Losing Weight: Putting Ozempic in Perspective
The latest magic bullet for weight loss requires a prescription. Originally approved to manage type 2 diabetes, the drugs Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy (Ozempic’s spin-off approved for weight loss) are being sought by people looking to lose weight in short time frames. These medications show promising results for weight loss, but as with all quick-fix solutions, there are downsides to taking these drugs: high cost; known side effects like nausea, vomiting, digestive issues; and unknown long-term effects. Worst of all, the weight can come back if the medication is stopped.
But if drugs like Ozempic are not the ideal solution for anyone wanting to lose weight, what’s the best treatment? It’s complicated. There are many styles of eating that can lead to a healthy outcome, and what is "right" depends on the person—their values and preferences, their access to nutritious food, their lifestyle.
Scientific studies have shown that effective and sustainable weight loss is best achieved by following a personalized nutrition intervention program, which can be implemented by various health professionals, including registered dietitians, nutritionists, or doctors. These health professionals use the best available nutrition evidence, together with clinical experience and their patients' values and preferences, to help patients prevent, resolve, or cope with problems related to their physical, mental, and social health. This customized approach can help people sustain diet and lifestyle changes for long-term weight management.
At the same time, technological advances have made it easier for people to become more engaged in their health journey. A recent study found that people who used digital apps with personalized nutrition interventions were able to lose 5 more pounds on average than those who partook in the nutrition intervention only. Sifter's Shop By Diet app, in particular, can be a useful tool by helping people navigate grocery aisles, either online or in store, to discover foods that fit their particular dietary needs, including those for weight loss.
For people who are overweight, taking off the pounds (and keeping them off) has a big impact on their overall health. Clinical research shows that losing 5-10% of one's total body weight can lower the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Although Ozempic and the like can help people lose weight, they're no silver bullet. Given the risks, the costs, and the questionable long-term outcome of using these prescription drugs, the slow-and-steady approach of personalized nutrition intervention, coupled with digital dietary apps, may very well win the weight-loss race.
June 2023
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Sources:
Healthy Weight Loss. (2022, September 19). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Obesity is Common, Serious, and Costly (2022, July 14). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.