Oooh-Zempic!

[seaurchin]

The title is how they sing it on the commercials, if anyone was wondering.

Apparently, I now have diabetes.

My insurance wouldn't cover Ozempic or similar until I try Metformin first blah blah blah, because of the cost difference. Otherwise, I am apparently not "overweight enough" to qualify for Ozempic now. I was overweight but just barely, according to the BMI chart.

However, I also now have three medical conditions that would likely all be improved by weight loss, regardless of where I am on the BMI chart: diabetes, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. I figure that since there's a 40 pound spread in the area considered "normal weight," it would surely benefit me to lose some. Also, if anyone doesn't know, Ozempic was originally prescribed to stabilize blood sugar and it also apparently has good benefits on high cholesterol too, totally aside from weight loss (I think).

So I went to an out-of-network doctor for the Ozempic. I just finished week two and have lost nine pounds. I can't believe how easy it's been. I'm simply not hungry.

Not caring that much about it anyway has made it easy to work on my eating habits. As directed, my meals are now on salad plates, not dinner plates, and consist of 1/2 non-starchy vegetables, 1/4 complex carb and 1/4 lean protein. Fats and oils kept to a minimum.

My plan is to get somewhat near the BMI border between normal weight and underweight. I say "somewhat near" because the lowest "normal weight" seems too thin (for me).

I'm thinking about twenty more pounds off, thirty total, then see how much it improves my conditions. I guess then I go off Ozempic? I don't know.

Now to work on the horrifying part (exercise).

Whatcha got?

 

[JPie]

Congrats on your weight loss! That’s awesome!

Personally, I hate working out. I can stand a rowing machine if I’m watching TV, and I like going to the indoor climbing gym.

 

[tyty333]

That's awesome @seaurchin ! Wishing you continued success in your journey to improve your health.

I walk on the treadmill and watch youtube videos... it's a good distraction. I also used to listen to audible books. Also a good way to
past the time.

 

[Calliecake]

@seaurchin, Congratulation's! I’m so glad you were able to get on the medicine you wanted and its working well for you. I’m so happy for you and am glad Ozempic is available to help people.

 

[kenny]

Hey, welcome to the land of Oz.

I wish you all the best on your journey to a healthier life!

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Good for you!

I am not really a fan of exercise so I just walk the neighborhood when I can and try to eat healthy most days. I figured walking is better than sitting.

 

[m-cubed]

The title is how they sing it on the commercials, if anyone was wondering.

Apparently, I now have diabetes.

My insurance wouldn't cover Ozempic or similar until I try Metformin first blah blah blah, because of the cost difference. Otherwise, I am apparently not "overweight enough" to qualify for Ozempic now. I was overweight but just barely, according to the BMI chart.

However, I also now have three medical conditions that would likely all be improved by weight loss, regardless of where I am on the BMI chart: diabetes, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. I figure that since there's a 40 pound spread in the area considered "normal weight," it would surely benefit me to lose some. Also, if anyone doesn't know, Ozempic was originally prescribed to stabilize blood sugar and it also apparently has good benefits on high cholesterol too, totally aside from weight loss (I think).

So I went to an out-of-network doctor for the Ozempic. I just finished week two and have lost nine pounds. I can't believe how easy it's been. I'm simply not hungry.

Not caring that much about it anyway has made it easy to work on my eating habits. As directed, my meals are now on salad plates, not dinner plates, and consist of 1/2 non-starchy vegetables, 1/4 complex carb and 1/4 lean protein. Fats and oils kept to a minimum.

My plan is to get somewhat near the BMI border between normal weight and underweight. I say "somewhat near" because the lowest "normal weight" seems too thin (for me).

I'm thinking about twenty more pounds off, thirty total, then see how much it improves my conditions. I guess then I go off Ozempic? I don't know.

Now to work on the horrifying part (exercise).

Whatcha got?

I have been working closely with my doctor to lose weight. First I changed my diet (higher protein, lower carb) and added exercise, then we added Wegovy. I’m about 6 months in and have lost more than 50 pounds, and my A1C dropped significantly. It’s been hard work - I walk an hour or more almost every day, go to yoga once or twice per week, go to a dance class each week, have to make sure I’ve got healthy foods stocked and meal-prepped, but I do feel a lot better. The Wegovy seems to make the healthy eating feel sustainable and not like a starvation diet, but I am still the one putting in the work. Personally I don’t think I could ever have done this without it.

