Jackson College has partnered with Henry Ford Jackson Hospital to offer Jackson College students and employees medical care evaluation and treatment from the clinic’s caring staff. A licensed nurse practitioner and technical staff will be in the office to see patients, make diagnosis and assessment, prescribe medications or make referrals. |
|
|
HEALTH CLINIC HOURS
Monday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (virtual care only)
Call 517.990.1374 to make an appointment. |
|
|
Ozempic: What's the big deal?
|
Roughly 42 percent of American adults are obese (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2023). The vast weight loss market targets those that are obese to try different forms of fitness and exercise equipment, dietary supplements, diet plans and surgical interventions. Over the last year, weight loss drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide) have taken the weight loss market by storm.
|
|
|
Ozempic and other weight loss medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) were initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. But it was discovered during clinical trials of these medications that the participants were losing a significant amount of weight.
Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and is a once-weekly injection. It is effective in lowering blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that stimulates insulin release and reduces glucagon secretion (Singh, Krauthamer, & Bjalme-Evans, 2022).
The weight loss associated with Ozempic is related to several factors, including a reduction in appetite, increased feelings of fullness, and a slowing of gastric emptying. The medication also affects the areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake (Henry Ford Health Staff, 2023). |
Patients with obesity are at increased risk for developing other comorbid conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, stroke and even some cancers (Singh, Krauthamer, & Bjalme-Evans, 2022). Multiple studies surrounding Ozempic have discovered the following: |
| • | | Ozempic lowers blood sugar levels therefore controlling type 2 diabetes more efficiently. |
| • | | Ozempic has reduced risk of hypoglycemic episodes in comparison with other diabetes medications. |
| • | | Reduced body weight compared with other antidiabetic drugs. |
| • | | Cardiovascular benefits- benefits include reduced risk of cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack and non-fatal strokes (Singh, Krauthamer & Bjalme-Evans). |
|
The cardioprotective components of Ozempic as well as the superiority of weight reduction make it an excellent option for long-term management of obesity and type 2 diabetes. With this we can also expect improvement in patients' weight loss related outcomes as well as quality of life.
|
Who can benefit from taking Ozempic?
|
| • | | Those with type 2 diabetes (especially those who struggle with chronic hunger, even after eating a meal). |
| • | | Those with a BMI of over 30 (and no chronic conditions). |
| • | | Those with a BMI over 27 (and have chronic conditions that could improve with weight loss) (Henry Ford Health Staff, 2023). |
|
Who should not take Ozempic?
|
Just like all medications, there are potential side effects with taking Ozempic. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and burping (Novo Nordisk, 2023).
Those that should NOT take Ozempic include those with: |
| • | | Kidney Disease |
| • | | Active gallbladder disease |
| • | | Personal history of pancreatitis |
| • | | Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (Henry Ford Health Staff, 2023). |
|
Another downfall of Ozempic is cost. This medication comes with a high price tag and can be unaffordable to those patients that are not covered by their insurance. |
Ozempic’s popularity as a weight loss medication has grown through social media and the news but this is not a “magic” medication. Ozempic is only one piece of a comprehensive weight management plan, which includes a balanced diet and increased physical activity. As with any medication there is a risk for potential side effects and the individual responses to the medication can vary. For that reason, if you are considering Ozempic for weight loss, it is crucial that you consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and help determine if these types of medications are appropriate for you and your situation. |
|
|
