What to know about GLP-1 supplements for weight loss
As the Food and Drug Administration cracks down on compounded versions of popular weight loss drugs Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide), Americans who rely on these cheaper medications may be drawn to a dicey sector of the dietary supplement market.
From colorful patches and fruit punch-flavored gummies to prebiotic powders and under-the-tongue tinctures, dietary supplements that claim to 'complement' or 'supercharge' the body's levels of the gut hormone GLP-1 are a dime a dozen. While compounded drugs require at least a virtual consultation with a clinician to get a prescription, supplements are available over the counter.
At best, such products are misleading, said Jamie Alan, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine. So-called GLP-1 supplements, named to echo the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist drugs that includes Wegovy and Zepbound, are likely to be ineffective for weight loss.
'If you can buy it without a prescription, it's not an actual GLP-1 drug,' Alan said. 'It is something else that's marketed to support your endogenous GLP-1 production. These things are just older weight loss [supplements] that are rebranded, and there's really no scientific evidence for these.'
Ashwagandha and green tea extract are among the natural ingredients that have been recycled in diet products for decades, Alan said. Ashwagandha is often advertised as a stress reliever, and though the stress hormone cortisol is tied to weight gain, there's little proof the evergreen shrub directly helps shed pounds. Green tea and green tea extract may have a 'possible modest effect on body weight,' according to mixed research cited by the Office of Dietary Supplements, some of which links the extract to liver damage.
'We're coming back to these products that have been ineffective in the past,' Alan said. Ingredients popping up on GLP-1 supplement labels include everything from berberine to chromium to saffron extract, which have a minimal body of research supporting their effects on weight loss.
What's missing from the ingredient lists is also of note.
The brand Kind Patches indicates its GLP-1 adhesive 'does not contain synthetic GLP-1 and is not a GLP-1 agonist drug.' Lemme, Kourtney Kardashian Barker's wellness brand, features an identical disclaimer for its GLP-1 Daily Support Capsules. Trim Biome GLP-1, manufactured by Inno Supps, boasts 'clinically studied ingredients' but not the hormone in the product's name.
Lemme declined to comment; Inno Supps and Kind Patches didn't respond to a request for comment.
Jeff Ventura, the vice president of communications for the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a trade group for the supplement industry, said in a statement that there are 'no direct comparators' for GLP-1 drugs in the dietary supplement industry.
'While some supplement ingredients have shown promise in limited studies related to metabolic health and weight management, they do not have the same effects as GLP-1 drugs,' Ventura said.
'It is very tricky, because they'll put that big 'GLP-1' on there and it makes you think, 'Well, maybe this is the drug,' if you're not thinking about how to read these labels or if you don't know how to read these labels,' Alan said.
The FDA doesn't regulate dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness before they hit the market, whether they're a daily multivitamin or a post-workout protein powder. For that reason, the agency advises consulting a health care provider before adding any supplement to your regimen.
'There could be harm in some of these,' Alan said. 'There are going to be some people who might have a significant drug interaction, who might have a significant medical condition. In most people there's probably minimal risk of harm, but that's not true for everyone.'
Why are compounded GLP-1 drugs going away?
GLP-1 drugs aren't new, having been used to treat Type 2 diabetes since 2005. Demand soared after the FDA approved Wegovy and Zepbound for weight loss in 2021 and 2023, respectively. The ensuing shortages made it legal for compounding pharmacies to step in.
Compounding pharmacies typically mix, alter or combine drug ingredients to meet a patient's specific needs. For example, a pharmacy may make a liquid version of a drug that only comes in pill form for a patient who has trouble swallowing. During drug shortages, they're also authorized to craft medications that are 'essentially copies' of commercially available drugs.
Compounded versions of Wegovy and Zepbound skyrocketed in popularity — in part because they were generally sold for far less than their brand-name counterparts. Wegovy, for instance, has a list price of $1,349.02 for a four-week supply, though some insurance plans cover it. Meanwhile, WeightWatchers offers compounded semaglutide starting at $129 a month.
That's coming to an end: The FDA declared the tirzepatide shortage over in December and did the same for the semaglutide shortage in February. Compounders must now pull their products. The grace period for tirzepatide manufacturers is over, and semaglutide producers have until Tuesday or May 22, depending on whether they're a state-licensed pharmacy or an outsourcing facility.
