Ozempic and the Next Step After Weight Loss
Initially approved for managing diabetes, Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which mimics a hormone that helps regulate appetite and food intake, leading to reduced hunger and lower calorie consumption. For those looking to lose weight, semaglutide enhances the sensation of fullness, slows down the digestive process, and affects brain pathways responsible for appetite, all of which contribute to significant weight reduction.
Substantial weight loss, particularly rapid loss, often results in decreased fat mass but leaves behind excess skin. Skin, an incredibly elastic organ, adjusts to changes in body shape and size. However, its ability to retract and tighten after being stretched varies, depending on factors such as the duration and extent of being stretched, age, genetics, and overall skin health.
With age, the skin loses the collagen and elastin essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. This reduction makes it challenging for the skin to revert to a firmer state after extensive stretching. Consequently, many individuals who experience major weight loss are left with loose, sagging skin, especially around the abdomen, arms, thighs, and buttocks. Surgical procedures, like a thigh lift, become necessary to achieve a natural-looking contour and ensure the skin conforms to the body's new shape.
