The Ozempic Craze
- Ozempic, the controversial weight-loss drug, has been creating quite a stir with its rapid results since it made headlines as a Hollywood diet trend in 2021 – but attaining a thinner physique may come at a price, as it is also causing complaints of sagging, deflated breasts and hollowed out cheeks.
- The drug – which is typically prescribed to help improve blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients – doesn’t completely have a bad rap, as one study has found it to decrease colorectal cancer risk by helping people manage obesity.
- The good news is that changes due to taking Ozempic can be temporary and experts say the appearance will often improves once you stop using the drug. Most likely, because much of the weight is gained back.
- Many people in general, especially those in the cancer community, struggle from body image issues, so you are not alone, but it is also important to be aware of side effects from anything you may be considering taking, as the medication itself might cause other unfavorable issues.
- Working on building body positivity from within can help you feel better about yourself overall and can be most beneficial. And the tried and true methods of eating a healthy diet, exercising, drinking water and getting enough sleep will never hurt.
However, the drug – which is typically prescribed to help improve blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients – doesn’t completely have a bad rap, as one study has found it to decrease colorectal cancer risk by helping people manage obesity.
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If the appearance doesn’t improve, you can speak to your doctor about breast implants, a breast lift or other surgeries that can help.
Improving Yourself From Within
Many people in general, especially those in the cancer community, struggle from body image issues, so you are not alone, but it is also important to be aware of side effects from anything you may be considering taking, as the medication itself might cause other unfavorable issues.
Working on building body positivity from within can help you feel better about yourself overall and can be most beneficial. And the tried and true methods of eating a healthy diet, exercising, drinking water and getting enough sleep will never hurt.
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Trying to adapt healthier habits should always be the first order of business, then if you are still struggling, speak with a doctor or mental health professional who can help figure out what is going on.
Some people are luckier than others when it comes to genetics and sometimes a medical issue can be causing weight gain or other issues, so it’s important to get to the bottom of it.
Learning More About Ozempic
As the drug Ozempic started gaining popularity, concerns were brought up about whether these weight-loss drugs can pose a cancer risk for thyroid and colorectal cancers.
This year, ASCO Daily News – a news resource for the American Society of Clinical Oncology – reported the GLP-1 hormone, which is released by the gut in response to food, does not pose a cancer risk.
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Semaglutide works by impacting the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP) GLP-1 hormone.
Integral to blood sugar control, GLP-1 is a hormone released by the gut in response to food. It causes the pancreas to release insulin. A rising blood insulin level causes all body tissues to absorb glucose (blood sugar) from the bloodstream, lowering blood glucose levels. GLP-1 also prevents the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels by stimulating liver cells to release glucose and helps people feel full for longer. These effects can also cause people to lose weight.
A study reported in the medical journal JAMA Network analyzed data to learn if GLP-1 increased colorectal cancer risk. The researchers say GLP-1 RAs (receptor agonists) – a class of drugs that helps manage blood sugar levels in people living with type 2 diabetes – noted a “decreased risk” for colorectal cancer. The decrease stems from the drug’s ability to reduce obesity risk – a known risk factor for colorectal cancer.
Body Image Issues from Cancer
Cancer survivors often struggle with the changes others can see, whether temporary of permanent, like hair loss and weight gain. However, survivors also struggle with changes that may not be as obvious — such as infertility — and these can create also body image issues and make survivors feel vulnerable.
One way to prepare yourself for possible body changes during cancer treatment is to understand that changes are possible, but frequently, also temporary. This can help build up your self-confidence. Your support group loved ones, can help you during this stage of your journey as well.
SN & You: Body Image: Embracing Your Body
In a previous interview with SurvivorNet, psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin shared some tips cancer survivors can explore to help manage the emotional toll of any changes with your body.
Dr. Strongin encourages survivors to take ownership of the part (or parts) of their body impacted by treatment. She says although those areas may represent “fear and pain,” they also represent “strength and courage.”
“Research has found that when looking in the mirror, we are more likely to focus on the parts of our body we are dissatisfied with, which causes us to have a negative self-view and lower self-esteem. Therefore, I would like you first to spend time gazing at the parts of your body you love, give them time, honor them, and then thank them,” Dr. Strongin said.
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“Body image is both the mental picture that you have of your body and the way you feel about your body when you look in a mirror,” she said. “As you allow yourself to spend more time looking at all of you, you will begin having a new relationship with your body.”
Contributing by SurvivorNet staff.
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