=Hannah Jiles, a familiar face from Love Is Blind, recently opened up about her experience with Ozempic and why she decided to quit using the drug. While her weight loss journey has sparked speculation about her use of diabetes medication, Jiles wants to set the record straight: her transformation is the result of her own hard work, not Ozempic.
Jiles' Experience with Ozempic
The reality star revealed that she did give Ozempic a try earlier this year, but the side effects were too overwhelming for her to continue. After using the medication for a brief two-week period, Jiles found herself feeling extremely unwell, forcing her to discontinue the drug. While she acknowledges that the medication can be beneficial for others, her own experience was far from positive. "It made me so sick I couldn’t take it,” she shared, adding that if she could have tolerated the drug, she would have stuck with it.
Jiles emphasized that her weight loss is the result of her personal efforts and dedication to her health. She addressed the rumours surrounding her physical transformation, making it clear that her success was not the product of shortcuts. “It was just all me,” she insisted.
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Ozempic: What Is It?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes by helping to lower blood sugar levels. It has also gained popularity for its ability to aid in weight loss, especially in individuals who struggle to lose weight through traditional methods like diet and exercise alone. Despite its growing fame, Ozempic isn’t without side effects, some of which can be quite challenging, as Jiles discovered firsthand.
Common Side Effects of Ozempic
For individuals considering Ozempic, it’s essential to be aware of the possible side effects that may arise while using the drug. Although not everyone will experience these symptoms, the following side effects are some of the most commonly reported.
Gastrointestinal Issues
One of the most frequently reported side effects of Ozempic is gastrointestinal discomfort. This happens because Ozempic works in the digestive tract, slowing down the emptying of the stomach. This mechanism can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation.
- Nausea: Nausea is the most prevalent side effect, affecting about 1 in 5 individuals. It tends to be most intense when starting the medication or increasing the dose but usually subsides over time. To minimize nausea, experts suggest taking the medication with food, drinking water throughout the day, and eating small, frequent meals.
- Vomiting: Approximately 10% of people in clinical trials reported vomiting while using Ozempic. The slowed digestion and pressure in the stomach can lead to this uncomfortable symptom. Vomiting, much like nausea, tends to decrease as the body adjusts to the medication.
- Diarrhea and Constipation: Diarrhea affected about 1 in 12 people during clinical trials, while constipation was experienced by roughly 1 in 20. Both symptoms are typically mild and improve with time, but staying hydrated and adjusting one's diet can help manage them.
Stomach Pain
Stomach pain, including cramps, bloating, and gas, is another side effect some users experience. These issues are often linked to the delayed digestion caused by the medication. Simple dietary changes, such as opting for bland foods and eating slowly, may help reduce discomfort.
Ozempic Burps
An unusual side effect that some users have reported is "Ozempic burps," where digestion issues lead to sulfur-rich burps that taste and smell unpleasantly like rotten eggs. These sulfur burps occur because of slowed digestion, allowing sulfur to build up in the gut. Reducing intake of sulfur-rich foods such as broccoli, garlic, and eggs may help alleviate this symptom.
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Heartburn and Acid Reflux
Heartburn and acid reflux have also been reported in about 2% of users, especially those on lower doses of Ozempic. The slowed digestive process can lead to acid backup, contributing to this discomfort. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding greasy or spicy foods and not lying down immediately after meals, may help manage these symptoms.
Is Ozempic the Right Choice for Everyone?
While Ozempic can be an effective tool for some individuals, it’s important to recognize that it’s not suitable for everyone. As seen with Hannah Jiles' experience, the side effects can be severe enough to make the drug intolerable. For those who do experience benefits from the medication, it’s still crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to manage any potential side effects and ensure long-term health.
Bottomline: Listen to Your Body
Hannah Jiles' decision to quit Ozempic highlights the importance of paying attention to your body’s response to medication. While Ozempic may be an effective solution for managing diabetes and aiding in weight loss for some, it’s not without its challenges. Whether or not you experience side effects, it's vital to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that the medication is appropriate for your individual needs.