Experts have issued a fresh warning about ‘Ozempic hands’.
This comes as a simulation showed more of the reality of side effects from using the drug for weight loss.
Typically designed to treat Type-2 diabetes, the self-injectable has been knocking about Hollywood for years as stars use it to help them lose weight.
It is available in the US for this treatment but isn’t licensed in the UK. Instead, Brits can use the similar Wegovy or Mounjaro on prescription.
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These medications contain semaglutide or tirzepatide to mimic the GLP-1 and GIP hormones naturally produced after eating a meal. They essentially help people lose weight by making them feel full and eat less.
However, like all treatments, they come with their own side effects from sickness to physical changes. And in this case, it’s ‘Ozempic hands’ that experts are warning about.
‘Ozempic Hands’
So, this term basically refers to the noticeable thinning of hands when some people use the likes of Ozempic.
This happens because as the medication causes weight to be shed, subcutaneous fat can be stripped from the hands, leading to this somewhat more skeletal appearance.
“Ozempic hands is the visible thinning of fingers that can occur during rapid weight loss,” pharmacist and nutritional therapist Deborah Grayson told MailOnline.
“As with weight loss in general, fat loss doesn't happen evenly across the body.
'The hands, which naturally have very little fat to begin with, can appear bonier or slimmer as a result.”
She pointed out that it’s not a direct ‘side effect of Ozempic but rather a ‘visual consequence of rapid fat loss’.
Experts add that ‘Ozempic hands’ is nothing to worry about and if the person regains weight, it may undo the consequence.
If people using Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro do feel concerned about their reactions to the treatment or how much weight they have lost, they should seek medical attention.
The simulation
A simulation from Zack D. Films on YouTube shows an interpretation of side effects from using Ozempic.
It explains that once in your blood stream, it reduces appetite and ‘stabilises your blood sugar’.
“Then it slows down how fast your stomach empties food, which keeps you feeling full for longer after a meal,” it adds.
But there is a bit of a jump scare after the simulation warns: “But it can make some people feel sick and even give them diarrhoea."
And in the last scene, it displays a graphic visualisation of the Ozempic user literally sh**ting themselves. Nice.
Side effects of Ozempic
The most common side effects of the drug may include: nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, vomiting and constipation.
Mild side effects may also include:
· A change in the way things taste
· Burping
· Dizziness
· Headaches
· Gassiness
· Fatigue
· Indigestion or acid reflux
· A reaction on the injection site like changes in skin colour or discomfort
· A small rise in heart rate
Other serious, though often rare, side effects can include:
· Possible thyroid tumours
· Pancreatitis
· Changes in vision
· Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
· Dehydration leading to kidney problems
· Severe stomach problems
· Serious allergic reactions
· Gallbladder problems such as gallstones or cholecystitis
A Novo Nordisk spokesperson told LADbible: "Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Novo Nordisk, and we recommend patients take these medications for their approved indications and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. We continuously collect safety data on our marketed GLP-1 receptor agonists medicines and work closely with the authorities to ensure patient safety. As part of this work, we continue to monitor reports of adverse drug reactions through routine pharmacovigilance.
"We recommend that any patient experiencing side effects while taking GLP-1 RA medicines, including Wegovy®▼and Ozempic® (semaglutide injection), report them to their healthcare provider and via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/. "
Jess Battison