Dear MATC Dietetics Student,
I have struggled to lose weight all my life. I exercise and eat healthy and see no results. I keep hearing about celebrities using medication to lose weight. What does Kim Kardashian use? Rachel W
Dear Rachel: I hear your struggles loud and clear and can assure you that you are not alone!
Many people feel as if they are doing everything right but still lack results. Personally, I don’t think that the medications celebrities use is a ‘fix all’ type of solution. However, I am willing to give you information on two of these weight loss medications and how they work in the body.
Ozempic and Wegovy are the two biggest medications you hear about from celebrities on TV. Both of these medications require a prescription. Your doctor will review your medical history and determine if you would be a good fit for either of these options. Keep in mind, these are not the only options available.
Wegovy and Ozempic both fall under the category of GLP-1 medications and are a once-weekly injection. The active drug in these injections is semaglutide. This hormone slows down the movement of food in your stomach to help you stay full longer.
As great as these medications can sound, there is a caveat. Many people who are prescribed these medications have unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects. This can include, but is not limited to: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, cramping, constipation, stomach pain, belching, gas and heartburn.
If your physician feels that you would be a good fit for one of these options, and you are aware of the side effects they can have, that is a decision you can make. I want to encourage you to keep focusing on lifestyle changes. Use a tool to track your nutrients and calorie intake. A couple of great options are MyFitnessPal and Cronometer. You can log your daily meals to help you get a visual of where your strengths and weaknesses are. My final words to you are, do what you feel is best for your body and health and always consult your physician before making any drastic changes.
Have a Diet Dilemma? Send an email to [email protected] or corner one of your friendly dietetics students at MATC West Allis Campus.
