Experts Reveal Biological Risks of Popular Weight-Loss Injections Like Ozempic

Weight-loss injections such as Ozempic and Wegovy, which mimic the natural hormone GLP-1 to suppress appetite, have become a global trend generating huge profits for pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Ziv Av, a cellular and molecular biology expert, warns that these drugs extend the hormone's natural effect from two minutes to an entire week, causing significant physiological consequences. While effective at reducing hunger, the medications do not address the underlying metabolic causes of obesity, leading many users to regain 48% or more of lost weight within a year after stopping treatment. This rapid weight rebound contributes to high dropout rates, with about 50% quitting within a year and 70% within two years due to side effects like gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, high costs, and declining motivation.

A major concern is the loss of muscle and bone mass during rapid weight loss, especially in older adults. For example, a 65-year-old woman losing 20 kilograms might lose up to 8 kilograms of muscle and bone, accelerating aging and reducing quality of life. This muscle loss also causes a "buttocks crisis," where individuals experience pain sitting on hard surfaces, increasing demand for seating cushions. Since muscle tissue burns most of the body's energy, its loss contributes to quick fat regain after stopping the injections.

The drugs also impact brain chemistry by reducing dopamine release, diminishing pleasure from food and other activities. While this may help those overcoming addictions, it can cause a general loss of interest and motivation, resembling depression. Despite these drawbacks, Dr. Av notes the injections can be life-saving for people with severe obesity and cardiovascular disease, reducing heart attack or stroke risk by about 20%. However, a Mediterranean diet can lower these risks by 50 to 70%.

For those choosing these treatments, Dr. Av emphasizes the importance of adequate protein intake and regular strength training to preserve muscle mass and avoid medical complications. Ultimately, he stresses there are no magic solutions for weight loss, and individuals seeking to lose only a few kilograms should prioritize healthy lifestyle changes before resorting to medication.