Question

Ozempic is safe for weight loss.

https://www.myjuniper.co.uk/articles/expected-weight-loss-on-ozempic

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/index.html

Comments

The claim that Ozempic is safe for weight loss requires careful examination, especially because the term "safe" may be objective...  To begin, Ozempic, is a medication most commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It has been associated with weight loss, but long-term effects remain unclear. According to clinical research there is limited data on the extended use of Ozempic for weight management, making it challenging to assess its safety in the long run. Ozempic demonstrates promise for weight loss, but the lack of conclusive long-term data and the subjective nature of safety warrant caution and adherence to medical guidance- especially when not advised by a medical professional. It is notable that medication should be assessed on the basis of need, because of the complexity as well.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326252
https://vial.com/blog/articles/what-clinical-research-says-about-the-long-term-safety-of-ozempic/?https://vial.com/blog/articles/what-clinical-research-says-about-the-long-term-safety-of-ozempic/?utm_source=organic

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This claim is misleading because Ozempic is not safe for everyone. As with any medication, careful examination of each person's medical needs and health background is required. Posting claims such as these online is harmful to audiences because some people have an inclination to believe things without fact-checking.

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The fact that ozempic is "safe" generally is misleading, for everyone's anatomy and health vary and you'd have to be prescribed by a professional to use ozempic for the intent purpose of losing weight. The site Baptist Health (https://www.baptisthealth.com/blog/health-and-wellness/risks-of-taking-ozempic-for-weight-loss)  - which has been reporting on health trends, facts, and issues for 100 years - discusses how there are risks when using ozempic for weight loss and how the use of it varies among the population based on your anatomy.

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This claim is a bit misleading. saying that Ozempic is safe for everyone just is not accurate, and should not be continued. Ozempic is meant for diabetic individuals to help balance out their blood sugar and help maintain their weight and eating styles. Using it for weight loss could have negative long term affects

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This is misleading. The laws of thermodynamics says that that weight loss is the result of eating at a calorie deficit. Can Ozempic help with obesity issues? Probably, from the results I have seen on social media and television, there does seem to be a correlation between this drug and weight loss, but that it just a correlation.

Answer 1

Ozempic was originally approved by the FDA in 2017 for adults with type 2 diabetes, according to UC Davis Health. It is used to help lower blood sugar, but it is not approved for weight loss; however, some physicians prescribe it to be used for weight loss. The ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, does work for weight loss, but Ozempic isn't approved for weight loss. If the drug is being taken for weight loss, the body may grow accustomed to it, and establish a new normal. Experts still recommend that only those who have type 2 diabetes take Ozempic.

Another article by Forbes Health indicates that, due to a Wegovy shortage, people began using Ozempic off-label for weight loss reasons. It is important to note that the FDA only approved it for the treatment of diabetes only, not as a weight loss medication. Ozempic has its own side effects, and it isn't safe for all people to use. As well, Ozempic shouldn't be used for short-term weight loss.

In all, there are numerous perspectives on whether or not Ozempic is safe for weight loss, and in all honesty, it depends on the reasons the individual is taking it. I don't think this statement can be labeled as true or false.

Comments

Very nice factcheck! I appreciate the repetition of mentioning that the FDA has only approved it for type 2 diabetes. It is very important for patients to have informed consent, and I hope doctors are thoroughly explaining these factors before prescribing the medication. Reliable sources, thorough background, great job!

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This is a quality fact check. Using a reliable source such as UC Davis health was helpful to prove this point. It was important that you found this claim to be more opinion based as well. Overall a great job!

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This is a great fat check. I appreciate how you look to UC Davis Health and Forbes Health to better understand the effects ozempic, especially when it is taken and is not needed for diabetes. I also appreciate how you address the controversy surrounding Ozempic, and how it is different for each individual. You state that ozempic is FDA approved for type 2 diabetes, but not for weight-loss. However, you do not cite any information from the FDA, only other outside sources. One thing that I think would improve your fact-check would be to pull from other sources, like the FDA or the research studies surrounding ozempic. Adding these sources would add scientific research and backing to the claim, making your fact-check more valid.

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This is a wonderful fact check as it really goes into depth about the issue and helps the readers understand the full extent of the topic. I appreciate that you point out that this fact check is opinionated while still providing the facts surrounding it. Good job.

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Excellent fact-checking! Clarity is added by stating that the medicine wasn't intended for weight loss from the outset. You accurately identify the subjective nature of the claim. The FDA's acceptance of type 2 diabetes is mentioned again, which successfully underlines the idea. Patients must give their informed consent, and it matters that you bring this up. UC Davis Health is a reliable site to use. It was a wise decision to label the claim as opinion-based. All in all, excellent work!

