When my partner and I opened ProMD Health, a cosmetic medical clinic in the city center, I expected my “glow” to include fewer wrinkles, more volume, and smoother, healthier-looking skin. I was there. What I didn’t expect was that I would lose 37 pounds. In just 5 months. In addition to injectables such as Botox, Sculptra, and fillers, we also offer IV therapy, body contouring, and a variety of spa treatments. I wanted to try all treatments except semaglutide. I was one of those people who believed what I heard, from the sickening feeling in my stomach to the blank look on my face. Only when I ran out of options did I set out on a journey.
What is semaglutide?
The GLP-1 semaglutide, known by the brand name Ozempic, has become a worldwide phenomenon that can help people lose up to 10 pounds per month with consistent diet and exercise. It works by sending signals to the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that controls hunger and sex drive) to tell you to feel full with less food, controlling your cravings and urges. This drug is currently being studied for addiction treatment, as patients with existing substance abuse have also noticed a reduction in their tendency to do so.
Why I joined the celebrity boom
In January 2023, I learned from my doctor that I was prediabetic with a BMI of 30, and my triglyceride, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels were alarming. I was only 33 years old and felt defeated. On the one hand, I am a young entrepreneur celebrating the launch of a new business, and on the other hand, we discuss medicines that help lower blood pressure and my diet (mainly consisted of nachos, red wine and chocolate ice cream) was analyzing. ) The stress of life was eating away at me, and each time I craved something unhealthy. I rationalized that it was a given given all the many things I do.
My mental and physical health was at its worst, and the more I exercised, the hungrier I got, and every time I stepped on the treadmill, I would reward myself with ice cream. I finally decided to start semaglutide because I can’t regulate my cravings and intake so I need to make changes or I will continue to be diagnosed with the disease.
Journey
The first week was terrible. I was throwing up endlessly. I completely ignored my healthcare provider’s advice and continued with my normal diet, which semaglutide rejected. That’s when I realized that eating like I did wasn’t just based on hunger, it was emotional. Food was my boyfriend, my comfort, and my gift to myself. Vomiting was like a self-induced hazing process. Because after that, I didn’t have any cravings for foods that didn’t go well with the medicine. Basically, fatty foods, highly processed foods, and sugary foods make you sick.
The nausea and feeling sick went away after a week (which probably wouldn’t have happened if I had changed my diet on the first day) and I started having to force myself to eat because the hunger signals I relied on were gone. Eating half the amount you normally eat will make you feel full and full.
As my body got used to the drug, the dosage increased until I had to force myself to eat. A balanced diet of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates gave me the nutrients I needed to sustain a full day of meetings and post-work gym sessions.
In just one month, my clothes started falling off and my face became noticeably thinner. My confidence and belief in myself skyrocketed as I received a level of attention that I hadn’t had since my early 20s.
Since I reached my goal weight in the fourth month, I decided to gradually reduce my intake by incorporating more whole foods into my diet to supplement my training. Now that I’ve lost weight, my focus now is on muscle growth.
Social media feeds viewers misinformation every day. I have compiled a list of misconceptions, do’s and don’ts based on my experience.
mythology:
– Ozempic Face: This medicine does not make the face sunken. When you lose a lot of weight over a short period of time (with or without GLP-1), you experience a decrease in volume. One of the few aesthetic benefits of being overweight is that your face becomes fuller, making wrinkles and signs of aging less noticeable. This is a double-edged sword, as too much sugar and too much fat can also cause acne. Our healthcare professionals typically recommend increasing the dosage gradually if a treatment such as facial fillers can address new concerns about visible aging.
– Must be used forever.
– GI will be ruined.
What to do:
– Take probiotics daily.
– Drink plenty of water to aid digestion and cleanse your body.
– For the first two weeks, take prescription anti-nausea medication, Nauzen, or fresh ginger.
– Eat a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Even if you have to force yourself to eat, without nutrients you won’t have the energy to hit the gym, which can lead to hair loss and symptoms of malnutrition.
– Eat fruit: Your cravings will be reduced, but if you have a sweet tooth, eat fresh fruit. I somehow feel much more refreshing and satisfied while taking semaglutide, and it helps with digestion.
What not to do:
– Get semaglutide from cheap online retailers. The price you pay will be commensurate with the dosage and quality of the product.
– Eating foods high in sugar. you pay for it.
– Eat oily foods.
– Binge eating and drinking.
– Inconsistency.
– Stops suddenly. It takes time, but it’s worth it!
Ozempic’s article: Is it worth the risk? Originally published in Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News.
Source: Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News – www.washingtonblade.com
