Ozempic, Obesity, and How EMS Can Help
New data from the CDC paints a concerning picture: Obesity rates surged in all states during 2022, crossing the 20% threshold in every state. Shockingly, 22 states now report that over 35% of their populations are grappling with obesity, a stark contrast to a decade ago when no states reached this alarming level. In certain states, obesity is affecting more than 40% of their residents.
This rise in obesity comes with significant consequences. It’s not about aesthetics, this is about health. Excess weight increases the risk of mortality, and over the past two decades, we’ve seen obesity-related cardiac events triple.
Image taken from the Fitt Insider Newsletter.
Introducing GLP-1 drugs: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro
I recommend listening to this episode of “Science vs.” that talks about Ozempic and similar drugs.
Ozempic is a brand name for a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes.
How does Ozempic work?
Ozempic, administered as a once-weekly injection, works by mimicking the action of a naturally occurring hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate blood sugar levels.
The primary function of Ozempic is to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes by stimulating the release of insulin, reducing the production of glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar), and slowing down the emptying of the stomach, which can help control appetite and promote weight loss. Food goes through the digestive system, cells along the intestine will recognize this as food and will signal to the brain that you’re full. Ozempic and these medicines mimic these hormones to signal your brain to stop eating.
In summary, it forces a calorie deficit.
How effective is Ozempic?
In a longitudinal study over a year and a half, they found that subjects lost on average 15% of their body weight or around 35 lbs on Ozempeic, and 21% of body weight or 50 lbs on the highest dose of Mounjaro (another similar drug) along with lowering blood sugar, improving cholesterol levels and blood pressure,
Side effects:
The biggest side effect is nausea that peeks at some point for most patients and some GI issues (vomiting, diarrhea).
Long term, it may increase the number of gallstones compared to not taking it and may cause an increased risk of pancreatitis according to “Science Vs.”
For the most part, the side effects can be cured by adjusting the dosage.
What happens if you stop taking Ozempic?
This seems to be the biggest concern with all of these drugs: regaining the weight if you stop taking the drug. Some individuals who discontinue these treatments find themselves regaining even more weight than they initially lost, meaning they will have to continue taking the drug indefinitely.
The solution is no secret: Building meaningful changes in behavior, having access to healthcare, access to healthy affordable food, and creating opportunities for consistent physical activity.
How can EMS fitness help?
WB-EMS involves the use of electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions throughout the body during exercise. This technology can provide several benefits for those looking to manage their weight and improve their overall health:
Efficiency: EMS workouts are highly time-efficient, making it easier for individuals with busy schedules to incorporate regular exercise into their lives. A short session can target multiple muscle groups simultaneously, maximizing the effectiveness of the workout. When building new habits, it is important to ensure we start small. Adding two 20-minute workouts during the week makes it very manageable to engage in a consistent training program.
Muscle building: EMS fitness can help individuals build and tone muscles, which is crucial for increasing metabolism and burning calories even at rest. This can aid in weight management and fat loss. In addition, increasing muscle use and muscle mass increases insulin sensitivity, which is particularly helpful for people with diabetes.
Reduced impact: EMS personal training is joint-friendly and low impact, making it accessible to individuals with obesity or joint issues who may find traditional exercise challenging.
While medications like Ozempic offer hope in the fight against obesity, a multifaceted approach that includes lifestyle changes and innovative fitness technologies like WB-EMS can provide valuable tools for individuals seeking to manage their weight and improve their health. By combining various strategies, we can better address the obesity epidemic and promote long-term well-being.
If you are interested in learning more about EMS book a free consultation with me here: https://calendly.com/conradfitness/30min
Conrad
Director of Education and Technology
Bodybuzz
Bodybuzz combines Certified Personal Training with Electrical Muscle Stimulation, giving your body a deeper, safer, and more effective workout. 20 minutes twice a week is all it takes!
Our personal trainers will guide you through a custom EMS workout designed specifically for you. Whether you’re looking to build strength, lose weight, get toned, or recover from an injury or illness, we offer a safe, low-impact solution to help get you there.
EMS has now been FDA-cleared for use in the US and we are proud to be one of the first companies to introduce this technology. This full-body workout uses a special muscle stimulating suit that sends low-level impulses to your major muscle groups to trigger muscle contractions. It’s a unique sensation that is painless and invigorating. EMS workouts are designed to achieve optimal conditioning, burn fat, develop strength, build muscle, tighten skin, combat cellulite, jump-start your metabolism, and restore your body’s natural balance.