Ozempic and GLP-1 supplements: what you need to know and how to minimize side effects
In recent years, more and more people have been using GLP-1 supplements such as Ozempic for weight loss. Originally developed to treat diabetes, these drugs work by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1 to curb appetite and regulate blood sugar. This leads to a reduction in calorie intake and often to significant weight loss.
However, this weight loss also has its downsides: Studies show that up to 25% of the weight lost can be muscle mass. This is particularly problematic for people over 40, as muscle loss at this age is harder to reverse and the risk of weak bones and sagging skin increases.
What is Ozempic and how does it work?
Ozempic was developed about 20 years ago and was originally approved for the treatment of diabetes. It works by acting on GLP-1 receptors (glucagon-like peptides) in the body, which play a role in regulating digestion, blood sugar levels and appetite.
GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates hunger and blood sugar by signaling cells in the digestive tract, brain and kidneys. Ozempic mimics the GLP-1 hormone and activates these receptors, reducing appetite and cravings. This leads to reduced food intake and lower blood sugar levels, which is particularly beneficial for diabetics.
It also influences hunger hormones such as ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin signals hunger, while leptin indicates when we have eaten enough. Ozempic helps to regulate these hormones, resulting in less cravings and more satiety. It also delays the emptying of the stomach, further suppressing appetite and causing nausea in some people, which suppresses appetite even more.
Ozempic promotes weight loss by reducing food intake and stimulating metabolism. It helps the body to burn energy more efficiently, which contributes to fat burning. This is particularly beneficial for diabetics as it lowers blood sugar and improves overall health.
Ozempic, blood sugar, insulin and glucagon
When blood sugar rises, the pancreas releases insulin to help the cells use sugar for energy. When blood sugar is low, glucagon is released to release stored sugar. Type 2 diabetes leads to insulin resistance, where cells no longer respond to insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Ozempic combats this by reducing the release of glucagon (which prevents stored sugar from entering the blood) while stimulating the release of insulin to transport the sugar already present in the cells.
Although Ozempic effectively lowers blood sugar, improves cardiovascular function and supports weight loss, it will not treat the underlying causes of excess body fat. If these causes are not addressed, weight may return after discontinuation as the body becomes accustomed to Ozempic.
The role of processed foods
One of the main reasons why many people struggle to lose body fat is the high consumption of processed foods and sugar. These foods disrupt the body’s hormones, leading to impaired regulation of appetite and fat burning. Processed foods are designed to be addictive, leading to overeating and making it hard to lose fat, even on a calorie-restricted diet. Many of these foods are low in nutrients but high in calories and are formulated to make you want more and more of them.
Risks and side effects of Ozempic
In addition to the reduction in muscle mass, taking Ozempic can lead to other side effects, including
Digestive problems: delayed gastric emptying can lead to nausea, bloating and, in extreme cases, gastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach).
Gallstones: Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones.
Relapsing yo-yo effect: Without a permanent change in diet, the lost weight often returns after stopping the diet.
Weak bones: The combination of muscle loss and increased bone loss can lead to increased susceptibility to fractures.
How to minimize muscle loss
Anyone taking or planning to start taking Ozempic should take specific steps to prevent muscle loss and maintain skin firmness:
Strength training: regular, intense muscle training helps to reduce the loss of muscle mass.
High-quality protein intake: A protein-rich diet is essential to promote muscle growth and maintenance.
Essential amino acids support: This is where Daminoc can help. In contrast to conventional protein shakes, Daminoc offers an optimized amino acid profile with high bioavailability. As a result, it can effectively support protein synthesis and counteract muscle breakdown in a targeted manner.
Slow changeover: Anyone discontinuing Ozempic should do so gradually and adjust their diet and lifestyle to avoid a yo-yo effect.
Daminoc vs. conventional protein sources
- Conventional protein shakes: Often high in calories, difficult to digest and not optimally adapted to human requirements.
- Meat, fish & dairy products: Good sources of protein, but often associated with fat, cholesterol or digestive stress.
- Daminoc: Optimal bioavailability, rapid absorption and maximum efficiency – without digestive problems or unnecessary additives.
Why is the amino acid profile so important?
Proteins are made up of amino acids – and their composition makes all the difference. Daminoc contains the 8 essential and 2 semi-essential amino acids in a ratio that corresponds to the human amino acid profile. This results in virtually loss-free utilization without burdening the body with excess nitrogen compounds or waste products. This means: maximum efficiency for muscle building and maintenance, regeneration and general performance – without unnecessary calories or digestive problems.
Conclusion
GLP-1 supplements such as Ozempic can help with weight loss in the short term, but they also carry risks. To avoid muscle loss, sagging skin and other side effects, a targeted diet with high-quality protein, strength training and well-thought-out supplementation are crucial. But not all protein is the same. Many conventional protein products contain unnecessary calories, are difficult to digest or provide a sub-optimal amino acid profile. Daminoc, on the other hand, relies on a targeted combination of essential amino acids that is optimally adapted to the human metabolism, as it corresponds to the pattern of the human amino acid profile.