Jean Bitar Hospital highlights risks of self-medication for weight loss

In recent years, Ozempic has gained prominence as an effective option for treating type 2 diabetes, offering promises of glycemic control and significant weight loss. However, behind the seemingly remarkable benefits, there is a reality that many ignore: the risks associated with inappropriate use of this medication.

Given this scenario, endocrinologist Rafaela Miranda, from Hospital Jean Bitar (HJB), in Belém, warns about the importance of medical guidance, before starting any treatment with the medication, as without the supervision of a professional it can represent a serious threat to the patient’s health.

Rafaela Miranda explains that Ozempic is the commercial name of a medicine called semaglutide, which belongs to a class of medicines called Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications help control blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin and reducing the body’s production of glucagon. Additionally, they can help reduce appetite and promote weight loss. It is important to use Ozempic as directed by your doctor, as it is administered by subcutaneous injection and requires a prescription.

For the doctor, Ozempic is an excellent medication that was created to optimize the treatment of diabetes and obesity, but any medication has its indications and contraindications. “It is very important that the patient is under medical supervision, to know if this measurement is appropriate for their dietary profile, if they have any contraindications that prohibit the use of the medication, if there is a need to combine it with other medications and so that we can manage the side effects of the medicine. It is important to remember that there is no miracle medicine, although Ozempic is very famous for its potency, especially in relation to weight loss. Drug treatment is important, as is motivation for physical activity and healthy eating”, warned the specialist.

The professional also warns of some risks. “The patient may not achieve the desired objective, as they may be using medication that does not correspond to their dietary profile. Furthermore, without medical supervision, the patient may develop nutritional deficiencies that may be manifested by some symptoms such as weakness and indisposition, so it is important that this is discussed together with the professional, for adequate guidance on protein intake and assessment of the need. to supplement vitamins as this is also part of the monitoring of patients who use this type of medication”, concluded the professional.

Obesity – HJB is a reference in carrying out bariatric surgeries, part of the State Government’s “Zero Obesity Program”, carried out by the hospital unit’s multidisciplinary team.

From January to March this year, the multidisciplinary team has already carried out 1,523 outpatient consultations, which allow the team to assess the patient’s health and prepare them for surgery.

Among the users served by the program is patient Estefani Gouvêa, who is currently in the pre-operative phase and undergoing consultation with HJB specialists to undergo bariatric surgery in the future. She said she was unaware of Ozempic, but did not rule out the importance of having a specialist to guide patients. “We don’t know what side effects there are when taking medication and it could harm our health even more. So it is always important to have medical advice”, she highlighted.

The Jean Bitar Hospital belongs to the public health network of the government of Pará. It is administered by the National Institute for Social and Human Development, in partnership with Sespa. The unit provides medium and high complexity care in the outpatient and hospital areas for transgender users, and in medical and surgical clinics for metabolic and gastrointestinal diseases.

Service:

HJB is located at Rua Cônego Jerônimo Pimentel, nº 543, in the Umarizal neighborhood, in Belém.