That leaves a huge opening for GLP-1 supplement sellers to flood the $49.3 billion global market — and convince consumers a $15 pack of unproven patches will yield the same results as brand-name drugs that have undergone comprehensive clinical trials, said Dr. W. Scott Butsch, director of obesity medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute.
Butsch, who has previously consulted for Novo Nordisk (maker of Wegovy) and Eli Lilly (maker of Zepbound), said he was already concerned about the ubiquity of compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide in recent years.
'The FDA states very clearly: These compounded versions are not the same,' he said. 'They don't have the same ingredients. They have not been tested.'
Worse still, Butsch said, compounders and now supplement companies are using lower pricing to target an already vulnerable clientele. Walmart, for example, sells a variety of GLP-1 supplements under $50.
Blair Cromwell, the director of global communications for Walmart's U.S. Marketplace, said in a statement that dietary supplements are sold by third-party sellers on its Marketplace.
'Our policy allows the sale of dietary supplements if they comply with applicable regulations as well as federal, state and local laws, and FTC guidelines,' Cromwell said, adding that the company would be likely to review products marketed as GLP-1 supplements and 'remove them if found to make inappropriate or inaccurate claims.'
'[The wellness market] has continued to prey on the desperate, and these are people who have poor access,' Butsch said. 'Patients with obesity have always had poor access to obesity medications.'
He added, 'You have some optimism among people who think that they can save some money and still get the benefit. But it's a bigger carrot that they're carrying in front of the horse now.'
'No simple dietary fix' can match GLP-1 results
Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and the director of Tufts University's Food Is Medicine Institute, said, 'There's no simple dietary fix that's going to do what these drugs do in a short amount of time.'
Still, the metabolic mechanism the supplements claim to achieve — boosting natural GLP-1 production — isn't without merit.
'The food I'm eating is biologic information that's activating hormones in my body, including GLP-1,' Mozaffarian said, noting that healthy fats and high-fiber foods have been shown to trigger GLP-1 production. But its natural release into the bloodstream is fleeting; GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking the hormone and keeping it around longer, which can aid in appetite suppression.
'It's too early for [GLP-1 supplements] to have science behind them,' Mozaffarian said. 'But I do think in the future we will be able to give people more clear recommendations on what's a natural, lifestyle way to boost your GLP-1 function.'
For now, he said, 'I wouldn't spend money on these supplements, I would spend money on healthy food.'
Alan, of Michigan State University, was blunt.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I was terrified when I got pregnant with ‘Ozempic baby' after weeks on fat jabs – I feared ‘thalidmide effects' or worse
Erica is not alone, pregnant women have flooded social media with their fears, and experts say there is not enough evidence to say the jabs are safe for pregnant women. GRIPPED BY FEAR I was terrified when I got pregnant with 'Ozempic baby' after weeks on fat jabs – I feared 'thalidmide effects' or worse STARING at yet another pregnancy test, Erica Coronado was thrilled but terrified. The 36-year-old had given up hope of a baby after two years of trying and the agony of a stillbirth. 8 Erica Coronado got the news she was pregnant after starting fat jabs in 2023 Credit: Supplied 8 She had started using Ozempic when polycystic ovary syndrome - which can also affect fertilty - saw her gain weight Credit: Supplied 8 Erica, pictured with her husband, Joseph Leyton, 26, had been pregnant in 2020 but gave birth to a stillborn Credit: Supplied So seeing two lines appear on the tests 'felt like a dream' for her and husband Joseph Leyton, 26. Yet they were then gripped by fear — as a month earlier Erica had started taking 'fat jab' Ozempic. Erica, now 37, tells The Sun: 'I was worried my baby might have a defect, or worse.' Desperate for reassurance, Erica turned to TikTok and a Facebook group of other mums who had given birth to 'Ozempic babies'. One new mum posted: 'I lost so much sleep thinking something will go wrong.' Others feared the jabs could be the next thalidomide — a drug given for morning sickness in the late Fifties and early Sixties, that caused severe birth defects. Erica already had children Alexa, 14, and Jordon, 19, from a previous relationship but she and husband Joseph were desperate for a baby of their own. But in 2019, aged 30, she had been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormone disorder making it harder to conceive. Agonising stillbirth She did get pregnant in 2020 but developed pre-eclampsia and was forced to give birth to her stillborn baby. 'It left such a huge hole in my heart that I thought would never be filled,' she says. