Ozempic (and other GLP-1s) - Pros/Cons/Risks/Benefits

[g3org3y]

Watched this yesterday - Johann Hari discusses the research behind Ozempic, the pros/cons, risks/benefits. He himself lost 3 stone taking this and continues to do so. Very interesting and worth a watch for anyone thinking of trying Ozempic or any of its equivalents.

[Greshamst]

I was listening to him on a different podcast (jay shetty) and found it very interesting.

One of the things that struck me was when he said he went to KFC after receiving some bad news, whilst on ozempic. Usually his response would be to emotionally eat to feel better, but couldn’t because of the drug. But then he wasn’t sure what to do.

I’ve got a family member who struggles with their weight due to emotional eating when stressed or sad. I wonder if this would be a good or bad thing for them to try.

[g3org3y]

Greshamst said:

I was listening to him on a different podcast (jay shetty) and found it very interesting.

One of the things that struck me was when he said he went to KFC after receiving some bad news, whilst on ozempic. Usually his response would be to emotionally eat to feel better, but couldn’t because of the drug. But then he wasn’t sure what to do.

I’ve got a family member who struggles with their weight due to emotional eating when stressed or sad. I wonder if this would be a good or bad thing for them to try.

I think what you describe in your family member is something we see very commonly.

It could very well be helpful for them, but as the studies suggest, it only seems effective for as long as the individual takes it. If they stop it, presumably the same (bad) behaviours would return.

Your family member probably would benefit from psychological input to develop alternative coping strategies when it comes to stress or feeling low.

[DaveGrohl]

[g3org3y]

DaveGrohl said:

This was actually one of the major concerns highlighted in the podcast - the possibility for abuse (and particular concern in those already who suffer an eating disorder). In theory, the private clinics should be prescribing these only to suitable individuals (i.e. above a certain BMI) but it has been known some more 'sketchy' clinics are prescribing with none of these safeguards in place. Also, as mentioned in the Times article, some people just lie - most clinics are remote/online so will submit a much higher weight in order to qualify.