 

[seaurchin]

Well, I had four (out of six total) great weeks on the starter dose of Ozempic (and knock off Ozempic, which I was prescribed first, without realizing it wasn't the brand name) at the lowest .25 dose. I lost 12 pounds so now I'm firmly into "normal" range, or whatever they call it, going by the BMI chart. But I want to lose more anyway because my goal is to try to get rid of the diabetes. And, apparently, lower weight can sometimes do the trick.

It was easy to get used to my new diabetic diet because I wasn't really hungry anyway. Then the Ozempic seemed to stop working. I haven't lost any more weight for two weeks and yesterday, my hunger came back with a vengeance and I ate everything in the house that wasn't nailed down. I was a fiend! OMG it was all so delicious.

I was hoping to not increase the Ozempic, get to my goal weight, then get off it if my blood sugar is in normal range at that time. But I guess not. I'll do another half-dose today.

Also, wondering what people do when/if they get off Ozempic? I believe it's recommended for diabetics to be on long term but, as mentioned, I'm trying to get rid of the diabetes, so... But if my appetite comes roaring back like it did yesterday, I see zero chance of keeping any weight loss long term.

I'm thinking (IF my blood sugar goes back to normal with more weight off) then the next step would be psillium husk, to keep up that feeling of fullness? Maybe the capsules because it doesn't seem very appealing to mix in a drink. Thoughts?

 

[Inked]

The title is how they sing it on the commercials, if anyone was wondering.

Apparently, I now have diabetes.

My insurance wouldn't cover Ozempic or similar until I try Metformin first blah blah blah, because of the cost difference. Otherwise, I am apparently not "overweight enough" to qualify for Ozempic now. I was overweight but just barely, according to the BMI chart.

However, I also now have three medical conditions that would likely all be improved by weight loss, regardless of where I am on the BMI chart: diabetes, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. I figure that since there's a 40 pound spread in the area considered "normal weight," it would surely benefit me to lose some. Also, if anyone doesn't know, Ozempic was originally prescribed to stabilize blood sugar and it also apparently has good benefits on high cholesterol too, totally aside from weight loss (I think).

So I went to an out-of-network doctor for the Ozempic. I just finished week two and have lost nine pounds. I can't believe how easy it's been. I'm simply not hungry.

Not caring that much about it anyway has made it easy to work on my eating habits. As directed, my meals are now on salad plates, not dinner plates, and consist of 1/2 non-starchy vegetables, 1/4 complex carb and 1/4 lean protein. Fats and oils kept to a minimum.

My plan is to get somewhat near the BMI border between normal weight and underweight. I say "somewhat near" because the lowest "normal weight" seems too thin (for me).

I'm thinking about twenty more pounds off, thirty total, then see how much it improves my conditions. I guess then I go off Ozempic? I don't know.

Now to work on the horrifying part (exercise).

Whatcha got?

wow, congratulations!! For exercise, try all different things and see what you like so you dont dread it! There are things that can be fun! Makes it easier to stick to.

 

[lavenderdragonfly23]

Walk- 10k steps a day

I’ve been eating healthy, walking and doing 25min of strength training 6’days a week since June 13. I’m down 50 pounds now (currently 150).

Walking is so good for not just your cardiovascular health, but mental health, vit D, and social piece. My advice is find something that can easily be worked in your everyday life- permanently. Be kind to yourself if you miss a day, pick up the next day where you left off. Slow and steady wins the race.

Good luck!

 

[kenny]

Congrats all on our paths to better health!

One nice change for me ...
I always get all my Rxs via our mail order pharmacy.
Very convenient!
But the Oz had to be picked up once a month, in person.
I know ... first world problem, huh!

But starting now, it can also be delivered by mail.
It must be refrigerated, so it comes in a huge package full of packs of that gel gunk in that was frozen.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

I'm thinking (IF my blood sugar goes back to normal with more weight off) then the next step would be psillium husk, to keep up that feeling of fullness? Maybe the capsules because it doesn't seem very appealing to mix in a drink. Thoughts?