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons 'I really started to believe it might never happen again.' Fearing she may never conceive, Erica focused on something she felt she could control — her weight. Shortly before her PCOS diagnosis, a symptom of which is weight gain, she had piled on the pounds and reached 16st 4lb. So, in 2023, fed up with diet fails, she started on Ozempic, which mimics the gut hormone GLP-1 that is released after eating and works to slow food's movement through the gut so you feel full for longer. Ozempic is approved in the UK only for type 2 diabetes but in the US off-label for weight loss. In the UK, its equivalent Wegovy is licensed for weight loss, as is Mounjaro. In just two months, Erica lost 15lb but also noticed she had missed two periods — and a pregnancy test proved positive. 'Little miracle' Despite her fears, Erica counts herself lucky as she welcomed her perfectly healthy baby girl, Mariana Jo last year — and hails her 'my little miracle'. 'It's so wonderful to have a baby in the house again,' she gushes. 'Mariana Jo laughs at everything and has developed a fondness for animals. While she will never replace the baby we lost, she brings so much joy to all of us.' But Erica was right to worry — we do not know the effects the 'miracle' weight-loss injections might have on unborn babies. More research is needed into how GLP-1 injections like semaglutide — the drug in Wegovy and Ozempic — and tirzepatide, in Mounjaro, affect pregnancy. 8 Erica welcomed her perfectly healthy baby girl, Mariana Jo last year Credit: Supplied 8 Erica with her husband Joseph and their daughter Credit: Supplied 8 The mum started Ozempic after being fed up with diet fails Credit: AP And health chiefs warned last week the drugs must NOT be taken during pregnancy, so women using them should also use contraception. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency says: 'Taking the medicine could cause harm to the baby.' Data from animal studies suggests potential for harm, with low birth weight and skeletal abnormalities Professor Rebecca Reynolds Professor Rebecca Reynolds at the University of Edinburgh adds: 'There is hardly any data from human studies to advise if these drugs are safe in pregnancy. 'Data from animal studies suggests potential for harm, with low birth weight and skeletal abnormalities.' Dr Bassel Wattar, a consultant gynaecologist at Anglia Ruskin University says it is rare for pregnant women to join trials like this, as it can be 'riskier and more expensive'. Warning to use effective contraception on injections THE UK's medicines regulator has warned women using weight-loss jabs they must use effective contraception. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has received more than 40 reports of pregnancy among women on weight-loss jabs. Of those, 26 were related to Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and eight to Wegovy/Ozempic (semaglutide). It recommends women taking tirzepatide, in particular, use a non-oral contraceptive because the drug may reduce its effectiveness. The MHRA said: 'This can be a barrier form of contraception (e.g. condom) alongside your pill, or switching to a non-oral contraceptive like the coil or implant.' The MHRA added GLP-1 medicines should not be taken during pregnancy or just before trying to get pregnant. It says to stop taking semaglutide for at least two months before trying to become pregnant, and tirzapatide for at least one month. But studies of rats found semaglutide caused early pregnancy loss and birth defects. Similar was seen in rabbits and monkeys. However, The Sun's resident GP, Dr Zoe Williams, says: 'It's not really plausible that these drugs could be the 'next thalidomide', due to the pharmacology. 'The GLP-1 [weight-loss] drugs are peptides that work by mimicking natural, existing, small proteins in our bodies. In contrast, thalidomide is a drug that can affect blood vessel growth. 'The reason for this new advice is that we don't have enough safety data to know if the medicines could cause harm to the baby. "But it is not likely they would cause such significant birth defects as seen with thalidomide. 'The fact that so far no evidence of danger to the baby has been seen, despite many women getting pregnant on them, is tentatively reassuring.' In fact, the medicines seem to make women MORE fertile and, in the right hands, could prove the most effective treatment for infertility we have seen in decades, experts have told The Sun. 