of fullness and reduced appetite. Semaglutide may be more commonly recognized as Ozempic, Rybelsus, or Wegovy. 

Ozempic injections and Rybelsus tablets are approved to reduce blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes in addition to diet and exercise. Ozempic is also approved to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes or known heart disease. 

‍Wegovy injections are approved to help adults and children 12 and older with obesity, excess weight, or weight related medical problems to lose weight and keep it off, to be used in addition to diet and exercise.

Each medication named requires a prescription and there are no approved generic versions. Primary source

Benefits and drawbacks

A 2021 study with 2,000 obese adults individuals were asked to make diet and lifestyle changes with the experiment group also using semaglutide. Half of the test group using semaglutide lost 15- 20% of their body weight over 68 weeks. The control group lost about 2.4% however 4.5% of  participants in the test group discontinued due to gastrointestinal issues. This study was funded by Novo Nordisk, a manufacturer of Semaglutide.

Similar studies demonstrate that participants tend to regain the weight they lost  after they stop taking semaglutide.

Side effects of semaglutide  injections may include: dizziness, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, constipation and gassiness. Headache and stomach issues including nausea, vomiting, pain or distension/bloating. Anecdotal reports suggest that joint and muscle pain may also be side effects.

Some studies are showing that semaglutide causes loss of lean muscle and bone mass, not only does this reduce strength but slows metabolism as well. Interestingly,  decreasing one’s caloric intake reduces the body's ability to maintain normal functions. Consequently, costly metabolic functions such as maintaining muscle mass and bone density may be compromised to prioritize the brain, the heart and other vital organs energy needs. 

How is Semaglutide most effective
Semaglutide is prescribed alongside diet and lifestyle changes. Below is a list of important lifestyle priorities:

• Having a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, and anti-inflammatory foods
• Focusing on water intake and reducing sweetened beverages
• Building healthy eating habits around portion size and meal timing
• Increasing physical activity
• Prioritizing sleep
• Utilizing stress management strategies


Considerations
A common recommendation for the maximum time for taking Semaglutide is two years, that number increases for those with type 2 diabetes. Doctor recommendations, health conditions and one’s current health are all primary factors in how long one takes Semaglutide. Research on the effects of taking Semaglutide for longer periods is still needed. (Source)

‍With all medications, the goal is to use pharmacological intervention to mitigate immediate risk and enable change as quickly as possible, so that a person can get off of a drug. It is not always possible to entirely get off medications but diet and lifestyle are incredible tools to wield in living a medication free life.

All drugs have some risk and limiting that risk in the long term is essential. The goal of semaglutide is to ASSIST in the body composition change until the goal body composition is achieved, then the drug, like most other drugs, should be discontinued and the results should remain due to the lifestyle changes that have occurred over the dosing period.

At Pittsburgh FIT we are committed to supporting each person who walks through our doors to live their best life in vibrant health.

For those considering taking medication for weight loss, actively on medication and seeking to incorporate diet and lifestyle changes, or preparing to come off weight loss medication and wanting to learn how to maintain weight loss without we have a 12 month nutrition program designed around sustainable habit formation that’s in alignment with individuals unique goals while simultaneously prioritizing health factors like glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, hormonal balance, and gut health.

You do hard things all day, so let us help make your weight loss journey as easy and educational as possible. Fad dieting is out and sustainable lifestyle habits for health are in. 

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Alternative options 

Diet and lifestyle changes are crucial, some additional considerations include:

• Prioritizing a high protein diet, a general guideline is your weight (lbs) in grams of protein

• 2-3 days per week of strength training to build and maintain muscle mass

• Utilizing Glucose Stabilizing strategies like ordered eating, a short walking after meals, etc.  

• Time restricted eating, often called intermittent fasting

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Time Restricted Feeding (TRF)
Time restricted feeding is the practice of intentionally eating during a certain window of time, typically 6 to 12 hours. During non-eating (fasting) times water, plain bubbly water, plain tea, or black coffee may be consumed. This supports the body in prioritizing healing and switching to a fat burning system (which happens somewhere between 12 and 15 hours away from food). Around the 17 hour mark of fasting one’s body goes into autophagy which is cellular turnover and clearing of compromised cells. The body’s capacity to heal continues from there with amazing functions like creating intestinal stem cells and more!

Research shows TRE is about as effective as adherent calorie restriction for body fat loss but TRE has far better adherence rates in which participants eat whatever they choose in an 8 hour window. In one study, participants utilizing an 8 hour feeding window lost 3-8% of their body weight in 8 weeks compared with those restricting calories by 25%, adherence was much lower but those who maintained the calorie deficit did see about the same weight loss, however less improvements with general health metrics.

As your body enters a fastest state there are more resources to prioritize healing, two exciting benefits often are stabilizing blood sugar levels and increasing insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for body fat loss. Research has identified additional benefits such as improved memory, heart health, improved metabolic function, and increased physical performance, just to name a few. source

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Our team at Pittsburgh FIT does not treat medical issues. We are not licensed medical providers. If you're seeking information about if Ozempic, Wegovy, or any medication is right for you, reach out to the physician you fee most comfortable with.

However, we are incredible at facilitating lifestyle changes focused around diet and exercise. Our role is to support you by leading you through a safe and effective exercise routine, educate you around lifestyle choices, and communicate WITH your healthcare team to help you accomplish your goals as efficiently as possible.

At Pittsburgh FIT, we specialize in helping busy, career-driven active adults get fit and stay fit WITHOUT sacrificing the things that they love. If you’re struggling to manage your weight, you are the person we can help the best.

Go to PittsburghFIT.com/Go and book a Nutrition Consultation with us for free help and guidance. I can’t wait to meet you!

                Heather