In the quest for effective diabetes and weight management solutions, many are turning to pharmaceutical options like Ozempic. Why is it getting so much attention? Ozempic, a brand name for the drug semaglutide, is an injectable medication primarily used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Its rising popularity stems from its additional benefits in weight management, which have garnered significant media attention and interest from the public. 

Approved by the FDA in 2017, Ozempic functions as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a class of drugs that mimics a natural hormone in the body to help regulate blood sugar levels. The attention it has received is not only due to its efficacy but also because of the growing demand for effective diabetes treatments and weight management solutions that can be integrated into various lifestyles.

How Does Ozempic Work?

Ozempic works by mimicking the effects of the incretin hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which is naturally secreted in response to food intake. This hormone plays a crucial role in blood sugar regulation by increasing insulin production from the pancreas in a glucose-dependent manner, which means it primarily acts when blood sugar levels are high. Additionally, Ozempic slows down gastric emptying, which helps to decrease the rate at which sugar enters the bloodstream after meals. It also reduces the appetite and food intake by acting on brain centers that control hunger and satiety, which contributes to its effectiveness in weight loss.

What Are the Side Effects of Ozempic?

While Ozempic is effective in treating diabetes and has benefits for weight loss, it comes with several potential side effects. Common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. There is also a risk of more serious conditions such as pancreatitis, kidney issues, and possible thyroid tumors (as indicated in animal studies). The risk profiles and side effects necessitate a careful and monitored approach to using Ozempic, especially for non-diabetic weight management.

During the final quarter of 2022, U.S. healthcare providers issued over nine million prescriptions for Ozempic, Wegovy, and other related diabetes and obesity medications, as highlighted in a recent study. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that the number of prescriptions for these drugs surged by 300% from early 2020 to the close of the previous year.

Does Ozempic Make You Tired?

Ozempic, while effective for managing diabetes and aiding in weight loss, is associated with side effects like fatigue. This tiredness can be attributed to the medication's impact on blood sugar levels and the body's adjustment to new insulin dynamics. 

On the flip side, a natural alternative, Oligonol®, offers a contrasting benefit by potentially enhancing energy levels. For people just taking it without a medical need, Oligonol may be a healthier option as Ozempic long term side effects are not yet known. Oligonol's ingredients support healthy blood circulation and combat fatigue, meaning you can achieve similar benefits to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, while actually getting an energy boost, without pharmaceutical drawbacks.

Is Oligonol a cheaper and natural alternative?

MicroActive® Oligonol® is a patented supplement that features a blend of lychee fruit extract and green tea polyphenols. It's designed to leverage the health benefits of these ingredients in a concentrated form. Oligonol is widely available and has been subjected to various clinical trials to ensure its efficacy and safety.

Clinical trials involving Oligonol have shown promising results in several areas, including skin health, cardiovascular health, and improved metabolic rates & visceral fat levels. These studies underline its potential to assist in managing body fat distribution and enhancing overall vitality.

Green tea and lychee fruit extract, the primary ingredients in Oligonol, are highly regarded in nutritional science for their extensive health benefits. These natural components are pivotal in promoting overall wellness and addressing specific health concerns due to their rich nutrient profiles.

Green Tea: A Powerhouse of Antioxidants

Green tea is celebrated for its high concentration of antioxidants and free-radical fighting compounds, particularly catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is one of the most powerful in terms of antioxidant activity (ORAC). Research has demonstrated that EGCG can help reduce oxidative stress in the body, which in turn helps manage inflammation and the potential for chronic diseases. Green tea has also been shown to enhance metabolic health, contributing to improved metabolism and body fat management, which are essential for maintaining a healthy body weight.

Beyond its metabolic benefits, green tea is linked to several neurological advantages. Studies suggest that its antioxidant properties support brain cells, which help support cognitive function and memory in the long term. Additionally, green tea consumption has been associated with cardiovascular system support due to its ability to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Lychee Fruit Extract: Nutrient-Rich Skin Enhancer

Lychee fruit extract is another core component of Oligonol, known for its high Vitamin C content and significant antioxidant properties which are crucial for skin health. Vitamin C is integral to collagen synthesis, which is necessary for maintaining the skin's elasticity and firmness. The antioxidants in lychee help combat free radicals, preventing premature visible aging and enhancing the skin's overall appearance.

Moreover, lychee contains a low molecular weight polyphenol, which has been studied for its ability to support healthy blood circulation. Improved circulation is beneficial not only for skin health, providing a more vibrant, youthful complexion but also for overall cardiovascular health.

Benefits of Oligonol

When combined in MicroActive® Oligonol®, green tea and lychee extracts synergize to offer enhanced health benefits. This formulation leverages the individual strengths of each component, maximizing their antioxidant and free-radical-squelching capabilities and metabolic enhancements. This combination effectively supports a range of health outcomes, from improved skin health and reduced signs of visible aging to enhanced metabolic rates and better cardiovascular health support. The dual-action of these ingredients makes Oligonol a versatile supplement suitable for addressing multiple health concerns simultaneously.

The synergy between green tea and lychee extracts in Oligonol enhances their individual effects. This combination offers comprehensive antioxidant support, aids in maintaining skin elasticity, and supports a healthy metabolism. While Oligonol is not explicitly marketed as a weight loss supplement, it aids in promoting a healthy body composition through targeted metabolic health support.