'Happy side effect' Dr Nerys Astbury, Associate Professor of Diet and Obesity at the University of Oxford, tells us: 'It could be that these medicines improve conception chances, we don't know yet.' Dr Wattar says: 'It's not the medication itself but the weight-loss that helps regulate a woman's hormones, allowing her ovaries to function properly again. Pregnancy is more of a happy side effect.' He now prescribes fat jabs to women with PCOS, adding: 'We have found in our clinic these injections are the superior method to help women reach a healthy weight quickly, improving their chances of pregnancy.' But in line with MHRA guidance, he takes his patients OFF the drugs up to two months before couples try to get pregnant. Dr Astbury agrees with Dr Wattar and says: 'The weight loss triggered by obesity medicines is likely to be driving these pregnancies, rather than the drugs. "Losing even a small amount of weight can be enough to reverse infertility.' There should be clearer warnings so women don't accidentally fall pregnant Erica Meanwhile Erica, from California, credits her jabs with helping her conceive, and is calling for greater awareness of their fertility-boosting effects. She was prescribed Ozempic by her doctor, but never told it could affect her chance of having a baby. 'There should be clearer warnings so women don't accidentally fall pregnant,' she warns. The drugs' makers, Eli Lilly (Mounjaro) and Novo Nordisk (Wegovy and Ozempic) advise women who are pregnant, or trying, to not use the medication — and Dr Astbury says: 'Medics prescribing these medications should be advising women to use effective forms of contraception." MHRA also warns Mounjaro may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in people with obesity, and recommends non-oral forms of contraception such as the implant, coil or condoms. It also says that weight-loss jabs must not be used by mums who are breastfeeding. It also says weight-loss jabs must not be used by mums who are breastfeeding. Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, says: 'Skinny jabs are licensed to treat specific medical conditions and should not be used as aesthetic or cosmetic treatments.' A Novo Nordisk spokesman told us: 'There is limited data with semaglutide use in pregnant women to inform risk for adverse outcomes. Semaglutide should be discontinued in women at least two months before a planned pregnancy, and not used in pregnancy.' A spokesman for Mounjaro maker Eli Lily said: 'This should not be used in pregnancy, and it is recommended to use contraception while using this.' 8 Erica, 37, reveals: "I was worried my baby might have a defect, or worse" Credit: Supplied 8 "While she will never replace the baby we lost, she brings so much joy to all of us," says Erica Credit: Supplied
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The super ‘common' Ozempic side effect ‘many' will experience – and Sharon Osbourne has admitted she's a victim
FROM eggy burps to stomach-churning nausea, there appears to be an endless list of side effects linked to Ozempic-like jabs. But now, experts are getting candid on a fat jab complication that might shock many. 9 We've all heard about the possible brutal side effects of fat jabs - but now it's time to learn about something most will find surprising Credit: Getty 9 Celebs like Gemma Collins and Rebel Wilson have proudly confessed to using skinny jabs to shed the pounds Credit: instagram 9 Here, experts have set the record straight on a "common" fat jab complication that Sharon Osbourne is currently experiencing Credit: BackGrid Ozempic, a medication originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, has now become almost as famous as the rapidly-thinning stars who may - or may not - be using it. It's the poster child for a new wave of weight loss injections, but is said to cause 'Ozempic neck', 'Ozempic feet', 'Ozempic butt' and even 'Ozempic lines'. Just last month, Fabulous revealed the newly discovered and incredibly brutal 'Ozempic aftermath', as experts detailed some of the horrendous side effects that are flooding clinics. But not only should people be concerned about the effects it can have on skin, teeth and energy levels, as it turns out there's something else that fat jabs users need to be aware of. Millions across the world are using GLP-1 medications to slim down, using Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound, to drop up to a fifth of their body weight. The drugs, which have been hailed a 'miracle' by some, work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone released in the body when we are full. While many celebrities, including Amy Schumer, 43, and Lottie Moss, 26, have lost huge amounts of weight and openly talked about using Ozempic, now, Sharon Osbourne, 72, is said to be the latest victim of a worrying side effect. While many are concerned that those using Ozempic will pile on the pounds immediately after coming off of fat jabs, according to experts, 'many' could experience the total opposite. Not only may people find it 'harder to gain weight' after using Ozempic-like jabs, but they could also 'lead to frailty', muscle and strength loss, particularly for those in their 60s. Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, experts have now set the record straight on why some will struggle to gain weight after using fat jabs including, but not limited to, Ozempic. Inside Hollywood's worrying obsession with fat jabs - and what newly slimline Christina Aguilera really thinks of Ozempic claims Mohamed Imran Lakhi, director and superintendent pharmacist at Prescription Doctor, who has over 20 years of experience, tells us: 'When people stop taking medications like Ozempic it's common to see changes in weight management. 