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Ozempic also promotes weight loss by speeding up your metabolism, new study suggests
A new study has suggested that Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs promote weight loss differently than previously thought.
The semaglutide injections, which were designed for people with diabetes, could also help you shed some pounds by boosting your metabolism.
Study suggests Ozempic speeds up your metabolism
Ozempic and Wegovy mimic the ‘fullness’ hormone called GLP-1 that is naturally released in the gastrointestinal tract after we eat, Harvard Health explains. This slows down the time it takes for the stomach to empty and helps you feel fuller for longer, thus causing you to eat less and lose weight.
However, a new study in the Obesity Journal has revealed that these injections also promote weight loss by speeding up your metabolism.
30 participants with obstructive sleep apnea and obesity were given a GLP-1 weight loss program for 24 weeks. Researchers found a “strong correlation” between the increase in VAT metabolic activity and the degree of weight loss.
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Metabolism is�the chemical reactions in the body’s cells that change food into energy. Someone with a slow metabolism�burns fewer calories, meaning more food gets stored as fat. Those with a quick metabolism burn calories at a faster rate.
The research suggests that Ozempic and similar drugs slow down the time it takes for the stomach to empty while also increasing your metabolism, with both working together to help you lose weight.
“It always seemed oversimplistic to me that these new treatments were just making people eat less,” said research lead Professor Donal OShea. “So, this study is an exciting step forward in our understanding of how these new medicines for obesity work.”
Researchers said that more work on the way GLP-1 regulation affects VAT metabolic activity is needed to inform our understanding of how these new medications impact weight change.
How to lose weight with lifestyle changes
If you are considering taking Ozempic or similar weight loss drugs, you should speak to a healthcare professional who can provide further advice. It might not be right for everyone and there are many side effects of Ozempic to be aware of.
Natural weight loss methods should always be tried first, which involve finding a balance of food and activity and taking in fewer calories than you use up, MedlinePlus explains.
Some great ways to do this include eating more nutrient-rich foods with lots of vitamins minerals and fiber and eating less foods and drinks that contain lots of calories, salt, sugar and fat. You should also limit alcohol.
One study found that eating oats could have the same effect as Ozempic, while another dietician says green and black tea is ‘natures Ozempic’ and helps you feel fuller for longer.
Finding healthier ways to cook, such as using healthy oils and baking or grilling instead of frying, will also aid in weight loss.
Getting more exercise is vital too. Adults are recommended to do 150 minutes of physical activity each week including a combination of cardio, like walking, cycline or swimming, and strength training, which works your muscles.
If making these lifestyle changes does not help you to lose weight, your provider may prescribe medicines or recommend surgery for people with severe obesity or serious obesity-related health problems.