Answer 2

The chemical compound in Ozempic, semaglutide, affects a hormone and reduces hunger and appetite and slows emptying of the stomach, along with its effects on blood sugar, which often leads to weight loss. However, the drug Ozempic has not been approved as a purely weight loss drug and is intended to medicate type 2 diabetes. According to Forbes, there is another drug using the same compound called Wegovy that has been approved for weight loss. Due to low availability of this drug, many people have been taking Ozempic instead. It doesn't seem like there are any dangers to taking Ozempic for weight loss, but it does make it harder for people with diabetes to access it.

https://www.forbes.com/health/body/ozempic-for-weight-loss/

Comments

Something interesting I found is that when looking up the keywords "what are the negative side effects for ozempic" I got a list saying "The most common Ozempic side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation"

Whereas when you look up "what are the negative side effects of Wegovy, you get a far more detailed response "The most common side effect with Wegovy is nausea and occurs in about 44% of people. Others include diarrhea (30%), vomiting (24%), constipation (24%), stomach-area pain (20%), feeling bloated (7%), heartburn (5%), belching or gas (6%)."

This could indicate that Wegovy is a more researched and safer option for weight loss than Ozempic, but does not disprove your point that it CAN be used for weightloss. Just some food for thought.

Source for Ozempic:
https://www.drugwatch.com/drugs/ozempic/side-effects/#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20Ozempic%20side,of%20thyroid%20C%2Dcell%20tumors.

Source for Wegovy:
https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/6-wegovy-side-effects-you-aware-3573374/#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20side%20effect,belching%20or%20gas%20(6%25).

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This is a great fact-check! I like that you brought in another source, Wegovy, and how its lack of availability has preemptively led many individuals to turn to and popularize Ozempic as an alternative for weight loss.

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I appreciate your take, and the context you gave in your answer. I would recommend using a source other than Forbes however, as the claim relates to medical information. Including some sort of expert opinion might be a good idea to legitimize your take.

Answer 3

Ozempic while it is meant to be a drug for diabetes it can also be used to help with weight loss. It is not recommended to use ozempic for weight loss only, and that you should consult with your doctor before taking any such drug. It is said here and mentioned by online doctor companies that what is claimed is true. Due to the science behind the drug you can see a weight loss of close to 12% of weight loss in the first 12 weeks of using ozempic.

https://www.today.com/health/diet-fitness/ozempic-wegovy-weight-loss-explained-rcna71820

https://plushcare.com/ozempic-online/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=LS_Weight_Loss&utm_adgroup=Ozempic_(Diabetes)_%7C_Broad&gclid=Cj0KCQjw06-oBhC6ARIsAGuzdw0zRppxrOZlQd_xN8zKmQ5nvsWCFePtpxwEHbqjlhYb1q3Z9ZPoe48aAjwSEALw_wcB

Comments

Given your fact-check explanation, how would you rate the claim? False, since the drug isn't to be used for weight loss alone?

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I like that you used multiple sources and facts but I am wondering if you think the claim is true? You say that Ozempic causes weight loss but at what cost?

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I like how you used many diffrent sources. Ozempic does cause weight loss.

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These are great sources that offer different point of views. This adds great information to backup your claim.

Answer 4

While it is not proven that Ozempic is unsafe, its purpose is not intended for weight loss. Ozempic was approved by the FDA as semaglutide product that lowers blood sugar. This product is originally intended for diabetics. However, its side effect of weight loss has been trending recently on multiple social media sources according to The New York Times. According to UC Davis Health, "Ozempic is not approved for weight loss. However, semaglutide is approved for weight loss under the name Wegovy. Ozempic has a smaller dose of semaglutide than Wegovy." The FDA verifies that Wegovy is "approved to help adults and children aged 12 years and older with obesity or some adults with excess weight (overweight), who also have weight-related medical problems, to lose weight and keep the weight off, in addition to diet and exercise." So while Ozempic may assist with weight loss, it has not been approved with that purpose in mind. 

Comments

Based on your rating, would the drug be considered unsafe if used for weight loss?

Answer 5

Ozempic can be found as a liquid solution that’s given by injection. It contains the drug semaglutide, which belongs to the GLP1 agonists drug class. It is commonly used to help those with low blood sugar by assisting the pancreas in making more insulin. 

In the last 2-3 years, it has become one of the most talked about medications amongst celebrities and doctors. Cleveland Clinic wrote an article earlier this year answering the questions about the correlation between Ozempic and weight loss, writing, “Providers can (and do) prescribe Ozempic “off-label” for people who are living with obesity. Using a medication off-label means it’s prescribed for a use other than its stated purpose. And it’s really common across the medical field.”  The article mentioned that the FDA says once a medication has been approved, it can be used in other situations.  

Although there are no statements claiming Ozempic to be unsafe for weight loss, the purpose of the drug is not intended for weight loss but for those with obesity who struggle with type-2 diabetes or high blood sugar. 

Cleveland Clinic: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ozempic-for-weight-loss/ 

Comments

I like that you've provided some background on what Ozempic is. How would you rate the claim? False, since the drug isn't meant for weight loss? Is it safe?

