The little known effects of Ozempic that go beyond weight loss.

Once considered a niche medication for type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has become the drug of the moment; it's splashed across headlines, discussed at length in social media feeds, and increasingly prescribed for weight loss.

But while its ability to suppress appetite and shed kilos may seem like a miracle, health experts are warning that the full story of GLP-1 drugs is more nuanced than most people realise.

Among those raising concerns is respected nutritionist Therese Cullen, who believes society is too quick to celebrate weight loss without understanding what's lost along the way.

Watch: It's a conversation many experts — and women — are starting to have. Here's a quick listen from Mamamia's Well podcast. Post continues below.

"GLP drugs like Ozempic work," she said. "There is also a cost of muscle and bone loss, nutrient depletion and gut disruption. My fear is that people are being prescribed without the guidance of a nutritionist.

"They are eating less, but are they choosing nutrient-dense nutritious whole foods? Are they exercising enough to build the muscle?"

The science behind the drug is well established. Ozempic mimics a naturally occurring hormone in the body – GLP-1 – that helps regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and reduce appetite.

But Cullen warns that replicating natural processes pharmaceutically is not without risk.

"The pharmaceutical industry loves to take natural processes in the body and exaggerate them to the point where it causes harm to the person. I am not against Ozempic, it's a very useful drug for diabetic patients and for those who are morbidly obese," she said.

"There is no doubt it can be a lifesaving drug. For those who are just needing to lose those few extra kilos that have crept up in midlife, I believe there needs to be more transparency and support for the possible side effects."

That support, she argues, is sorely lacking. While Ozempic reduces hunger and leads to fewer calories consumed, it also limits opportunities to consume nutrients essential to health.

Nutritionist Therese Palmer. Image: Supplied.

"Severe calorie restriction and appetite-suppressing drugs often lead to less food overall, which means fewer opportunities to feed your gut the fibre it needs to thrive," she said.

When fibre intake drops, Cullen says, the effects can cascade:

• Your gut microbiome suffers

• Inflammation can increase

• Cravings go up, satiety goes down, and weight loss gets harder

"Ultra-calorie-restricted diets often completely ignore the importance of fibre, yet it's one of the most important ingredients for sustainable fat loss and gut health," Cullen said. "Fibre slows down gastric emptying, which is exactly what Ozempic mimics in the body. But this is a 'natural' approach."

Cullen says these drugs should spark a broader conversation about how society approaches food and health.

"It appears that society has lost touch with what is natural and prefers a quick fix. We have lost touch with our natural systems and let go of nature," Cullen said. "We don't pay enough attention to our food sources, and many people have forgotten how to cook, as they are eating out more than eating at home.

"It's not just fibre that decreases when people are eating less calories, all the essential food groups are impacted and people seem to have forgotten that eating food is actually how we survive. Food is medicine."

Cullen's concerns extend beyond the physiological. She believes the widespread adoption of weight-loss medications has created a deeper disconnection from ourselves.

"We have lost touch with food, with nature and with our bodies."

The societal effects of widespread Ozempic use are already beginning to ripple outward. A recent Mamamia Outloud podcast episode highlighted some of the surprising impacts of GLP-1 drugs.

Watch: For the full episode, where co-hosts Holly, Mia and Jessie unpack the surprising ways GLP-1 drugs are shaping our lives, listen below.

Consumer habits are shifting. Appetite-suppressing drugs are reducing the urge not only to eat, but also to engage in impulsive behaviours like drinking alcohol, shopping excessively, or even gambling.

Retailers in the US are reporting smaller grocery basket sizes, and public health experts speculate that we may eventually see reduced sick days as weight-related illnesses like diabetes and hypertension decline.

The fitness industry is also taking note.

With muscle loss being a known side effect, gyms are rethinking their layouts and offerings. Cardio floors that were once packed with treadmills are giving way to strength training zones, and personal trainers are being asked to design programs specifically to help GLP-1 users preserve muscle and bone density.

Social and emotional changes are another growing concern.

If fewer people are interested in food, what becomes of the family dinner table?

Some experts warn that longstanding emotional relationships with food are being interrupted, forcing people to confront feelings they once coped with through eating.

Cullen says this moment presents an opportunity to rethink the culture around weight and wellness.

"Imagine if the pharmaceutical companies were to donate some of the many millions they make from these weight-loss drugs into educating people on food/nutrition and exercise," she said.

"Are we giving enough nutritional support to those people whose appetite is decreased? Are they eating nutrient-dense foods to support cellular energy and brain health? It's not about calories or portion control, it's about connecting with our food."

If this has you thinking more deeply about your health and how we nourish our bodies, Mamamia's Well podcast is here to help. Each week, we sit down with leading experts to bring you clear, compassionate advice — so you can feel informed, empowered, and more connected to your body.

Listen to our latest episodes here:

• Three Ways To Spot PCOS And Can Weight Loss Drugs Help?

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Feature Image: Getty.