HOUSTON – With so much popularity surrounding Ozempic and its weight loss capabilities, there has become a global shortage, which is affecting diabetics who depend on the medication.
Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a notice to doctors and pharmacies regarding the shortage, which affected not only Ozempic but also its obesity treatment counterpart, Wegovy.
While many individuals celebrate their successful weight loss journeys with Ozempic, some have experienced what is known as Ozempic rebound, quickly regaining the weight they lost and even more.
“People are struggling, and they really are willing to do whatever it takes even if it is taking the medication. It sounds very tempting to take a pill and not have to, you know, go through all the work that comes with it. But, you know, there’s no doubt that it (Ozempic), works for weight loss, massive weight loss,” said nutrition therapist Dr. Eric Berg, DC. “But yet, you realize it comes with a very big package, a big problem at the same time. So you have to really understand what you’re getting into.”
Dealing with factors like cost and supply shortages, patients are encouraged to plan for a life beyond Ozempic or other weight loss medications. Dr. Berg recommends exploring options like the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting, which can lead to fat-burning, reduced appetite, and sustainable weight loss.
“If they were to, go on a low-carb diet, not eat so frequently, that’s called intermittent fasting. Then, what will happen is, they can start switching over to fat burning, and then you have to take those away because between meals you’re living off your fat. So, I think a lot of people don’t, if they haven’t really tried, they like the ketogenic diet or low fat, low carb diet,” Berg said.
With hundreds of videos on YouTube about weight management, obesity and nutrition, Dr. Berg says a KETO or intermittent fasting diet could help people struggling to maintain their weight goals after letting go of Ozempic.
“You may want to try the keto diet first with intermittent fasting because you’re cutting down carbs, and the body is now forced to burn fat. It’s the healthier way of losing weight, and you can have less appetite. So if you haven’t tried that, you should definitely get the details,” Berg said. “You can easily, you know, test it out to see if that works, because so many other diets that are a little bit too high in carbohydrates, they might end up losing some weight, but man, they’re just so hungry that it makes it really hard to sustain. So the ketogenic diet is very, very sustainable. And you know, you know, you’ll start burning fat and you end up implementing that with intermittent fasting.”
How to prevent weight gain after stopping Ozempic, according to Dr. Berg:
Post-Weight Loss Nutrition:
- Focus on maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Consume a variety of whole foods, including animal proteins, vegetables, nuts, and healthy cheese.
- Avoid processed foods, sugary beverages, and any intake of refined carbohydrates.
- Consider incorporating the ketogenic diet.
KETO Diet:
- The ketogenic diet involves consuming high amounts of healthy fats, moderate protein, and very low carbohydrates.
- Work with a healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs and is safe to follow alongside your medications.
- Prioritize healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish.
- Limit your carbohydrate intake to a specific threshold (usually around 20-50 grams per day). Non-starchy vegetables are unlimited.
Intermittent Fasting:
- Intermittent fasting involves cycling between periods of fasting and eating.
- Start with a gentle approach, such as the 8/16 method and gradually increase the fasting window based on your comfort level.
- Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues and ensure that your nutritional needs are being met within the eating window.
- Stay well-hydrated during fasting periods.
Lifestyle Habits
- Focus on developing healthy habits you can maintain including, exercising and getting a good night’s rest.
Monitor Your Progress
- Keep track of your weight, measurements, and other relevant metrics to stay aware of any fluctuations. Regularly check in with yourself to monitor changes and make adjustments as needed.
Manage Stress
- Find healthy ways to manage stress as it can lead to emotional eating or other unhealthy habits. Engage in stress-reducing activities such yoga, deep breathing exercises, or hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation.
For more information on how to keep the weight off, visit Dr. Berg’s YouTube Page or his website.