Like most things, there isn’t a black and white answer when it comes to the new wave of weight loss medications, such as Ozempic. As registered dietitians, we’re here to shed some light and share our thoughts. 

For some, these drugs can be life-saving. If you’re obese; have failed many attempts at lifestyle-alone changes; and have several comorbidities that require multiple medications a day, then perhaps Ozempic is for you. By taking this one medication, you could eradicate the need for all others and jumpstart the weight loss you need to become a healthier version of yourself. 

In these cases, you want to think of Ozempic as an alternative to Bariatric Surgery – a last resort and done in tandem with nutrition counseling and lifestyle changes. Furthermore, these medications have many nutritional implications – muscle loss, vitamin deficiencies, etc. – so working with a registered dietitian is essential to ensure you’re getting the necessary nourishment while losing weight. Finally, you really should be willing to stay on it for life. This may sound extreme, but if you’re choosing between Ozempic and Bariatric Surgery, which is irreversible, why should your commitment to Ozempic be any different? 

Now let’s talk about the person who isn’t obese, doesn’t have any weight-related health issues, and simply wants to lose some weight – should they be taking Ozempic? It may seem like a no-brainer: why not? The issue is: results only last so long as change lasts – a mantra we repeat often at 4Q Method. So if you’re not making any conscious diet or lifestyle changes and don’t intend to stay on Ozempic forever, then it’s only a matter of time before you gain the weight back. In this case, Ozempic is similar to a fad diet – a temporary way to manipulate the body, sometimes leaving it worse-off than before. (you can read more on that here)

But what if you’re also making conscious diet and lifestyle changes and eventually want to go off it? That’s great, but you just need to recognize that when you stop, you’re going to have to work even harder to keep the weight off. And what if you’re willing to stay on it for the rest of your life? In that case, you should thoroughly research the potential acute and chronic side-effects so you can assess the risk-reward ratio specific to you before you start. 

Ultimately, whatever path you choose, choose based on what’s best for you, and whatever you decide, decide with conviction and without judgment. This is especially true if you’re choosing not to take Ozempic. You may naturally judge or be jealous of people on it who are losing weight very quickly, but you should never compare your weight loss journey to anyone else’s, and this is no different. You need to make your decision based on your needs and your life – very similar to the way you make decisions around parenting, religious observance, etc. Comparing your decision to anyone else’s will only drive you crazy. So choose your path and don’t look back. 

We hope this helps you navigate this new world of weight loss medications. And if you need a sounding board or have any more questions, feel free to schedule a complimentary intro call and we’d be happy to help you come to the best decision for you!