Medical doctors Cautious of Younger Adults Utilizing Ozempic for Bikini Season

March 15, 2024 – Summer time is quick approaching, and the pressures of “bikini season” have some younger adults seeking to GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic to shed weight. And whereas information exhibits that weight problems is skyrocketing amongst U.S. teenagers and younger adults, Ozempic and different GLP-1 medicines are very hardly ever the primary or greatest choice to drop some weight – particularly for many who don’t have weight problems or associated circumstances, consultants say. 

Earlier than leaping to those medicines, teenagers ought to be sure they’re consuming nutritious meals and getting sufficient train. However for teenagers who’re chubby (BMI over 25) or overweight (BMI 30 or extra),Sue Decotiis, MD, a triple board-certified medical weight reduction physician who runs a personal observe in New York Metropolis, suggests they see their physician for a screening of their baseline metabolic price and insulin ranges. 

“Teenagers normally have a quick metabolism, so by seeing their metabolism and insulin ranges, it could give me an concept whether or not they really want the drug,” she stated. 

Ozempic is FDA-approved for treating diabetes, whereas its sister drug, Wegovy, is accredited for weight problems in anybody 12 and over. Different choices embrace Mounjaro and Zepbound. 

If you’re seeking to shed 5 or 10 kilos, or you’re hoping to drop some weight in a selected space of your physique, this isn’t a drugs for you, Hakimi stated. He sees such inquiries loads with youthful sufferers, who’ve a decrease BMI and want to drop some weight in simply a part of the physique (within the stomach space, for instance). 

“If you happen to’re not chubby, it is advisable know that these medicines trigger you to drop some weight in every single place,” Hakimi stated. “These medicines may even make you look older to some extent in the event that they’re abused or misused by sufferers that may’t afford to lose extra weight of their face or of their buttocks, for instance.” 

Hakimi stated docs have an obligation to coach sufferers with decrease BMIs about potential outcomes of those medicines, which embrace extreme negative effects within the intestine, like diarrhea, extreme constipation, and even pancreatitis. There’s additionally the associated fee. The medication can value $1,000 a month, and lots of insurers will not cowl them. Plus, research have proven that many individuals regain weight in the event that they cease taking the medicines. 

If you’re weighing the choice of taking a GLP-1 remedy, it is very important ask your self what’s driving your potential resolution. Have a look at your social media use and take account of who you’re following, urged Sterling. Study how these accounts make you are feeling and whether or not you are feeling impressed vs. feeling like it is advisable change one thing about your self.

“A lot of what we see on-line is unrealistic,” she stated. “We’re all inundated with weight-reduction plan tradition, and most are determined for fast methods to drop some weight.” She suggests making an attempt a “weight impartial” strategy, reminiscent of stress administration, correct sleep, and listening to starvation and fullness cues to succeed in your distinctive physique targets.