• Body Shape

Oligonol has been clinically studied and shown to have a positive impact on body-fat metabolism and visceral fat levels in the body, especially around internal organs. You can read more about that exciting NIH (National Institute of Health) here: link to NIH study on Oligonol®.

• Graceful Aging and Skin Health

Oligonol serves as a powerful supplement for healthy aging, thanks to its antioxidant properties derived from green tea and lychee fruit extract. These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, which in turn supports a healthy inflammatory balance in the skin. Additionally, lychee fruit extract's high Vitamin C content aids collagen synthesis, which is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness (especially as we pass 30 and 40 years old, when collagen production drastically declines).

• Glucose Management and Hyperpigmentation

Oligonol also helps support balanced glucose levels and reduces hyperpigmentation. The natural ingredients in Oligonol support healthy blood circulation and antioxidant effects, which can lead to healthier skin and better overall metabolic health. Supplements for hyperpigmentation, like Oligonol, can enhance these benefits.

• Tightening Skin After Weight Loss

For those who have experienced significant weight loss, Oligonol can help tighten and enhance the appearance of skin, making it an ideal supplement for post-weight loss body adjustments. Oligonol ranks as one of the best antioxidant supplements on the market, providing comprehensive antioxidant support and aiding in maintaining skin elasticity and a healthy metabolism. This is particularly valuable for those looking for natural ways to manage body composition and health without the potential side effects of pharmaceuticals. Additionally, supplements to tighten skin after weight loss, like Oligonol, can be especially effective.

The Reality of Weight Loss Supplements: Choose Your Options Wisely 

Many commercial weight loss supplements suffer from significant drawbacks, including the use of unregulated, potentially contaminated ingredients and the presence of excessive stimulants like caffeine. These factors can detract from the safety and effectiveness of such products.

• Regulatory Oversight: Unlike prescription medications, many dietary supplements are not rigorously regulated by the FDA. This means their safety, quality, and effectiveness may not be as closely monitored. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe before they go to market, but unscrupulous participants looking to make a fast buck aren't required to prove the effectiveness of their products the way honest companies do with transparency and 3rd-party testing.
  
  For instance, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that nearly 20% of herbal supplements contained contaminants or ingredients not listed on the label, which could pose serious health risks to consumers. Purity Is Priority!®

• Ingredient Transparency: Many weight loss supplements can contain a mix of ingredients that are not always clearly listed or explained on the packaging. This can include everything from harmless herbs to potentially dangerous chemical additives. It's vital to research each ingredient independently and consult healthcare professionals if you have any doubts.
• Health Risks and Side Effects: Many weight loss supplements rely heavily on stimulants like caffeine to induce short-term weight loss primarily through increased metabolism and decreased appetite. However, excessive caffeine intake can lead to a range of adverse effects, including heart palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
• Misleading Claims: Beware of products that claim to offer "miracle" weight loss without diet or exercise. Effective weight management typically requires a balanced approach, including diet modifications, physical activity, and sometimes, supplements. Products advertising quick fixes might not only be ineffective but could also be harmful.

Before choosing a supplement, look for evidence of clinical trials or scientific studies that support its claims. Reputable companies will often provide access to research or studies that have been conducted on their formulas.

High Quality Supplementation

Pure Thera's MicroActive® Oligonol® distinguishes itself by offering a formula that is not only safe but also rooted in scientifically validated ingredients. This supplement avoids the common pitfalls of other products, such as dangerous additives or untested ingredients, making it a reliable option for those seeking natural health solutions.

Pure TheraPro’s MicroActive® Oligonol® is a 12-hour sustained-release formula with improved uniform absorption. 2.39x GREATER bioavailability than regular Oligonol® – which means you only need ONE CAPSULE a day to get an equivalent of 239mg Oligonol (the dose required for healthy visceral tissue levels support as evidenced by scientific studies).

Unlike other antioxidant formulas and skin supplements, our free-radical-fighting complex uses clinically studied ingredients backed by 30 human clinical trials with multiple healthy-aging-support benefits. It supports the three major causes of aging: poor blood circulation, cell oxidation and inflammation. 

Oligonol has been clinically shown to:

• Support healthy post-meal blood glucose and lipid levels
• Support healthy visceral tissue levels (especially around internal organs and the belly & waist)
• Lessen the appearance of skin wrinkles and brown spots
• Help support energy production and endurance

References

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2017). FDA approves new drug treatment for chronic weight management, first since 2014. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). GLP-1 receptor agonists: Diabetes drugs and weight loss. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-medication/art-20047634

National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Semaglutide: MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a618035.html

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Antioxidants: In Depth. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/antioxidants-in-depth

ClinicalTrials.gov. (n.d.). Effects of Oligonol Intake on Obese Individuals. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01267227

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Dietary Supplements. https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements

Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Weight Loss & Fitness. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/weight-loss-fitness

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Dietary Supplements. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements

Consumer Reports. (n.d.). What's Really in Your Supplements? Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/dietary-supplements/whats-really-in-your-supplements/

National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss. Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WeightLoss-HealthProfessional/

Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Dietary Supplements. FTC. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/dietary-supplements

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Using Dietary Supplements Wisely. NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/using-dietary-supplements-wisely

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/22/well/ozempic-diabetes-weight-loss.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4490649/