Haha that doesn’t work on me because I’m a foodie. I take some each day to stay regular but it has absolutely zero effect on my appetite! You give me a bowl of pho and I can still gobble it down even if I’m full of psyllium husk!

 

[seaurchin]

Haha that doesn’t work on me because I’m a foodie. I take some each day to stay regular but it has absolutely zero effect on my appetite! You give me a bowl of pho and I can still gobble it down even if I’m full of psyllium husk!

Ozempic has been interesting in making me more aware of the different components involved in eating. Having my inner hunger drive blunted so much helps me hugely.

However, then I realized there's also still the outer stuff, which Ozempic doesn't help with. Even if I'm not especially hungry, I can still want delicious, largely forbidden foods if they're in front of me, in the house, on TV commercials, on store shelves or restaurant menus etc. For me, this isn't as strong as the inner hunger drive but it's still definitely there. So aside from shopping for and fixing my diabetic meals, I try to stay away from the kitchen and just not focus on food very much in general. That helps a lot because it would be torture to engage with food too much under such tight restrictions. Imo it does take some joy out of life though.

 

[Rebel Rebel]

Ozempic has been interesting in making me more aware of the different components involved in eating. Having my inner hunger drive blunted so much helps me hugely.

However, then I realized there's also still the outer stuff, which Ozempic doesn't help with. Even if I'm not especially hungry, I can still want delicious, largely forbidden foods if they're in front of me, in the house, on TV commercials, on store shelves or restaurant menus etc. For me, this isn't as strong as the inner hunger drive but it's still definitely there. So aside from shopping for and fixing my diabetic meals, I try to stay away from the kitchen and just not focus on food very much in general. That helps a lot because it would be torture to engage with food too much under such tight restrictions. Imo it does take some joy out of life though.

Many years ago, I lost weight using the original Weight Watchers points system. As a foodie, too, I found two things that really helped me:

I like a late-night snack, so I plan my meals backward from evening to morning. This way, I know I have calories in reserve for nighttime without stressing.

The second is that if I have a strong craving, I give into it in moderation. I find that if I try to ignore a craving by eating something else, I still want the craving, so end up with more calories than if I just ate what I really wanted.

Good luck!

 

[seaurchin]

So far, 17 pounds down now and out of "diabetic" range and into "pre-diabetic." I'm hoping ten or so more pounds might get me to "normal" blood sugar, without looking too thin, and hopefully also without any more drugs then. We shall see!

Anyone else?

 

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

Congrats! Putting diabetes into remission is huge! A 17 pound weight loss means you have reduced 68 pounds of stress on your joints. I’m really happy for you.

 

[seaurchin]

You don't need prescriptions here in Mexico. Instead, they try to get you to buy some nice prescription uppers or downers or Viagra along with whatever you originally asked for. I am quite confused about this. First, why would anyone here bother with illegal drugs when they can get legal ones without a prescription. Second, since we seem to need so very much medical supervision for legal drugs in the US, why do I not see addicts lining the sidewalks here? It's like they took all the fun out of the whole issue here by simply making it legal or something.

Anyway, I couldn't find Ozempic. Only Victroza, a lira-glutide which is in the same family as sema-glutides like Ozempic, whatever that means. Also, you have to inject Victroza daily instead of weekly like Ozempic, and I'm a giant baby so no way. I ended up with Rybelsus, which is oral Ozempic, by the same drug company, a pill taken daily. I know, it's an exciting update, isn't it.

Anyone else have sema-glutide news?

 

[the_mother_thing]

I found Ozempic great at helping lower & maintain my A1C in almost pre-diabetic range, but I never lost more than 10 or so pounds on it. I envy those who experienced the miracle weight loss while taking it.

Also, a PSA for anyone taking the injectable Oz … DO NOT MISS EVEN A SINGLE DOSE, much less two or more! I missed two weeks’ when I was taking it last year. When I resumed, on the same dosage, I got so incredibly nauseous, sick, vomiting, etc for several days. I didn’t know why … figured I had contracted a bug. It was so bad that when I did figure it out, I couldn’t resume taking the Oz b/c I couldn’t mentally get over the immediate feeling of nausea I felt just thinking about taking the shot.

