Doctors urgent warning for Ozempic users during Christmas dinners -…

As weight loss medicine like Ozempic and Wegovy change into more widely used, medical doctors are sounding the alarm on the risks of skipping a dose. While it’d look like a good concept to skip an injection so you possibly can indulge and feast on vacation delicacies to your coronary heart’s content, medical doctors declare that even one missed dose may lead to a large surge in a affected person’s urge for food and trigger “rebound weight gain.”

Studies have identified that GLP-1 medicine, such as Wegovy, require sufferers to use them long-term to obtain the desired weight loss impact. Experts word that coming off the medicine for a short period in between might trigger a spike in weight that is even more durable to get rid of.

Dr Eiriny Eskander, an endocrinologist specializing in obesity and metabolic health, said that weight loss medicine are for “long-term use, not intermittent use.”

“It typically takes several weeks for the body to build tolerance to these medications and their side effects. When someone suddenly stops the medication, the body loses that adaptation,” she added. 

Can pausing Ozempic have an effect on its effectiveness?

The doctor told the Daily Mail that skipping a dose of a GLP-1 drug might trigger “rebound weight gain” due to elevated urge for food and a slower metabolism. This means the affected person might regain nearly all the weight they misplaced by skipping just one dose.

“That’s why I never stop these medications abruptly for patients and instead taper slowly,” she said.

Dr. Olalekan Otulana, a doctor at Cassiobury Court in the U.Ok., told the Daily Mail that skipping a dose, along with indulging in heavy festive meals, might trigger additional uncomfortable side effects. 

“The digestive system speeds back up, so eating very large or rich meals straight away can lead to nausea, stomach pain, bloating, and reflux,” he explained. “It’s not usually dangerous in the sense of an emergency, but it can make people feel quite unwell. It can also undo some of the health gains they have made both physically and emotionally.”

How ought to Ozempic users handle vacation meals?

Medical consultants advocate being mindful of portion sizes and selecting meals that are usually not too heavy to digest. “It’s important to minimize foods high in fat, sugar, and dairy to help reduce side effects such as bloating,” said Rob Stransky, president of online pharmacy NiceRx.

“As well as making you feel bloated, foods high in fat and sugar also won’t make you feel full. It’s important when taking weight loss medications to load your plate with protein and vegetables to avoid the side effects associated with foods high in fat and sugar, but also to make you feel fuller,” he added, noting that limiting alcohol consumption can also be helpful to keep away from nausea. 

For sufferers contemplating discontinuation of their GLP-1 medicines, consultants advise continuing with warning. This course of usually includes tapering the dose over many months under the supervision of a healthcare skilled.