From Weight Loss Wonders to Hidden Risks: Ozempic’s Relationship with Longevity

TL; DR

• Ozempic, a GLP-1 agonist, aids in weight loss and diabetes management and has been shown to have some interesting unintended “2nd order” effects on overall health and longevity.
• Some of these, like a reduction in compulsive behaviour, is a noted benefit; whilst potential risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder disease.
• Adopting positive habits and seeking professional guidance maximises Ozempic’s benefits while mitigating long-term risks.

The Question I asked myself?

A growing number of clients that come and see me in the longevity clinic are already on Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro. Now in India, you can only officially buy Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus pill (an oral version of the better known drug); but there have been many ways to still access the unofficially available injectable form of the drug.?

So, what is Ozempic (and others in this class of drugs) and why are people jumping head over heels for it?

In summary, Ozempic is a medication containing semaglutide, is a glucogen-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist used primarily for managing type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss, especially the unhealthy health issue of obesity. As a GLP-1 agonist, Ozempic boosts insulin secretion, reduces glucagon levels, slows gastric emptying, and puts a hard stop on unnecessarily abundant appetites. As a result, your blood glucose levels are controlled, and weight loss is introduced as well.?

After studying its prospective side effects and discussing ongoing research on its composition and varying effects on patients with different body types and health conditions— it’s only getting clearer how people must consume Ozempic under proper medical supervision. And in my opinion, be part of a holistic lifestyle change in the individual which includes a balanced nutritional plan, enhanced activity and strength training, correction for any sleep disorders and proper micronutrient supplementation.

Nonetheless, the craze for anti-obesity drugs in India is summoning truly creative pursuits by those desperately trying to lose weight. Hidden imports from Europe, illegally purchasing counterfeit preparations, and a mix of expatriates and wealthy individuals flocking the clinics of reputed cosmetologists–those looking to lose weight quickly are going berserk over acquiring Wegovy .?

This desperation is getting aggravated by the shortage of such potent weight-loss drugs in India. Without the required licenses for production and sales, it’s only getting tighter for consumers.

I have covered this information in great detail in an earlier newsletter (links here )?but for today I am looking at something I find deeply fascinating about the drug - their “second order” effects.

We have read in the media about how this class of drugs have dented many F&B enterprises, in a country like the USA, where sugar-infused products are sitting on everyone’s shelves. The share prices of many large enterprises are down, perhaps because of the rise of these drug sales.

1. Stocks of Krispy Kreme have dropped since Ozempic consumption increased. Truist Securities downgraded Krispy Kreme from buy to hold and slashed their price target by 35% from $20 to $13. This openly cites their concerns about the impact of weight loss drugs like Ozempic on indulgence habits in the U.S. and the broader food and beverage industry.
2. Executives at Nestle are looking to release high-protein yoghurt to avoid the hit by Ozempic. With around 30 million obesity treatment users in the US, Nestle’s upcoming yoghurt products are being specifically designed to accompany their diets.
3. Analysts at Jefferies Financial are highlighting how US airlines can save $80 million/year if the passengers were 10 pounds lighter. Moreover, a 10% spike in the price of jet fuel (by the gallon) culminates in an annual bill of $2 billion for airlines.? Considering how fuel accounts for a quarter of an airline’s running costs, this would save enormous amounts in the airline industry.?
4. Many jewellers are reporting that customers consuming Ozempic are dropping in with a higher number of inquiries for resizing their wedding rings . What’s now called the “Ozempic finger” is bringing in a 150% increase in footfall for jewellers.?

Apart from these economic effects, there seem to be a growing list of unintended consequences, many of which are positive, which individuals taking the drug are noticing and the market forces that this is creating because of it.?

Let's explore some of these today.

Effect 1: Enhanced Sexual Activity

Some Ozempic consumers can experience a better sex life due to the drug’s effects on their psychological health and physique. This can be due to the improved self-esteem and physical health associated with weight loss and better glycemic control. Let’s quickly assess the mechanisms underlying this effect:

Weight loss, body image and mental health: The reduction in appetite and improved satiety decrease overall body fat. This change in body tonality makes a person more comfortable with their body image and self-perception. A study noted how anxiety scores decreased from 8.40 ± 1.54 at baseline to 7.47 ± 0.81 after 6 months of weight loss, illustrating how this can reduce some of the psychological barriers to sexual activity, such as body shame or being overly self-conscious.?

Neutralizing these common inhibitors of sexual desire and performance often report improvements in mood. In some individuals the psychological upliftment boosts their libido. (Ironically, despite the above pointers, Ozempic can also marginally increase sexual problems like erectile dysfunction ).

Cardiovascular health: Again, weight loss and glycemic control can enhance endothelial function, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Collectively, this contributes to a healthier cardiovascular system, including the blood vessels involved in sexual function.

Energy levels: Ozempic improves metabolic health and reduces body fat, increasing overall energy levels and physical stamina. The energetic feeling and more active lifestyle can contribute to greater sexual arousal and ability.

Effect 2: Reduced Compulsive Behaviours (such as Nail Biting!)

This effect can be attributed to multiple interconnected physiological and psychological factors, mainly focusing on lesser anxiety and higher levels of dopamine regulation . Here are some pointers:

• Reduced neuroinflammation and similar stressors
• Betters dopamine sensitivity and improved reward and pleasure circuits
• Increased dopamine receptor density
• Enhanced neuroplasticity to cease maladaptive behavior patterns
• Improved gut microbiota composition for a better gut-brain axis

Improved physical health: Weight loss, better insulin sensitivity, and well-managed blood glucose levels—all reduce physical stress associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, chronic stress is detrimental to longevity as it’s associated with impaired immune function. These factors help individual's get a better hold on their uncontrollable behaviours and stress-related issues.

Effectively managing such symptoms, like hyperglycemia, stabilizes blood sugar levels and prevents the acute changes that trigger anxiety and stress. Even better, it reduces the risk of long-term complications like neuropathy and nephropathy, both of which negatively impact quality of life and lifespan.?

Lastly, factors like improved cognitive clarity and function, balanced dopamine levels, and zero signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) cancel out the chance of compulsive actions and nail-biting.

On a GLP1-A? Lets Talk.

So if you have experienced any of these second order effects, or others, I want to hear from you. As I mentioned earlier, this class of drugs can be beneficial to individuals looking at getting control of their metabolic health but it should be done as part of a comprehensive program of lifestyle changes. And if you are doing so, and you're noticing the benefits well beyond weight loss, then I certainly want to know more about your journey.

You can reach out to me via DM or on Instagram (@docmranney).