I didn’t know that if you skipped a dose, you needed to go back to a lower dose/start over or you’d get violently sick. They weren’t kidding … My doc may have mentioned it to me, but I couldn’t recall.

 

[missy]

"

A type of fiber could have weight loss benefits similar to Ozempic​

Published February 3, 2025 | Originally published on ScienceAlert Latest
Research on the gut microbiome has triggered a 'revolution' in nutritional science, and in the last few years, dietary fiber has become the "new protein" – added to foods in abundance to feed our gut and boost our health.

A recent study on mice, however, suggests not all fiber supplements are equally beneficial.

A form that is readily found in oats and barley, called beta-glucan, can control blood sugar and assist in weight loss among mice fed a high-fat diet.

Researchers at the University of Arizona (UA) and the University of Vienna say it is the only type of fiber supplement they tested that decreased a mouse's fat content and body weight within 18 weeks.

The other fibers considered, including wheat dextrin, pectin, resistant starch, and cellulose, had no such effect, despite shifting the makeup of the mouse microbiome significantly compared to mice fed no fiber supplements.

"We know that fiber is important and beneficial; the problem is that there are so many different types of fiber," explained biomedical scientist Frank Duca from UA in July.

"We wanted to know what kind of fiber would be most beneficial for weight loss and improvements in glucose homeostasis so that we can inform the community, the consumer, and then also inform the agricultural industry."

Dietary fibers are the main source of energy for bacteria living in our guts, and yet less than 5 percent of people in the US consume the recommended 25–30 grams (0.9–1 ounce) of fiber a day.



To make up for this, fiber supplements and 'invisible fiber'-infused foodsare growing in popularity. But fibers are extremely diverse, so which do we choose?

Some fibers, like oat beta-glucans and wheat dextrin, are water-soluble, meaning they are easily fermented by gut bacteria.

Others, like cellulose and resistant starch, are less soluble or insoluble, meaning they stick to other materials to form stool.






Until now, writes biomedical scientist Elizabeth Howard from UA and her colleagues, "there is no study that has investigated the role of various fibers in one cohort."

To make up for this, the current study tested several forms of fiber in one cohort of mice. Only beta-glucan was found to increase the number of Ileibacterium found in the mouse intestine. Other studies on mice have linked this bacterium to weight loss.

Sure enough, long before the 10-week marker, mice fed beta-glucan showed reduced body weight and body fat content compared to mice fed other forms of fiber.

The findings align with another recent study by Duca, which fed barley flour, rich in beta-glucan, to rodents. Even though the rats continued eating just as much of their high-fat diet as before, their energy expenditure increased and they lost weight anyway.

A similar outcome was observed in mice fed beta-glucan in the new study. These animals also showed increased concentrations of butyrate in their guts, which is a metabolite made when microbes break down fiber.

Butyrate induces the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is the natural protein that synthetic drugs like Ozempic mimic to stimulate insulin release.



"Part of the benefits of consuming dietary fiber is through the release of GLP-1 and other gut peptides that regulate appetite and body weight," said Duca.

"However, we don't think that's all of the effect. We think that there are other beneficial things that butyrate could be doing that are not gut peptide related, such as improving gut barrier health and targeting peripheral organs like the liver."

Far more research is needed before these results can be extended to humans, but the findings suggest that some fibers may be better suited to weight loss and insulin control than others.

The study was published in the Journal of Nutrition.



"

 

[seaurchin]

"

A type of fiber could have weight loss benefits similar to Ozempic​

Published February 3, 2025 | Originally published on ScienceAlert Latest
Research on the gut microbiome has triggered a 'revolution' in nutritional science, and in the last few years, dietary fiber has become the "new protein" – added to foods in abundance to feed our gut and boost our health.

A recent study on mice, however, suggests not all fiber supplements are equally beneficial.

A form that is readily found in oats and barley, called beta-glucan, can control blood sugar and assist in weight loss among mice fed a high-fat diet.

Researchers at the University of Arizona (UA) and the University of Vienna say it is the only type of fiber supplement they tested that decreased a mouse's fat content and body weight within 18 weeks.

The other fibers considered, including wheat dextrin, pectin, resistant starch, and cellulose, had no such effect, despite shifting the makeup of the mouse microbiome significantly compared to mice fed no fiber supplements.

