A drug that promises effortless weight loss is rapidly peaking Canadians’ interest. Semaglutide, commonly known as Ozempic or Wegovy, is an antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Beyond the hype, it’s important to understand the long-term health risks, severe side effects, and the fact that users will need to rely on this drug indefinitely to maintain weight loss.
Since 1985, our weight loss clinic for men in Toronto has helped thousands achieve their ideal weight naturally. We want to be clear and honest: healthy weight loss requires commitment, effort, and support. Concentrating on making long-term lifestyle changes rather than looking for a quick solution is the only way to achieve a healthy weight.
Is Ozempic available in Canada?
In 2018, Health Canada approved the use of Ozempic for people with type 2 diabetes; however, it is not intended for weight loss. This medication works by helping the pancreas release insulin and reducing the sugar produced in the liver. If used for weight loss instead of its intended purpose, there is a risk of experiencing adverse effects such as gastrointestinal issues, gallbladder problems, and thyroid tumours, among others.
Wegovy in Canada
Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, which is similar to Novo Nordisk’s popular diabetes drug Ozempic. Health Canada approved Wegovy for treating obesity in 2021.
These drugs are part of a group of medications known as GLP-1 analogues, initially developed to control blood sugar. However, they also promote weight loss by inducing a feeling of fullness.
According to the company’s website, the weekly injections start at 0.25 milligrams of the active ingredient semaglutide and gradually increase to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg.
How Does Wegovy Differ from Ozempic?
Wegovy and Ozempic both contain the drug semaglutide, but Wegovy is offered at a higher dose. Ozempic has a maximum dose of one milligram per week, while Wegovy’s maximum dose is 2.4 mg per week.
Wegovy is specifically approved for chronic weight management and is administered as a higher-dose injection once a week. On the other hand, Ozempic is primarily approved for treating Type 2 diabetes and is typically administered as a lower-dose injection once a week
Relying on a Dangerous Drug for Quick Weight Loss Is Harmful to Both Your Body and Your Finances
Wegovy and Ozempic are very expensive drugs. Since the drug only works when taken, people will have to use Wegovy or Ozempic for the rest of their lives. Most individuals who start taking these drugs will continue using them for as long as they can afford it.
Ozempic Side Effects and Health Risks
There are numerous potential side effects of using semaglutide for weight loss, including:
- Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Headache
- Excessive burping
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
- Flatulence
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Wegovy, which is another brand name for semaglutide, may also lead to:
- Damage to the retina
- Suicidal thoughts
- Gallstones
- Pancreatitis
- Acute kidney damage.
- Increased risk of developing thyroid tumours, including medullary thyroid carcinoma
Although being prescribed Ozempic or Wegovy may help achieve weight loss for individuals with higher body weight, it will not address the underlying factors that contribute to binge eating disorder. Furthermore, this medication will contribute to weight cycling, as research suggests that stopping its use often results in regaining the lost weight.
Why Is Losing Weight Naturally Better?
Choosing natural weight loss methods over weight loss medication like Ozempic has several advantages. Natural weight loss promotes overall health and well-being through lifestyle changes such as improved diet and increased physical activity, leading to sustainable results. On the other hand, weight loss medications may have potential side effects and health risks, and their long-term effectiveness and safety may not be fully understood. Additionally, natural weight loss can help individuals develop healthier habits and a positive relationship with food and exercise, which can lead to better long-term success in weight management than relying solely on medication. Considering individual circumstances and seeking medical advice when deciding on weight loss approaches is important.
Long-Term Results Can Only Be Achieved with Lifestyle Changes
Long-term weight loss can only be achieved with lifestyle changes because sustainable results require addressing the root causes of weight gain. Making changes to your diet, exercise habits, and overall lifestyle can help you create healthy habits that support gradual and lasting weight loss. Crash diets and quick fixes may lead to temporary results, but without addressing the underlying behaviors and choices, it’s difficult to maintain weight loss over time. By adopting a balanced and sustainable approach to eating and physical activity, individuals can set themselves up for long-term success in managing their weight.
What a Weight Loss Clinic like Harvey Brooker Weight Loss for Men Can Do for You
A weight loss clinic focused on achieving results without weight loss pills or injections like Ozempic and Wegovy will teach strategies and provide the support necessary to achieve long-term lifestyle changes.
The Harvey Brooker men’s weight loss program is an easy-to-follow, sustainable plan guaranteed to help you lose weight naturally and consistently. We’ll help you lose fat by replacing your unhealthy habits with healthy ones, allowing you to take care of your health without relying on weight loss pills, injections, surgeries, or crash diets.
Harvey Brooker Weight Loss for Men was established in 1985 with a mission to offer weight loss support to men when no such support was available. We recognize the unique differences between weight loss for men and women and focus on addressing areas of interest and concern that specifically impact men. While there are many weight loss programs available for women, we are the only weight loss program in Toronto explicitly tailored for men.
Harvey Brooker Saves You Money
The Harvey Brooker program will never encourage our members to pay for expensive and harmful weight loss pills or weight loss injections like Ozempic of Wegovy.
We help men understand that eating healthy does not need to be expensive. We teach you how to grocery shop correctly without compromising on quality. Our members save money by changing expensive and unhealthy eating habits.