In India, the drug Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss, but as an antidiabetic drug, warns Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya.

• You can post your health related queries to rediffGURU Dr Chandrakant Lahariya HERE.

Please note that the image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photo: kind kind Anna Shvets/Instagram

Recent, Maheep Kapoor who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, noted that the drug Ozempic (prescribed as an antidiabetic drug) also leads to rapid weight loss.

Kapoor was speaking on the show Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood WivesSeason 3 which airs on Netflix and is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment.

While netizens were quick to Google the drug and link it to KJo losing a lot of weight, he clarified the claims are untrue.

“Being healthy and eating well and reinventing the wheel of your own nutrition! Gold Ozempic no miles credit?’ Karan responded to trolls on Instagram.

Obviously, we are curious to know: Does the anti-diabetic drug Ozempic really help you lose weight?

rediffGURU Dr Chandrakant Lahariya is a diabetologist, infectious disease and public health specialist and vaccine expert.

The Delhi-based doctor has over 20 years of experience in hypertension, thyroid disorders and respiratory diseases.

• You can post your health related queries to rediffGURU Dr Chandrakant Lahariya HERE.

Anonymous: Does Ozempic help with long-term weight loss?
What are the side effects of consumption?

Ozempic helps with weight loss, which can be sustained as long as you continue to take this medicine.

There is no doubt that it helps in weight loss.

Common side effects associated with this drug (which is only available as an oral formulation in India) are fullness, nausea and vomiting, abdominal discomfort, etc.

In India, the drug is not licensed for weight loss, but as an antidiabetic drug.

Please consult a doctor personally to understand the benefits and risks of the drug.

Anonymous: I am 50 years old and have diabetes.
I’ve noticed breakouts on the bottom of my legs (around the shins or just above the ankles) and it often feels itchy.
I usually wear jeans and sit in a desk for nine hours a day.
Six months ago, I had a similar problem and when I went to the doctor, he prescribed an anti-allergic and some ointment, which solved the problem. However, the eruptions reappeared about a month ago in the same area.
Please help me understand the reason for this and suggest a permanent solution.

While it’s possible to have rashes due to diabetes-related complications, chances are those rashes are unrelated or allergic.

It would be a good idea to try some anti-allergens and then lotions.

Please consult a skin specialist in person. It is best if rashes and skin problems are examined in person by a doctor.

Later, other approaches can be followed.

Neeraj Gupta: I am 56 years old. I have borderline cholesterol.
Even though sometimes I feel very slight pain in my arms (central parts), under my ribs on the left side.
I want a preventive checkup for blocked arteries, veins and other blood vessels.
So may I ask you to suggest the required test for such type of test?
I’m an absentee. I don’t smoke, I don’t drink alcohol.

It is a good idea to consider a preventive health check.

Any man over the age of 50 should have an annual health check. So please do an annual checkup.

A comprehensive annual checkup should include a blood investigation — a complete blood count; ECG; chest x-ray and consultation with a doctor after all these tests.

• You can post your health related queries to rediffGURU Dr Chandrakant Lahariya HERE.

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