11 Ozempic Health Benefits Beyond Weight Loss

What is Ozempic and How Does it Work?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, a newer class of medication. According to the FDA, the drug was originally designed and approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, since it has shown great results with weight loss too. The drug is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection once weekly — which is a plus for many patients who don’t want to remember to take medication every day.

According to the FDA, when prescribed Ozempic, it works primarily through mimicking the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone. The body naturally releases GLP-1 when we eat and it serves several important functions in controlling blood sugar and appetite. Ozempic binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors throughout the body, especially in the pancreas, brain, and gastrointestinal tract. When blood sugar is high, it triggers the pancreas to release insulin, lowering levels of glucose. It alters regions of the brain responsible for appetite regulation, resulting in less hunger and greater satiety. Ozempic also causes delayed gastric emptying, leading to longer-lasting fullness and less food consumed.

Together, according to MedlinePlus these effects can lead to better control of blood sugars, substantial weight loss, and possibly additional health advantages as well. OZEMPIC targets multiple facets of metabolic health by decreasing appetite and calorie consumption while at the same time improving the body's control of blood sugar. This holistic approach can be effective from the perspective of maintaining comorbidities, including improvement in multiple estimates of the health profiles and usefulness, and it is a powerful weapon in the treatment of obesity and associated diseases.

Ozempic’s Top 11 Health Benefits You Should Know

Ozempic has been getting a lot of press with it being a “magic pill” for weight loss — though the health benefits of this drug go far beyond weight loss. Research has shown that the drug can tend to a cluster of benefits for multiple diseases, creating an ever-growing market for doctors eager to find a cure. Besides being an easy weight loss drug, we present some of the best Ozempic health benefits below.

Here are some of the major health issues in which the Ozempic has provided benefits according to numerous studies listed below:

Heart attack and stroke

Ozempic appears to be effective in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. It may also promote cardiovascular health by decreasing blood pressure, inflammation, and lipid parameters.

Kidney disease

Research indicates Ozempic may help slow the progression of kidney disease in those with type 2 diabetes. It looks to lower albuminuria, a sign of kidney damage and may protect kidney function in the long term.

Colon Cancer

Some early studies suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic may protect against colon cancer. It may be attributed to their role in inflammation modulation and in the regulation of cell growth.

Alzheimer's Disease

Several studies have suggested that GLP-1 receptor agonists have neuroprotective effects and may slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. More studies are needed, though, to verify these benefits in people.

Diabetes

Ozempic is very effective for blood sugar control in type 2 Diabetes hormones. This enhances insulin sensitivity and decreases hepatic glucose production, thus improving glycemic control.

Fatty liver disease

In individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Ozempic may also reduce liver fat content and improve liver function tests. This could also delay or mitigate liver damage.

Hypertension

Ozempic has been demonstrated to slightly lower blood pressure in the majority of patients. Along with the decrease of weight, this impact helps in the improvement of overall cardiovascular health.

High cholesterol

Research has shown that Ozempic may be able to improve lipid levels by lowering LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides, and possibly raising HDL (the good cholesterol).

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Ozempic could possibly assist in PCOS by improving insulin response and assisting with weight loss. This can result in menstrual cycles that are closer together and an overall higher fertility.

Sleep apnea

Ozempic-induced weight loss may substantially eliminate sleep apnea, with the reduction of fat around the neck and overall body weight, it makes for easier breathing during sleep.

Joint pain and osteoarthritis

By encouraging weight loss, Ozempic may relieve pain and help increase mobility for those with osteoarthritis by putting less pressure on their weight-bearing joints.

These potential benefits highlight the multifaceted nature of Ozempic's impact on overall health. It's important to note that while some of these benefits have been well-established through clinical trials, others are still being researched and require further study to fully understand the extent of Ozempic's effects.

Medical Weight Loss Near Me

If you're considering exploring the potential benefits of Ozempic or other weight loss medications, finding the right healthcare provider is important! Don't let the challenge of finding a suitable provider hold you back – let SolvHealth connect you with the medical weight loss resources you need to take the next step towards a healthier you.