"We know that fiber is important and beneficial; the problem is that there are so many different types of fiber," explained biomedical scientist Frank Duca from UA in July.

"We wanted to know what kind of fiber would be most beneficial for weight loss and improvements in glucose homeostasis so that we can inform the community, the consumer, and then also inform the agricultural industry."

Dietary fibers are the main source of energy for bacteria living in our guts, and yet less than 5 percent of people in the US consume the recommended 25–30 grams (0.9–1 ounce) of fiber a day.



To make up for this, fiber supplements and 'invisible fiber'-infused foodsare growing in popularity. But fibers are extremely diverse, so which do we choose?

Some fibers, like oat beta-glucans and wheat dextrin, are water-soluble, meaning they are easily fermented by gut bacteria.

Others, like cellulose and resistant starch, are less soluble or insoluble, meaning they stick to other materials to form stool.






Until now, writes biomedical scientist Elizabeth Howard from UA and her colleagues, "there is no study that has investigated the role of various fibers in one cohort."

To make up for this, the current study tested several forms of fiber in one cohort of mice. Only beta-glucan was found to increase the number of Ileibacterium found in the mouse intestine. Other studies on mice have linked this bacterium to weight loss.

Sure enough, long before the 10-week marker, mice fed beta-glucan showed reduced body weight and body fat content compared to mice fed other forms of fiber.

The findings align with another recent study by Duca, which fed barley flour, rich in beta-glucan, to rodents. Even though the rats continued eating just as much of their high-fat diet as before, their energy expenditure increased and they lost weight anyway.

A similar outcome was observed in mice fed beta-glucan in the new study. These animals also showed increased concentrations of butyrate in their guts, which is a metabolite made when microbes break down fiber.

Butyrate induces the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is the natural protein that synthetic drugs like Ozempic mimic to stimulate insulin release.



"Part of the benefits of consuming dietary fiber is through the release of GLP-1 and other gut peptides that regulate appetite and body weight," said Duca.

"However, we don't think that's all of the effect. We think that there are other beneficial things that butyrate could be doing that are not gut peptide related, such as improving gut barrier health and targeting peripheral organs like the liver."

Far more research is needed before these results can be extended to humans, but the findings suggest that some fibers may be better suited to weight loss and insulin control than others.

The study was published in the Journal of Nutrition.



"

Wow. Thanks! Now I'm going to spend half the day looking all those terms lol.

I have started taking Citrucel (methylcellulose) in the evenings to feel full, since that's when I tend to blow my diabetic diet.

I'm hoping my weight loss, eating plan and exercise will get me out of diabetic range even without Ozempic in a few more months. If so, I plan to continue the daily fiber to try to counteract regaining the weight, as tends to happen when people go off semaglutide.

But a fiber that does more than make me feel full and not hungry would be wonderful.

I wonder if just incorporating a serving of oatmeal and a serving of barley daily would do the trick. I love the idea of whole foods instead of extracts or meds.

 

[missy]

I wonder if just incorporating a serving of oatmeal and a serving of barley for part of my daily carbs would do the trick. I love the idea of whole foods instead of extracts or meds.

Are you gluten sensitive? If so you might consider avoiding oats. If not, enjoy!

 

[seaurchin]

Are you gluten sensitive? If so you might consider avoiding oats. If not, enjoy!

No, or at least not that I'm aware of. Thanks so much for your very helpful post.

 

[caf]

I found Ozempic great at helping lower & maintain my A1C in almost pre-diabetic range, but I never lost more than 10 or so pounds on it. I envy those who experienced the miracle weight loss while taking it.

Also, a PSA for anyone taking the injectable Oz … DO NOT MISS EVEN A SINGLE DOSE, much less two or more! I missed two weeks’ when I was taking it last year. When I resumed, on the same dosage, I got so incredibly nauseous, sick, vomiting, etc for several days. I didn’t know why … figured I had contracted a bug. It was so bad that when I did figure it out, I couldn’t resume taking the Oz b/c I couldn’t mentally get over the immediate feeling of nausea I felt just thinking about taking the shot.

I didn’t know that if you skipped a dose, you needed to go back to a lower dose/start over or you’d get violently sick. They weren’t kidding … My doc may have mentioned it to me, but I couldn’t recall.