'Ozempic works by slowing digestion and reducing appetite, so when someone stops the treatment, their body may return to previous hunger and digestion patterns. 'This can make it harder to gain weight at first because the body is still adjusting to normal insulin and appetite signals. 'Over time, most people's weight will stabilise, but it can feel like a struggle initially. 9 Mohamed Imran Lakhi claims that it is "harder to gain weight at first" after stopping use of fat jabs Credit: Supplied 'This effect isn't unique to Sharon Osbourne. Many who use these medications experience similar challenges once they stop. 'It's important to manage expectations and work closely with healthcare providers to maintain a healthy weight through diet and lifestyle after stopping the medication.' It comes after just days ago, Sharon Osbourne, 72, sparked concern over her gaunt appearance after being spotted out and about in Los Angeles. The former X Factor judge also revealed that after using Ozempic, she is now unable to gain weight. 'Godzilla' of fat jabs Dr Mitra Dutt, a GP from Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, says: 'Mounjaro works by activating two hormonal receptors (GIP and GLP-1), which enhance insulin production, improve insulin sensitivity and work to decrease food intake.' Saxenda, which contains the active ingredient liraglutide, is another weight loss jab that's been available on the NHS since 2020. While Mounjaro is hailed as the "King Kong" fat jabs, a new weight loss drug dubbed "Godzilla" looks set to displace it. Containing the active ingredient retatrutide, slimmers trying the drug lost up to 29 per cent of their weight in less than a year. By comparison, trial results showed semaglutide, known as Ozempic, could lead to 15 per cent weight loss and tirzepatide, aka Mounjaro, to 23 per cent. Retatrutide acts on three different receptors in the brain, 'turbocharging' calorie burning while dulling hunger pangs. Existing weight-loss jabs only suppress appetite, whereas the new treatment also speeds up metabolism. The new drug is still undergoing clinical trials so it's not yet known if it will be made available on the NHS. The TV personality, who lost 42 pounds with the help of the diabetes drug, previously revealed she "didn't actually want to go this thin". Her frail look raised concern after she stepped out with daughter Aimee, 41, for a shopping trip, just days ago. The TV star's face looked slimmer than ever, with her jawline incredibly pronounced. Not only this, but she also left fans concerned after she shared a clip on social media showing off her shrinking frame whilst wearing a loose fitting sweater and cream trousers. I weigh just over 7st. I need to put on 10lb, but however much I eat, I stay the same weight Sharon Osbourne Concerned fans rushed to the comments, as one wrote: 'Sharon, I love you but you are way too thin.' A second chimed in: 'She looks ill, poor thing,' while someone else advised: 'Please stop losing weight.' Meanwhile, another begged: 'Please go eat a cheeseburger.' 9 Sharon Osbourne, pictured in 2013, before using Ozempic Credit: Getty - Contributor 9 Now, she describes herself as looking 'gaunt' Credit: Rex 9 Fans recently expressed concern for the former X Factor judge Credit: Instagram/sharonosbourne While Sharon was initially pleased with her results after starting the medication back in December 2022, she has recently admitted fears she had taken it too far. Revealing all on Howie Mandel's podcast, Sharon confessed: 'I can't put on weight now, and I don't know what it's done to my metabolism, but I just can't seem to put any on, because I think I went too far.' As well as this, Sharon recently told Daily Mail about her "frustration" with the lingering effects, as she shared: 'Now, I weigh just over 7st. I need to put on 10lb, but however much I eat, I stay the same weight. 'I've had enough. I've given up on all interventions. I couldn't have much more facial surgery - there's not that much skin left to stretch, pull or cut. And I won't have any more fillers or Botox. What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. 'I don't think I'll ever be happy with the way I look. 'I've learned my lesson. This is me. It's finally time to leave well alone.' Not only this, but Sharon claimed doctors are at a loss as to why she hasn't been able to gain weight back after she stopped using Ozempic months ago, as she stressed: 'The doctors can't figure it out.' But Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, tells us that Ozempic users over 65 will struggle much more than others to gain weight after coming off of fat jabs. It can become quite difficult to eat enough to put weight back on Kiran Jones Kiran says: 'Media personality Sharon Osbourne has been vocal about her use of Ozempic and has lost over 40 pounds with the help of the popular medication. 'However, she's since revealed that she's struggling to regain weight since coming off the drug, as she feels she's lost too much weight. 'While many people do regain weight after stopping Ozempic and other GLP-1s, this isn't always the case for patients over 65. 