The doctor discusses the uses and side effects of Ozempic

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 70% of adults are overweight or obese. It’s no surprise that the push from fad diets to exercise regimens to wonder drugs constantly floods the news feeds.

But what happens when there is so much demand for something, even from people who may not need it? And what happens when they stop taking it?

Dr. Mert Erogul, a medical bariatrist at Maimonides Medical Center, joins “News All Day” on Monday to shed some light on Ozempic and the risks the drug may pose.

Ozempic and Wegovy, another similar drug, were developed to help people with diabetes, but have been found to help people lose weight. According to Dr. Erogul, people with the “disease of obesity” feel more normal after taking one of the drugs.

Medicines are expensive and if you need them medically; you must stay on the drug for life.

Some of the side effects of these medications could include a little nausea or constipation, loss of lean muscle mass, a skinny face, and maybe a little hair loss. Erogul says that these drugs are fairly well tolerated. But if you stop taking the drug, the weight will return unless lifestyle changes are made.

For more information, visit Maimo.org.