'Miracle' weight loss drug Ozempic is approved. But does it work?

A miracle weight loss drug that’s approved in the US and the UK and has few side effects? Ozempic is going viral on social media. Users are posting dramatic before and after pictures of their weight loss. An Ozempic trend is allegedly blossoming in Hollywood, and famous personalities like Elon Musk claim to have taken it. Many remain doubtful, dismissing the craze as just another internet scam preying on people’s insecurities. However, earlier this month - semaglutide - the drug’s active ingredient, was approved as a weight loss treatment by the UK’s National Health Service. Even the most sceptical are taking note. Jonathan speaks to Dr Robert Kushner the lead investigator of the huge phase 3 clinical trial that evaluated the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide. He is a founder of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and hailed the drug as a ‘game-changer’ in regards to the treatment of obesity. Please be aware: Dr. Kushner is also a consultant on the medical advisory board for Novo Nordisk - the company that manufactures semaglutide. Dr Robert Kushner is a Professor of Medicine at Northwestern University and a founder of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Download our FREE guide — Top 10 Tips to Live Healthier: https://zoe.com/freeguide Timecodes: 03:17 – Quickfire questions 04:20 – What is Ozempic, and how does it work? 05:54 – Treating obesity like diabetes 10:24 – The ‘gamechanger’ Semiglutide clinical trial 14:19 – The role our ancestors play in our weight 17:16 – Short-term weight loss vs long-term weight loss 18:40 – Myths about obesity 21:53 – Obesity, a modern problem 23:56 – Other outcomes of the clinical trial 26:59 – The side effects of Semiglutide 31:45 – Risks of using Semiglutide without medical supervision 33:05 – Is Semaglutide linked to cancer? 36:59 – Can you take it If you’re not obese? 39:15 – The long term commitment of Semiglutide 42:49 – Will I put on weight if I stop taking it? 46:01 – Is this the end of obesity 49:30 – Summary 52:28 – Outro Episode transcripts are available here. Dr. Robert Kushner’s book, Six Factors to Fit: Weight Loss that Works for You!, is available to buy here Follow Dr. Robert Kushner here Studies mentioned: Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity Follow ZOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe/ Want to create your own podcast? Contact Fascinate Productions to bring it to life.