Popular Weight Loss Drug Manufacturer Maneuvers a Series of Lawsuits.

A series of lawsuits aimed at weight loss and type 2 diabetes drug semalglutide is gaining traction. Ozempic, Weygovy and Rybelsus, all manufactured by Novo Nordisk have been under scrutiny after a serious, life-threatening side effect had been reported.

 Ozempic and Weygovy are injectable forms of semalglutide, while Rybelsus is the pill form of semalglutide. Semaglutide mimics the action of GLP-1, a hormone that helps the body regulate blood sugar levels. It also slows the emptying of the stomach (called gastroparesis), which in turn can decrease appetite.

The lawsuits claim that patients weren’t aware of the serious side effects of gastroparesis when using this drug.

What is gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying, is a disorder that slows or stops the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine, even though there is no blockage in the stomach or intestines. In some instances, delayed stomach emptying may lead to bowel obstruction, a life-threatening condition.

A worldwide problem- buyer be aware

Because of a shortage of semaglutide, there have been reports in over a dozen countries, including the U.S. where thousands of units of fake Ozempic were seized. This seizure caught the attention of the World Health Organization, prompting a warning of the imposter drug being distributed.  The main concern was that this injectable drug may not be sterile, leading to infection and further complications.

A safer and longer-lasting way to lose weight is through diet, exercise, and a good night’s sleep.

There is no fast and easy path to weight loss.

Diet and exercise have historically been the cornerstone of weight loss, however, there is emerging evidence that a good night’s sleep is just as important. (Diet, exercise, and sleep are called the 3 pillars of health).

Adequate sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight and can significantly impact the effectiveness of weight loss strategies. (More than one out of three Americans aren’t getting enough sleep, according to a Gallup survey)

The role of sleep in weight control

• Ghrelin, leptin, and hunger control: Ghrelin, known as the “hunger hormone” increases, and leptin, the hormone that signals satiety decreases when sleep deprived. In other words, you are hungrier and not as satisfied with the same amount of food as if you had sufficient sleep.
• Insulin Sensitivity: Sleep deprivation has been shown to decrease insulin sensitivity, a key factor in glucose metabolism. Reduced insulin sensitivity can lead to increased fat storage and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Sleep and Appetite Control: Sleep deprivation increases cortisol levels, which in turn leads to craving high-calorie, high-carbohydrate foods. (1)

How to improve sleep to support weight loss

1. Establish a regular sleep routine. Plan on going to bed at the same time every night regardless of your schedule. A regular sleep routine can help regulate your body's internal clock which will help queue your body it's bedtime.
2. Create a comfortable sleep environment. Set the thermostat between 60 and 65°. This is an ideal temperature to promote sleep.
3. At least an hour before you go to sleep, shut down any electronic devices such as your computer cell phone, or TV. These devices emit stimulating blue light. Blue light mimics early dawn light and can drop your melatonin levels drastically.
4. In addition, use light-blocking curtains if you have streetlights outside your window, as these can cause your melatonin levels to drop, leaving you wide awake.
5. Avoid snacks and meals at least three hours before bedtime. This allows your body to digest your food and can prevent acid reflux or an upset stomach.
6. Avoid exercising too late in the day. Exercise is stimulating and it can signal to your body that it's time to be up and active.
7. Caffeine and other stimulants should only be consumed early in the day. Caffeinated coffee or tea, for instance, can keep you wide awake for six or more hours after consumption.
8. Manage your stress level. Avoid confrontations, upsetting news, books, or any other sorts of media that can cause you stress. Incorporate relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or guided imagery to help you fall asleep. (2)

If you are still unable to fall asleep try our Restful Sleep Formula. The herbs in this blend work synergistically with your body to help promote a restful, calming sleep.

Below are a few well-known, and research-backed herbs and spices that can help regulate appetite balance blood sugar, and boost your metabolism.

A few of these are:

Berberine- natures metformin

• Berberine is a substance found in a variety of plants, including goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape, and others. Both berberine and metformin increase the effects of insulin (decrease insulin resistance), regulate blood sugar, and are effective in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. (3)

In addition to berberine,

• Black pepper has been shown to block the formation of new fat cells. (4)
• Ginger has the ability to lower blood sugar. (5)
• Turmeric aids weight loss and reduces fat stores. (6)
• Cinnamon- aids in reducing blood sugar levels and helps with insulin resistance. (7)
• Green coffee extract helps with weight loss. (8)

Weight loss takes a multifaceted approach. Along with diet, exercise, and quality sleep, there are some natural, holistic herbs with proven track records of assisting in weight loss. They are gentler and can be just as effective as pharmaceuticals.

However, they are not without side effects. Always consult with your care provider before using any of the above supplements.

Citations

1. Spiegel, K., Tasali, E., Penev, P., & Van Cauter, E. (2004). Brief communication: Sleep curtailment in healthy young men is associated with decreased leptin levels, elevated ghrelin levels, and increased hunger and appetite. Annals of Internal Medicine, 141(11), 846-850.
2. (Eric Suni, 2024)
3. The effect of Berberine on weight loss in order to prevent obesity: A systematic review. Biomed Pharmacother. 2020 Jul;127:110137. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110137. Epub 2020 Apr 27. PMID: 32353823.
4. Park UH, Jeong HS, Jo EY, Park T, Yoon SK, Kim EJ, Jeong JC, Um SJ. Piperine, a component of black pepper, inhibits adipogenesis by antagonizing PPARγ activity in 3T3-L1 cells. J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Apr 18;60(15):3853-60. doi: 10.1021/jf204514a. Epub 2012 Apr 6. PMID: 22463744.
5. Khandouzi N, Shidfar F, Rajab A, Rahideh T, Hosseini P, Mir Taheri M. The effects of ginger on fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin a1c, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein a-I and malondialdehyde in type 2 diabetic patients. Iran J Pharm Res. 2015 Winter;14(1):131-40. PMID: 25561919; PMCID: PMC4277626.
6. Di Pierro F, Bressan A, Ranaldi D, Rapacioli G, Giacomelli L, Bertuccioli A. Potential role of bioavailable curcumin in weight loss and omental adipose tissue decrease: preliminary data of a randomized, controlled trial in overweight people with metabolic syndrome. Preliminary study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2015 Nov;19(21):4195-202. PMID: 26592847.
7. Kirkham S, Akilen R, Sharma S, Tsiami A. The potential of cinnamon to reduce blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2009 Dec;11(12):1100-13. doi: 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2009.01094.x. PMID: 19930003.
8. (2019)

Written by Brooke Lounsbury