Here's all you need to know about Ozempic after Karan Johar opens up on the weight loss drug
Ozempic is a medication that aids weight loss by slowing stomach emptying, but it carries risks like thyroid cancer. Mild side effects may include nausea and changes in taste. "Ozempic face" describes facial changes from rapid weight loss.
Filmmaker Karan Johar's significant weight loss has become a hot topic on social media, with some speculating that he might have turned to Ozempic. In response to the rumours, Johar clarified that his transformation was achieved through a healthy lifestyle rather than the medication.
His comments came after Maheep Kapoor raised concerns on the Netflix show Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, criticising the use of Ozempic for weight loss. She pointed out that this trend is causing shortages for diabetic patients who actually depend on the drug. Here's what we know about the controversial weight loss drug.
What is Ozempic?
As per Healthline, Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription drug that¡¯s used in people with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is given as an injection under your skin.
What does it do?
Ozempic can be prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes to lower certain risks in people who also have heart disease, including heart attack and stroke and to help manage blood sugar levels, along with lifestyle improvements in diet and exercise.
However, doctors may also prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss or weight management. (With off-label use, a drug that¡¯s approved for certain conditions is prescribed for another purpose.) However, the drug is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose.
How Ozempic may lead to weight loss
Ozempic works by slowing the rate at which your stomach empties after a meal. This deceleration in digestion can help you feel fuller for a longer period, making it easier to manage your appetite and potentially aiding in weight loss.
What are the risks associated with using Ozempic?
Ozempic carries a boxed warning from the FDA due to the potential risk of thyroid cancer. Animal studies have shown that it can cause thyroid tumors, but it remains unclear if it poses the same risk in humans. Individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should avoid Ozempic. If you have these conditions or notice any symptoms of a thyroid tumor while using Ozempic, consult your doctor immediately.
Ozempic may cause mild side effects in some individuals, including changes in taste, abdominal pain, burping, constipation or diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, and gas. Other potential effects include fatigue, indigestion or acid reflux, injection site reactions (like skin discoloration or discomfort), nausea or vomiting, and a minor increase in heart rate.
What is an Ozempic face?
The term "Ozempic face" refers to the facial changes that can occur when someone experiences rapid weight loss while using Ozempic or similar medications. This can include features like hollow cheeks, excess skin, wrinkles, sunken eyes, and sagging jowls, all resulting from the loss of fat in the face.
Senior Writer at Indiatimes. She writes on Lifestyle, fashion, beauty, astrology and health.