'Older adults often experience a natural decline in appetite as part of the ageing process. Add the lasting effects of a GLP-1 medicine, and it can become quite difficult to eat enough to put weight back on.' 9 Kiran Jones recognises that Ozempic users over 65 will struggle much more than others to gain weight after coming off of the fat jabs Credit: Supplied As well as this, Kiran adds: 'In some cases, the weight loss itself changes the body's needs. 'With less muscle and a slower metabolism, older patients simply don't need as much food, so if appetite stays low, weight regain can slow or stop. 'What looks like 'success' from a weight loss perspective can actually lead to frailty in this group, especially if they've lost muscle or strength along the way.' Kiran observes a 'shift' that can 'stick', as she continues: 'Many patients adjust their habits while on Ozempic, they start eating smaller meals and feeling full faster. 'That shift can stick, even after stopping the medication. For older people, who may already eat lightly, this can make it even harder to increase food intake again. 'It's worth noting that older adults are more vulnerable to the side effects of nausea or stomach upset, even after stopping. "If food feels unappealing or difficult to digest, eating more becomes a real challenge. 'For patients over 65, weight management after Ozempic needs a more tailored approach. It's not just about weight on the scale. It's about strength, function, and making sure people stay well-nourished. 'This group may benefit from extra clinical support, not just during treatment but also after, especially if they're struggling to gain weight or feel well.' It could potentially have put her in a position where it is extremely hard to regain the weight she has lost, with regards to muscle and bone strength Dr. Ed Robinson Similarly, Dr Ed Robinson, a leading aesthetic doctor, recognises that perimenopausal women, as well as those battling menopause, may struggle to gain weight after using Ozempic. Dr Ed explains: 'The only way in which Ozempic could have long-term effects like this is if you lost so much weight and so much muscular atrophy while taking the drug. 'Then it is very difficult to put weight back on - especially for menopausal or postmenopausal women who don't have the levels of hormone anymore.' Dr Ed describes Sharon as 'so thin' and 'quite frail looking', as he concludes: 'It could potentially have put her in a position where it is extremely hard to regain the weight she has lost, with regards to muscle and bone strength. 'If you are too frail, it is hard to do the necessary exercises to boost strength.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Rhyl Journal
14 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
Family to open gym for all abilities and ages in Prestatyn
Rosalind Morris, Senior Sister and Emergency Nurse Practitioner in A&E at Glan Clwyd Hospital, and her husband Alan, an Emergency Ambulance Practitioner based at Rhyl Ambulance Station, are taking a new direction with the launch of a general fitness gym that caters to all ages and abilities. They're joined in the venture by Alan's son (Rosalind's stepson) Ruairidh Morris and his partner Emily Campbell, both of whom are qualified personal trainers and gym instructors. The gym will specialise in Hyrox fitness and offer a wide range of services including: Women's only sessions Pregnancy and antenatal fitness classes plus postnatal fitness Support individuals with mental health needs Rosalind said: "We are going to be a general fitness gym that specialises in Hydrox fitness. We will be open to all ages and abilities and will be keen to develop classes and programmes for every level and ability. Rosalind has worked at Glan Clwyd Hospital for 36 years. Alan worked for the MoD for 23 years before moving onto his Emergency Ambulance Practitioner role. MORE NEWS: MS criticises Denbighshire's Trolibocs scheme one year after 'disastrous' rollout 'Not your typical estate agents': Blue Turtle Property opens its doors in Rhos Full steam ahead for 2026: Will the Waverley return to Llandudno next year? It is hoped the gym can boast treatment rooms that will offer private physiotherapy, sports massage and nutrition (to be confirmed). Asked about how plans are progressing for the gym, Rosalind said: "Absolutely fabulous. The flooring is set to arrive this week and the equipment is arriving in early July." Rosalind added: "Ruairidh and Emily, who are personal trainers, are going to be doing the majority when it comes to the gym and myself and Alan will be there on our days off. "It is time for a change. I've done 36 years in Glan Clwyd and 33 years in A&E. We are going to see how it goes [in terms of our full-time jobs] and play it by ear. "With the gym, we want to do women's only, antenatal, postnatal. It is going to specialise in Hydrox fitness which is very popular at the moment." The gym is set to open this summer. Prestatyn Business Park was formerly a base for Kwik Save. The ex-vandalism hotspot, on Warren Drive, has been transformed into a first-class space for employment use by James Industrial Limited.
