#169: In this episode of A Cyster & Her Mister, we will be exploring the use of Ozempic (Semaglutide) as a treatment for PCOS.
Ozempic is a medication primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes, but recent studies have shown it to be effective in managing some of the symptoms of PCOS, such as insulin resistance and weight gain.
We discuss the clinical trials that have been conducted to study the effectiveness of Ozempic in managing PCOS symptoms and compare it with other available treatments.
We also explore the possible side effects of using Ozempic and the precautions that women with PCOS need to take while using this medication.
Lastly, you’ll learn about the importance of lifestyle modifications that help you naturally manage insulin resistance and lose weight with PCOS.
If you are someone looking for more information about Ozempic for PCOS, then this episode is a must listen for you!
Ozempic for PCOS Weight Loss
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or tend to stay out of celebrity news), you’ve probably heard of Ozempic! It’s a popular drug that’s original purpose was to help manage type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, by managing blood sugar levels and insulin production. However, because of its impact on your metabolism, Ozempic has been shown to be a pretty effective weight loss drug.
Because of this, a lot of people who struggle with weight loss for a variety of reasons are utilizing Ozempic. This has gotten a lot of Cyster’s attention, because, as you know, losing weight with PCOS can be really difficult! The hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and insulin resistance caused by this condition are the reasons weight loss is super hard. So, many are wondering . . . can Ozempic help women with PCOS reach their weight loss goals too?
That’s what Sirak and I discuss in this episode of A Cyster and Her Mister! But, if you want the skinny, here’s our conclusions:
How Does Ozempic Work For PCOS?
Semaglutide, which is the actual name of the drug used in the branded “Ozempic” medication, works by stimulating your GLP-1 agonists, which are receptors that regulate your appetite and metabolism. They get those GLP-1 receptors working to slow your digestion and regulate the release of insulin, keeping your blood sugar levels balanced and preventing you from feeling hungry.
This means Ozempic and medications like Ozempic that use semaglutide are often effective ways for people to lose weight. In fact, some people lose weight so fast they get “Ozempic face,” where the fat deposits in the face rapidly dissipate causing wrinkles and a sunken look. And, this isn’t the only negative side effect of Ozempic, but I’ll get more into that in a bit!
Ozempic For Insulin Resistance PCOS
Up to 80% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is where your body doesn’t respond well to glucose, so instead of the sugar turning to energy, it’s stored as fat and absorbed into the bloodstream, raising blood sugar and insulin levels. This makes Cysters experience increased hunger, intense cravings, weight gain, fatigue, hormonal imbalance, and more. It even increases your risks of long-term complications like type 2 diabetes.
So, one of the main steps to healing your PCOS body is reversing your insulin resistance. This relieves a lot of symptoms, gets you to your weight loss goals, and reduces your risk of long-term complications. Ozempic works by regulating insulin production and metabolism to increase insulin sensitivity—the exact problem you’re trying to fix! Does that mean Ozempic is a good idea for women with PCOS? Well . . .
Should You Use Ozempic for PCOS Weight Loss
First of all, let me say that some women with PCOS have experienced good results from Ozempic, and you should always discuss the best path for healing with your doctor. However, Sirak and I do not recommend Ozempic for PCOS weight loss. This is because Ozempic works while you’re on it, but unless you plan to be on it for the rest of your life, it’s not a long-term solution to your insulin resistance. As soon as you get off Ozempic, the weight will likely return.
And, many people with PCOS are trying to lose weight to get pregnant, right? However, a doctor will likely tell you to get off Ozempic or any other GLP-1 medication three months before a planned pregnancy. Well, whatever weight you lose to increase fertility and reduce pregnancy risks will probably return before the baby is even conceived. This is because Ozempic is putting a band-aid on the problem, rather than getting to the root cause and fixing it.
You can actually get the same results as Ozempic, minus the side effects, by making a few intentional lifestyle changes! Using diet, exercise, supplements, and other natural methods, you can increase your insulin sensitivity, lose weight, and live symptom-free with PCOS. Keep listening to our podcast for more on this, and download The Cysterhood app to get started with your healing strategy!
Here are the pros and cons of Ozempic for PCOS:
Pros
- Can help you quickly reach weight loss goals
- Can help with menstrual regularity and fertility
Cons
- Lots of negative side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation
- Not a long-term solution to insulin resistance
- Weight gain returns when you get off the medication
- Expensive for many since it’s not covered by insurance
- Heavy use reduces access for those who medically need it
- Requires regular injections
- Not officially FDA-approved for PCOS
- Long-term safety and efficacy are not well researched
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While Tallene is a Registered Dietitian and Sirak a Personal Trainer, this podcast provides general information about PCOS. It is not meant to serve as fitness, nutrition or medical advice related to your individual needs. If you have questions, please talk to a medical professional. For our full privacy policy, please click on the following link: (bit.ly/PCOSPrivacyPolicy)
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