Yesterday morning, I took advantage of the sudden drop in temperature and humidity and went for a late-morning run.  It was glorious.  That is, until I looked down.  And saw leaves.  Orange, dead leaves.  On the ground.  And then I looked up at a whole tree full of orange, dying leaves.  On September 13th.

The battle against obesity often leads individuals to explore various weight loss medications. Two such medications that have gained attention in recent years are Wegovy (semaglutide) and Ozempic (also semaglutide). While both offer the promise of weight loss, it’s crucial to understand their potential dangerous side effects and consider safer alternatives for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Wegovy and Ozempic: How They Work

Both Wegovy and Ozempic belong to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. They work by increasing feelings of fullness, reducing appetite, and slowing down the digestion process, which ultimately helps individuals eat less and lose weight. Wegovy is a higher-dose formulation of semaglutide specifically approved for weight loss.

The Dangers of Wegovy and Ozempic

While Wegovy and Ozempic have shown promise in weight reduction, they are not without potential risks and side effects:

Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are common side effects of both medications. These symptoms can be severe and lead to discomfort and discontinuation of treatment for some users.

Pancreatitis: Both Wegovy and Ozempic have been associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis, a potentially serious and painful inflammation of the pancreas.

Gallbladder Problems: Weight loss at a rapid rate, as facilitated by these medications, can increase the risk of gallstones or gallbladder-related issues.

Thyroid Tumors: Animal studies have suggested a potential link between semaglutide and thyroid tumors, although further research is needed to establish any direct connection in humans.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): While Ozempic is also used to treat diabetes, it can lead to low blood sugar levels, especially when combined with other diabetes medications.

A Safer Weight Loss Alternative

Considering the potential risks associated with Wegovy and Ozempic, individuals seeking safer alternatives for weight loss should consider a comprehensive and sustainable approach:

Balanced Diet: Focus on a well-rounded, calorie-controlled diet that includes a variety of nutritious foods. Consulting a registered dietitian can help tailor a diet plan to your specific needs.

Regular Exercise: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. A combination of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility workouts can help you burn calories and build lean muscle mass.

Behavioral Changes: Address the psychological aspects of weight management by seeking support from behavioral therapists or counselors. Emotional eating, stress, and unhealthy habits can often contribute to weight gain.

Medical Supervision: If necessary, consult with a healthcare professional who can provide guidance on prescription weight loss medications, when deemed safe and suitable for your individual circumstances.

Support Groups: Joining a weight loss support group or seeking the support of friends and family can provide motivation and encouragement throughout your weight loss journey.

Conclusion

Wegovy and Ozempic offer potential weight loss benefits but come with significant risks and side effects that should not be underestimated. Before considering these medications, individuals should explore safer alternatives, such as adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, addressing behavioral factors, and seeking medical supervision when necessary. The key to successful and sustainable weight loss lies in a holistic and health-centered approach. Always consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on any weight loss program or medication.

And I thought: crap.

I’m at the end of my ability to be in denial about the end of summer.  Well–I’m near the end of my ability.  Because autumn does not officially begin until 3:44pm next Sunday.  That gives me seven whole days to enjoy what is left of it.  So that’s exactly what I’m going to do.  I’m driving to the beach tomorrow.

Virginia Beach Guiding Question:

 Is it possible to enjoy a typical summer beach vacation in the Northeast/Mid Atlantic area after Labor Day?

I am hoping to do a great many beach-y things, including but not limited to: enjoying drinks and seafood in an outdoor setting, playing games like 카지노, riding a bike down the boardwalk, and even possibly dipping my toes in the water.  I will wear a bathing suit.  I will get a sunburn.  I will slide into autumn like a baseball player slides into home base, a fraction of a second before the…um…the guy guarding the base, I don’t know, catches the ball and strikes him out? (I really shouldn’t be allowed to use sports metaphors; I know nothing about sports.  Apologies.)

How will this work out for me?  Tune in to Instagram to follow along in real time, and stay tuned a couple of weeks from now for my Road School Results post!

Waiting for my first two Road School Results posts?  The first one–How Big is Texas–will be published the day after tomorrow, Monday, September 16th.  My Chicago adventure will be shared soon after.  

Many thanks-in-advance to David and Leigh at the Belvedere Beach Resort in Virginia Beach for helping make this end-of-summer trip possible.  Stay tuned some more to read about my stay at their family-owned, beach-front establishment.  Those are two of my favorite hyphenated phrases!