'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAcACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABkAAEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAcQAAEDBAMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAwQABRESBhMhFTEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAURAAIBAwQDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECIQADEQQFEhQiMWH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AKrJKmtt88KM0bElYAQG+p4lLJCPaGxr4J49X9xWp2jnXM49pgM/dlt9cVkNFbAtdRRMZzSlFbcB1raqAo4KY+qKR1uTdLN5TifUV//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Weight loss can be a challenge, but some people find it easier to achieve their goals with the help of prescription medication like Ozempic.
Nurse Meredith Schorr recently made headlines after sharing her weight loss success story following the use of Ozempic, but what happens if you stop taking this medication?
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is an FDA-approved medication used to treat type 2 diabetes.
It works by mimicking the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar level and can also promote weight loss. It's typically administered via injection once a week and is available in three doses of strength: 3 mg, 6 mg and 9 mg.
What does Ozempic do?
The medication works by increasing the release of insulin in the body, which helps regulate blood sugar level.
That, in turn, helps reduce cravings for sugary and fatty foods, which are often the culprits behind weight gain. Additionally, it also slows down the emptying of the stomach, which helps reduce feelings of hunger and promote feelings of fullness.
Schorr said she began taking semaglutide in February 2022. The drug is available by prescription under the brand name Ozempic, but some people have also been able to access it through pharmacies that create their own version using raw ingredients.
There are risks associated with getting semaglutide through that route, as it can be altered, and it's not clear where the drugs come from. After starting semaglutide, Schorr experienced nausea and constipation as common side effects of the drug. She also learned how to manage these side effects, and soon after beginning treatment, she began losing weight.
Weeks later, Schorr said that she noticed a change in her body.
"Everyone was like, 'Oh, you already are looking like you're losing weight in just the first few days,'" she said.
Schorr lost 50 pounds in 11 months but stopped taking her medication in January in preparation for trying to become pregnant.
What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?
It's essential to note that ozempic is not a magic pill. It requires a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to achieve and maintain weight loss.
If you stop using this medicine, you may experience an increase in appetite and cravings, which can lead to weight gain. Additionally, if you have diabetes, stopping ozempic can cause your blood sugar level to become unstable.
Schorr said that she started to notice that she was regaining weight after she stopped taking semaglutide, but that she welcomed the weight gain, as it motivated her to get back on track with her diet and exercise.
After being off the diet for five to six weeks, Schorr said that she realized how hungry she was.
"I gained 10 pounds at first," she said, "but it gave me that wake-up call of like, 'Oh yeah, I need to be doing my healthy lifestyle habits and all those changes.'"
What you need to know about weight gain and semaglutide
Doctors recommend that patients taking semaglutide also follow a healthy diet and participate in regular physical activity.
In conclusion, Ozempic can be an effective tool for weight loss and diabetes management. However, it's not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. If you're considering using this medication, speak to your doctor, and create a plan that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise.
If you're currently using it, don't stop without consulting your doctor first. With the right approach, you can achieve your weight loss goals and improve your health in the long term.
