Lately, this has become one of the most common questions I receive. My answer to should you consider Ozempic for weight loss might surprise you. While it's clear that the most effective and sustainable way to lose body fat is through a combination of diet and exercise, there are situations where these strategies alone may not be enough to help someone achieve their health goals—especially when it comes to improving lean body mass and achieving significant fat loss.
However, it's essential to shift the conversation from "weight loss" to "fat loss." Most weight loss programs cause people to lose both fat and muscle, which can have devastating consequences for your metabolic health. Preserving muscle while reducing fat is difficult, and years of yo-yo dieting and quick-fix weight loss programs have wreaked havoc on many people's metabolism. At EnergyGlow, our mission is to help people reset their metabolic health, whether through diet and exercise alone or with the support of a medical intervention like Ozempic.
So, Should You Take Ozempic for weight loss?
The best place to start is by having a conversation with your doctor to determine if Ozempic is right for you. Here are a few key points to keep in mind :
1. Ozempic is a long-term commitment. It’s not meant for someone looking to lose a few pounds of stubborn fat.
2. Ozempic is generally a consideration for people with a BMI over 30, or a BMI over 27 if they have a weight-related condition such as PCOS, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or joint pain etc.
3. Losing weight too quickly while not following a customized nutrition plan can damage your metabolism, sometimes permanently.
4. Ozempic is primarily a medication for managing type 2 diabetes. Even when recommended for weight loss, it needs to be part of a broader nutrition plan developed by a healthcare professional.
5. Consult a registered nutritionist to ensure you're losing fat in a healthy, sustainable way, Ozempic does not accomplish this on its own.
As a registered nutritionist, I’ve worked with clients dealing with a variety of metabolic health challenges—whether they've had bariatric surgery, are taking Ozempic, or have conditions like pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes or stubborn weight loss. If you fall into one of the points listed above, it’s worth discussing Ozempic with your doctor. After that, I strongly recommend meeting with a registered nutritionist to develop a plan for resetting your metabolism and achieving fat loss in a healthy way.
The Importance of a Professional Nutrition Plan
Regardless of whether you choose to use Ozempic or not, it’s critical to work with a nutritionist to create a plan that supports fat loss while preserving muscle. Losing too much weight too quickly can result in muscle loss, which will further impair your metabolism. This can set you up for long-term struggles with weight management, similar to the harmful effects of diet culture. Preserving lean muscle while reducing fat is challenging, but it's key to maintaining a healthy metabolism. It is important to have a health planned designed for your unique nutritional needs.
There are alternatives to Ozempic that can also support effective fat loss, and at EnergyGlow, we are here to guide you through your options. Our team of health professionals is dedicated to educating and helping you navigate the often confusing world of fat loss and metabolic health. We want you to thrive with long-term energy and vitality.
If you’re ready to embark on a journey toward better health, contact us for a personalized health assessment and tailored nutrition plan. You can also follow our general programs with our online courses available at www.energyglow.ca/online-programs or ask about our monthly subscription to our health app. Our professional services are recognized by and approved by insurance companies and are covered by private and group insurance plans.
Yours in health,
Jo-Anne Hayward, R.H.N.
EnergyGlow Nutrition
*Note: As new research and data about Ozempic emerge, we’ll continue to update you. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For more detailed information on what Ozempic is, check out our other article on www.energyglow.ca.*
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