Ozempic has gained popularity as a weight-loss aid, even though it’s not officially approved by the FDA for that specific use — so how does it really work?
The use of GLP-1 medications for slimming down has stirred plenty of debate, and this isn’t the first time health experts have issued cautions about repurposing the drug for weight management.
Originally developed to treat Type 2 Diabetes, Ozempic has unexpectedly helped many people see significant weight changes.
A big reason Ozempic has drawn so much attention in wellness circles is because high-profile celebrities have shared their transformations after taking it.
Stars like Oprah Winfrey, Sharon Osbourne, Amy Schumer, and Rebel Wilson have all spoken about using GLP-1 drugs to either drop pounds or maintain a healthier figure.
The grim reality of Ozempic has been posted (YouTube/@zackdfilms)
That said, since Ozempic hasn’t received FDA approval for weight management, using it outside its original purpose might come with risks.
Semaglutide, the same compound that curbs appetite, is greenlit for weight loss—but under the brand name Wegovy.
Even though we’ve all seen the transformations it can bring, there’s still a lot of mystery around how it actually helps shed pounds.
Luckily, a YouTuber named @ZackDFilms stepped in to break it all down and reveal the gritty truth behind what Ozempic does inside the body.
In the video, he walks through everything—from how it rewires your brain, to what goes on deep in your organs.
You’ll also see some annoying side effects that might leave you feeling a bit off afterward.
He explains: “Once Ozempic enters the bloodstream, it triggers the area in your brain that signals fullness, helping suppress your hunger.”
After that, it works to level out ‘your blood sugar,’ dialing back those persistent food urges that can be tough to ignore.
Sure, it all sounds promising at first, and while it’s true that the drug slows down how quickly your stomach empties—helping you stay full longer—that effect can also lead to nausea or even diarrhea in some users.
Viewers of the video were both fascinated and disturbed by the way Ozempic affects the body, curbing appetite and triggering weight loss.
But there are other potential side effects that users might experience as well.
Dr. Ben Bickman, a researcher and professor at Brigham Young University in Utah, noted that the medication can also lead to muscle deterioration.
“When someone loses weight, a noticeable portion of that is lean mass,” he explained to Thomas DeLauer. “Out of every ten pounds dropped, about six are fat, but the remaining four come from muscle or bone.”
Dr. Bickman explained: “While lost muscle and bone mass may not fully recover, the body has no issue putting fat back on.
“What’s even more concerning is that a study revealed one type of these medications can actually trigger the growth of new fat cells.”
He went on: “This becomes problematic because as someone begins to put weight back on after stopping Ozempic, having more fat cells increases the likelihood of storing even more fat.
“So, although a person might still weigh less than they did before starting the drug, they could end up with a higher body fat percentage—and ultimately, be fatter.”
