“Ozempic and Wegovy has exploded in popularity as a diabetes and weight loss medication in the past two years and has since been touted as a miracle drug for quitting smoking, treating polycystic ovary syndrome, reducing the risk of heart disease and Alzheimer’s and more.
“A new study has labelled Ozempic and Wegovy’s main ingredient, Semaglutide, as a potential anti-ageing treatment. Researchers believe it could treat a wide range of illnesses linked to conditions such as heart failure, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and cancer and slow down the ageing process.
“While this study could be a step in the right direction towards understanding how Semaglutide can be used to treat other conditions, this is just one piece of research, and people should not use Ozempic and similar medications without medical supervision and prescription.
“With limited research available, it’s best to avoid using Ozempic for non-prescribed and unintended purposes.
“It should also be noted that Ozempic can also interfere with existing medical conditions by intensifying symptoms of pancreatitis, gastrointestinal disorders and kidney disease.
“The side effects of the medication can also cause health complications. 36.6 percent of patients experience nausea and vomiting, while other side effects can include diarrhoea, fatigue, abdominal pain, itching, headaches and dizziness.
“There have even been 222 reported deaths due to Ozempic use since 2018, so it’s simply not worth the risk.
“Here’s how to slow down the process of ageing and minimise the risk of age-related health problems without Ozempic:
#1 Eat a balanced diet
“Your diet should include nutritious fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and meat. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you can increase your protein intake with tofu, beans and lentils. This can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer and protect the brain.
“Eating plenty of antioxidant-rich foods like berries, dark chocolate and leafy greens are also proven to help lower the risk of developing dementia and can reduce oxidative stress that is often linked to heart disease.
“And healthy fats like nuts, eggs and cheese can reduce inflammation and support heart health.
“Intake of processed foods, saturated fats and high sugar foods should be limited to lower the risk of obesity and diabetes.
#2 Exercise regularly
“You should be doing 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, like walking and light jogging, or 75 minutes of high-intensity activity like running, cycling and swimming.
“Other forms of exercise like strength training can support metabolism and balance for better mobility and health.
#3 Manage your stress
“Chronic stress can increase blood pressure and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, so this should be managed by actively monitoring and taking steps to lower stress levels.
“A lack of sleep can also increase the chances of developing heart disease, so it’s essential to prioritise it to slow down ageing – aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
“Arthritis may also be triggered by stress as it can increase inflammation in the body, and links have been identified between stress and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
#4 Limit alcohol consumption
“Alcohol should be drunk in moderation, as excessive consumption can cause long-term liver damage and lead to further health complications like heart disease and strokes.
“Similar to stress, alcohol can increase inflammation in the body linked to arthritis, while high alcohol intake can also cause brain damage, particularly to tissue in areas related to memory and cognitive function and may increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life.
“You should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week (about six standard glasses of wine).
#5 Attend regular health check-ups
“Keep an eye on your mental and physical wellbeing and consult your GP if you notice any concerning changes.
“Regular check-ups can also help you keep track of your blood pressure and cholesterol and screenings for diseases and conditions featured in family medical history.
“If you have a family history of cardiovascular conditions, you may need to adapt your lifestyle or take steps to mitigate the risk.”
“Research shows that family history can put you at higher risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer’s and cancer, so getting checked and finding this out as soon as possible will allow you to take the right steps to protect your health.
#6 Use appropriate, prescribed medications
“Medications should not be used for any other purpose than the way a prescriber has detailed and should be administered via a reputable source.
“You should also be honest about your intentions for obtaining a drug, as failing to mention existing health conditions or using them to treat other conditions can be extremely dangerous.
“There are many approved treatments available for illnesses linked to cardiovascular conditions, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and cancer.
“However, Wegovy was approved in July for use to prevent fatal and non-fatal heart attacks and strokes in people who are overweight or obese. This is the first time in the UK that one of these weight loss medicines has been approved for a health condition that is not just overweight/obesity alone – so it is a definite step in the right direction.”