Thanks for your warning.

 

[kenny]

Ozempic:

 

[Gloria27]

Ozempic:

wishful thinking!

muscles actually need to be exercised to grow, it's a price paid with: time, hard work, pain, discipline and certain food restrictions aka diet

It's good that this drug works on diabetes, too bad too many people need to take it, says a lot about our modern diets and lifestyle.

 

[iudexg]

Wishing you the best in your weight loss journey!

Do any of your cravings fluctuate? I've read some research that mentions beer cravings are completely blocked while on the medication.

 

[seaurchin]

Thanks, @iudexg. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I've been off the semaglutides for a couple of weeks now and the food cravings haven't come back. It could just not be all out of my system yet, though. Also, I've heard that the hunger receptors are at the bottom of your stomach so you don't have as bad of cravings if you get used to eating smaller meals anyway. I don't know if that's accurate or not though. Does anyone know?

I've also read about semaglutides blocking alcohol cravings, which is amazingly wonderful. But TBH, at the same time, I feel a bit uneasy about the whole "wonder drug" status of semaglutides. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, but hopefully that's just me being pessimistic.
---------------------------------------------

An update, if anyone else is doing this. As mentioned, I switched to Rybelsus (the oral form of Ozempic) because I'm in Mexico and couldn't find Ozempic.

Then I quit taking the Rybelsus because after a few weeks, I stopped losing weight on it. I didn't want to take it long term anyway, only to get a boost in losing enough weight to hopefully get out of "diabetic" range. And it was either that or Metformin, which doesn't also help you lose weight and possibly reverse the diabetes, so...

My update is that when I went off Rybelsus, I dropped five more pounds right away. I got a kick out of it, when we always hear how you'll just gain the weight back when you go off semaglutides. Well, it's probably just because I started counting calories again then instead of "guesstimating," though.

Anyway, my next lab work is due in April. My blood sugar had dropped to "pre-diabetic" at 143 pounds (down from 160). Now I'm at 135 and hoping for "non-diabetic." Also, I took a nap without my CPAP machine and husband said I didn't snore purr.

Still not doing so well on the exercise part of it but tbh I don't care right now. My weight goal is ten more pounds and then I'll tackle exercise. IMO changing habits is enough of a beyotch without trying to change all of them at once.

Anyone else?

 

[ShinyPink]

I just started Mounjaro a couple weeks ago. My doctor was pushing for it (joints, cholesterol, snoring) but I had been hesitant. I talked to a lot of people before starting it. Those first days were nasty. Big yuck!
I'm still trying to not eat dinner past 6:00 or so because the next morning I still feel like the food is sitting in my stomach. It's also difficult to remember to eat when I'm not hungry. I'm sure the balance will come!

I'm down a few pounds and I do have energy. My goal is 25-30 more pounds. Fingers crossed!

 

[seaurchin]

Something I've been thinking about is incorporating exercise into my life in a more authentic way when I get back home. I'd probably still have to do some "contrived" exercise but could at least do things like cut the grass myself and walk to the grocery store. Idk, it just appeals to me more. And of course, any savings from it would go directly into my jewelry fund.

When considering the lifestyle changes that have caused such a large percentage of overweight (70% of adults in the US, I think it is now) two biggies are so much processed food and the ability to have such a sedentary life, so...

 

[seaurchin]

I just started Mounjaro a couple weeks ago. My doctor was pushing for it (joints, cholesterol, snoring) but I had been hesitant. I talked to a lot of people before starting it. Those first days were nasty. Big yuck!
I'm still trying to not eat dinner past 6:00 or so because the next morning I still feel like the food is sitting in my stomach. It's also difficult to remember to eat when I'm not hungry. I'm sure the balance will come!

I'm down a few pounds and I do have energy. My goal is 25-30 more pounds. Fingers crossed!

Good luck with it, @ShinyPink . I don't know why the dosage increases have to be so large at once, if that's the problem you're having. With all three forms I used, generic semaglutide shots, Ozempic shots and Rybelsus tablets, I adjusted the dosages myself to ease the increases, and I didn't have many side effects at all. So maybe there's a good side to getting negligent medical care lol.