The "budget Ozempic" trend, as termed by influencers, has been hitting social media as people have been using the drugs for weight loss. These drugs are typically used as stool softeners and laxatives.
Budget Ozempic Trend For Losing Weight
Ozempic consists of semaglutide, which is an active ingredient. The drug, which is used for treating type 2 diabetes, requires a prescription for purchase.
One of its side effects is noticeable weight loss. Because of this, several people have been trying to obtain it to the point where there have been shortages in pharmacies.
Due to this, some individuals have opted for more accessible weight loss alternatives that can be bought over-the-counter. These alternatives include berberine, which has been called "nature's own Ozempic."
The "Budget Ozempic" trend, however, varies from this. Rather than that, it refers to polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350). In a chemical sense, it is similar to other polymers that are used in cosmetics, soaps, archaeological preservative paints, missile fuel, and drug delivery.
In a medical sense, PEG 3350 is mainly available in Australia as stool softeners and laxatives. The polymer is also used for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy. Such products are generally called macrogols.
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Is the Budget Ozempic Trend Safe and Effective For Weight Loss?
PEG 3350 is also known to be an osmotic laxative, which utilized osmosis for stool softening and constipation treatment. The body does not absorb the polymer upon swallowing. Rather than this, it passes through the intestine and draws water. This, in turn, makes stool more watery.
Because it takes more water from the body, weight plummets. However, it may make one feel dehydrated.
Hence, the weight loss brought about by the laxative is likely to only last for a short while. For sustained and significant weight loss, the laxative must be ingested daily. However, at most, only a few kilograms will be shed.
Ingesting PEG 3350 can lead to dehydration. One may have a dry mouth, feel light-headed, or experience headaches. It may also affect electrolyte concentration in the blood, as these levels could soar too high. This, in turn, would make it more difficult for the red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body. This could lead to dehydration symptoms and, in more severe cases, even death.
PEG 3350 intake can also be dangerous for those with cardiovascular conditions, those undergoing a diet with sodium restrictions, those who have electrolyte conditions, elderly individuals with kidney issues, and young children.
For those who continuously take the laxative and then stop taking them, withdrawal symptoms may also be experienced. These symptoms may include fluid retention, constipation, weight gain, and bloating.
All these just show that PEG 3350 products are not an effective and safe solution for weight loss, as the weight loss will only be short-lived and will put one's health at risk.
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