March 15, 2024 – Summer is fast approaching and the pressures of “bikini season” have some young adults searching for GLP-1 drugs How Ozempic for weight reduction. And while data shows that obesity amongst teenagers and young adults is skyrocketing within the U.S., Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs are very rarely the primary or most suitable choice for shedding pounds – especially for many who don’t suffer from obesity or similar conditions. say experts.
Before resorting to those medications, teens should be sure that they’re eating nutritious foods and getting enough exercise. But for teens who’re obese (BMI over 25) or obese (BMI 30 or more),Sue DecotiasMD, a triple-certified weight reduction doctor who has a non-public practice in New York City, suggests that they see their doctor to have their basal metabolic rate and insulin levels checked.
“Adolescents typically have a fast metabolism. “So by seeing their metabolism and their insulin levels, I can tell if they actually need the medication,” she said.
As temperatures rise heading into summer, Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs could also be tempting as body comparisons increase, says Wendy Sterling, registered dietitian and co-author of Fostering a Body-Positive Teen: A Parent's Guide to Diet-Free Living, Exercise, and Body Image. Young people must be very aware of easy methods to cope with such thoughts, she said.
“This is an especially important message for those ages 18 to 24, whose brains are still growing and developing,” said Lexy Penney, registered dietitian and owner of Lexy Penney Nutrition & Wellnesswhere she focuses on the areas of young adults and body image.
“When young people are given the message, 'Your body is not okay and there is a pill to fix it,' it can set in motion a cascade of quick fixes, low self-esteem and negative body image that can take years to reverse do,” she said.
Another essential note: Young adults must be particularly aware of the risks of taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic in case you are usually not an acceptable candidate, says Dr. Michael Hakimi, plastic surgeon and owner of Hakimi Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills.
Ozempic is FDA-approved to treat diabetes, while its sister drug Wegovy is approved to treat obesity in people 12 and older. Other options include Mounjaro and Zepbound.
If you need to lose 5 or 10 kilos or need to shed some pounds in a selected area of your body, this isn’t a drug for you, Hakimi said. He often sees such requests from younger patients who’ve a lower BMI and only need to shed some pounds in a single area of the body (e.g. the abdominal area).
“If you are not overweight, you need to know that these medications cause weight loss everywhere,” Hakimi said. “These medications can even make you look older to some extent if they are abused or abused by patients who cannot afford to lose even more weight in their face or buttocks, for example.”
HAkimi said doctors have an obligation to teach patients with lower BMI in regards to the potential consequences of those medications, which include serious intestinal unintended effects equivalent to diarrhea, severe constipation and even pancreatitis. Added to this are the prices. The medications can cost $1,000 monthly and are usually not covered by many insurers. Studies have also shown that many individuals regain weight after they stop taking the medication.
If you're fascinated about taking a GLP-1 drug, it's essential to ask yourself what influences your potential decision. Look at your social media usage and consider who you follow, Sterling suggested. Examine how these reports make you are feeling and whether you are feeling inspired or feel like it’s good to change something about yourself.
“A lot of what we see online is unrealistic,” she said. “We're all inundated with diet culture and most are desperate for quick ways to lose weight.” She suggests trying a “weight-neutral” approach, equivalent to: B. Stress management, proper sleep and listening to hunger and satiety signals to realize your individual body goals.