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I really like your detailed explanation of Ozempic to give some insight into why the drug is used the way it is. In addition, I appreciate the quotes and quality source that you used.

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I like you clarification and your explanation of what Ozempic is used for, but does this mean it is safe or unsafe for weight loss use? While it may not be its original intention, is that to say it's not safe to use?

Answer 6

This is true. From Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/health/body/ozempic-for-weight-loss/#:~:text=%E2%80%9COverall%2C%20Ozempic%20is%20a%20very,vomiting%2C%20diarrhea%20and%20constipation.%E2%80%9D

“Overall, Ozempic is a very safe medication,” explains Dr. McGowan. “The most common side effects are gastrointestinal in nature: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.” 

"While the majority of people who take Ozempic will most likely experience these symptoms at some point during their treatment, they should subside over time", continues Dr. McGowan.

Ozempic is a FDA approved medication for type 2 diabetes in adults, but it causes lack of appetite which can help in losing weight. "Safe" is a very broad term because it can have a different meaning for everyone. In this case it is not safe for people with pancreatitis, type 1 diabetes, under 18 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding, diabetic retinopathy, problems with the pancreas or kidneys, family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Overall, if you don't have any of these conditions, this medication would be considered safe.

Comments

I wonder how this is safe given the side effects and that it is meant for those with diabetes. Also, do you think one doctor's opinion is enough to make the claim true?

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Good job on your fact check. I appreciate that you have used a well-respected source to back up your response, as it makes your readers more eager to trust your conclusion.

Answer 7

This claim is indeed true, but only partially.

Ozempic is a weekly injection that helps lower blood sugar by helping the pancreas make more insulin. It was approved by the FDA in 2017 and is mainly in use for those who have type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is an active ingredient that does indeed in helping with weightloss. however, it only helps a little bit, the rest comes with the individuals lifestyle changes such as eating right and excercising.

Another semaglutidy is Wegovy which helps with weightloss a lot more. However both of these are drugs and the body can get used to it, which will result in no effect of the medication in terms of weight or needing a higher dosage.

Most of this information comes from UC DAVIS:

https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/ozempic-for-weight-loss-does-it-work-and-what-do-experts-recommend/2023/07#:~:text=Ozempic%2C%20known%20generically%20as%20semaglutide,the%20pancreas%20make%20more%20insulin.

Ozempic also makes you feel more full which can cause ones to not want to eat more. That can also help someone from gaining weight.

https://hmri.org.au/news-article/ozempic-helps-weight-loss-making-you-feel-full-certain-foods-can-do-same-thing-%E2%80%93

Comments

I agree with your comment on partially true, I think it cant be true or false because of the intentions of use for Ozempic. Good use of sources,  I am wondering if you think this fact cannot be true or false? Opinion?

Answer 8

Weight loss has been noted as a side effect of Ozempic. While it has not been marked as a harmful side effect, Ozempic is not yet approved for weight loss. It is a diabetes medication, and only until Ozempic is approved by the FDA of being a weight loss medication, can the the claim that Ozempic is safe for weight loss be made. Yet, at the same time, the claim that Ozempic is not safe for weight can also not be made. It is up to the consumer to trust previous users and those who prescribed it to them. That being said, I personally have not read anywhere that Ozempic is not safe for weight loss. Studies have shown that Ozempic is very effective for weight loss. 

I learned a lot about this topic from an article by Cleveland Clinic:

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ozempic-for-weight-loss/

Answer 9

Given that Ozempic is used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and not made for the sole reason of weight loss, it is not proven safe for weight loss. According to the article by Forbes Health  adults with type 2 diabetes should use Ozempic for blood sugar control and weight management. Using Ozempic for short term weight loss will lead to adverse effects and the weight loss will eventually be regained. This drug has not been approved by the FDA for weight loss. 

The article by Health Line  makes a good point when they say people are only taking Ozempic because it has been populated by social media and celebrities. This drug is not for people who are wanting to lose a few pounds, it is used to help people with type 2 diabetes. This becomes a bigger problem because the drug becomes so popular that it could interfere with getting the medication to people who need it the most. 

At the end of the day, it is not unsafe to take Ozempic but you have to take into consideration why you are taking it and if it is for the right reasons.   

 

Comments

I really liked your fact check as you used different sources to point out certain points of why Ozempic is potentially not safe.  I agree that the claim made is true, but morally using drugs for your weight loss is damaging people who actually need it, such as people with diabetes.

Answer 10

This claim is misleading. According to Forbes, "Although not officially a weight loss drug, research suggests that people who take Ozempic may lose modest amounts of weight while on the medication. This does not mean that it is safe for use. Wegovy and Ozempic have the same active ingredient semaglutide. However, Wegovy contains higher doses of it and is designed for weightloss. 

Comments

What is Wegovy? Can you expand a little more? How did people figure out that Ozempic can cause weightloss? Maybe include more sources to make your fact-check more reliable.