In recent years, drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy have gained a reputation as “miracle drugs” for weight loss. Originally designed to help manage type 2 diabetes, these medications are now widely prescribed to individuals seeking rapid weight loss. On the surface, this might sound like a breakthrough solution for obesity and its associated health risks. However, as a health and wellness expert with over 30 years of experience, I must caution against using these drugs as a one-size-fits-all solution.
True health is about more than just shedding pounds; it’s about building a balanced relationship with food, retaining vital muscle mass, and fostering mental and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, these drugs fall short of achieving those goals and instead present a host of risks, including muscle loss, severe side effects, and mental health concerns. Let’s dive deeper into the evidence to understand why these drugs may not be the answer to long-term health and weight management.
Ozempic and Wegovy belong to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They mimic the action of a natural hormone that regulates appetite and slows gastric emptying, creating a feeling of fullness and reducing caloric intake.
In a 68-week trial cited by Fortune Well in September 2023, participants taking Ozempic lost an average of 15% of their body weight. At first glance, this result seems impressive. However, the study revealed a troubling fact: a significant portion of this weight loss came not from fat, but from lean muscle mass.
Losing muscle while trying to lose weight is counterproductive to overall health. Muscle is essential for maintaining metabolism, supporting daily activities, and protecting against age-related decline. The loss of muscle mass seen in Ozempic users raises serious concerns, especially for middle-aged and older adults, who are already at risk of sarcopenia—the natural, age-related decline in muscle mass and strength.
Muscle plays a critical role in our health and longevity. It acts as a metabolic engine, burning calories even at rest, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and supporting overall physical strength. As we age, we naturally lose muscle, a process that accelerates after our 30s and leads to decreased mobility, higher risk of falls, and slower recovery from injuries. For this reason, retaining muscle is crucial for anyone looking to improve their long-term health.
The rapid muscle loss reported in users of Ozempic and Wegovy is particularly alarming.
According to studies published in The Lancet, these drugs lead to a higher rate of muscle loss compared to weight loss achieved through traditional diet and exercise. This not only slows metabolism but can also leave individuals weaker and more prone to injury, creating a vicious cycle that undermines their health goals.
Beyond the physical risks, the impact of these drugs on mental health is equally concerning. Food is not just fuel for our bodies—it is deeply connected to our emotional and social lives. By suppressing appetite and creating a sense of disinterest in food, drugs like Ozempic disrupt one of the most fundamental human experiences. Eating with your friends, family, and community is the cornerstone of my FastEatLive.com lifestyle nutrition system.
There have been reports of suicidal thoughts and self-harm among users of GLP-1 receptor agonists, prompting investigations by both the European Medicines Agency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While these cases are rare, they highlight the potential psychological toll of these medications. Anxiety, depression, and a sense of detachment have also been reported, raising questions about the long-term impact of altering natural hunger cues.
As someone who has spent decades helping people improve their mental and emotional health, I find these side effects deeply troubling. True wellness involves building a healthy relationship with food—one based on nourishment, enjoyment, and balance—not detachment or suppression.
The risks associated with Ozempic and similar drugs extend beyond muscle loss and mental health concerns. In September 2023, a report revealed that these medications were linked to 162 deaths in the United States. While the exact cause of these deaths remains under investigation, the numbers highlight the need for caution and further study.
In addition, researchers at Harvard have linked semaglutide to non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare eye condition that can cause sudden blindness. Individuals using Ozempic for obesity were found to be seven times more likely to develop this condition compared to non-users. These findings underscore the importance of weighing the risks and benefits of these medications, particularly for off-label use in weight loss.
One of the greatest concerns with these drugs is their impact on muscle mass, which is vital for maintaining a healthy metabolism and supporting longevity. Numerous studies have shown that individuals with higher muscle mass have a lower risk of chronic diseases, better functional mobility, and longer lifespans.
Muscle also plays a key role in preventing sarcopenia, which affects nearly every older adult to some degree. Without intervention, the natural decline in muscle mass can lead to frailty, falls, and loss of independence. For individuals already past their peak hormone production years, the muscle loss caused by drugs like Ozempic accelerates this process and creates a greater risk of long-term disability.
While Ozempic and similar drugs may offer quick results, true health is a journey, not a destination. Achieving lasting wellness requires a holistic approach that prioritizes nutrient-dense foods, regular exercise, and healthy habits. Strength training, for example, is one of the most effective ways to build and retain muscle, improve metabolism, and support overall vitality.
Equally important is fostering a balanced relationship with food. Eating should be a joyful and nourishing experience, not a source of stress or disconnection. By relying on medications that suppress appetite, we risk losing the emotional and social aspects of eating that are essential to a fulfilling life.
As a health and wellness advocate, it’s my responsibility to educate others about the risks of relying on quick-fix solutions like Ozempic. Weight loss should never come at the expense of muscle, mental health, or overall wellness. I focus on encouraging people to build habits that support long-term health, such as:
- Prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods rich in nutrients.
- Incorporating strength training into weekly routines.
- Addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of eating.
- Focusing on sustainable, gradual weight loss rather than rapid results.
The rise of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy reflects our society’s obsession with quick fixes. But as the evidence shows, these medications come with serious risks that cannot be ignored. From muscle loss and psychiatric effects to severe health conditions, the costs of these drugs are too high to justify their use as a weight-loss solution.
True wellness is not found in a pill; it is built through intentional habits, balanced nutrition, and purposeful movement. By taking the time to honor your body’s needs, you can create a foundation of health that will serve you for a lifetime. Together, let’s build a future where health and happiness go hand in hand.
Editorial comments expressed in this column are the sole opinion of the writer. Before taking any medication consult a physician.
