Podcast Title: Locally Owned
Host/Author: The Street Smart Entrepreneur
Episode: Brandon Booth on Ozempic and Wagovy and Alcohol
Release Date: February 3, 2025

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of Locally Owned, host Brandon Booth engages in a deep dive discussion with Alex, a seasoned dietitian and fitness expert, about the burgeoning trend of using medications like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss. These drugs, originally intended for managing diabetes, have recently gained popularity for their off-label use in aiding weight loss. The conversation meticulously explores the benefits, risks, and broader implications of relying on such medications for achieving weight loss goals.

Understanding Ozempic and Wegovy

Alex begins by contextualizing the primary purpose of Ozempic and Wegovy, emphasizing their original design for controlling blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. However, "it's one of those things that it's, you know, yes, it was designed like say was for folks with diabetes to help with getting their A1C and their blood glucose levels down" (00:38). The unintended side effect of weight loss has led to their off-label popularity.

These medications, particularly Semaglutide, offer a simplified approach to weight loss by acting as tools that reduce appetite. Alex compares their utility to that of surgical options like gastric bypass, stating, "It's a tool. Now if you implement the tools but you don't change some of the things that kind of got you there, that is your lifestyle habits..." (01:54). He underscores that while these drugs can facilitate weight loss, they are not standalone solutions and must be complemented with lifestyle modifications.

Benefits and Potential Risks

The conversation delves into both the advantageous and adverse effects of these medications. Alex highlights beneficial cardiovascular effects, such as "decreasing your blood lipids or cholesterol levels" (04:25). However, he cautions against the uncertainties surrounding their long-term safety, admitting, "we don't know the long term effects of these drugs" (03:31).

Notable risks discussed include gastrointestinal issues like gastroparesis, diarrhea, and constipation, as well as pancreatitis and tachycardia (04:25). Alex likens the quick weight loss facilitated by these drugs to rapid but potentially unhealthy dietary restrictions, warning of muscle mass loss and other health complications if not managed properly.

The Importance of Lifestyle Changes

A significant portion of the discussion emphasizes the necessity of integrating diet and exercise with medication use. Alex stresses that weight loss is inherently challenging and requires patience and commitment: "Weight loss is hard. It takes time. And today's day and age, most people just don't have the patience or the time" (01:54).

He advocates for a holistic approach where medications are used to complement, not replace, healthy eating and regular physical activity. "There's an elevated intake of protein and you need to strength training. Those two things have shown to preserve muscle mass when you're in a caloric deficit that is weight loss" (08:18). This strategy aims to mitigate the loss of muscle mass and ensure sustainable weight management.

Professional Guidance: Dietitians vs. Nutritionists

A critical theme in the episode is the distinction between dietitians and nutritionists, and the importance of seeking professional guidance when embarking on a weight loss journey involving medications. Alex clarifies, "If you're a dietician, you're a nutritionist, but if you're a nutritionist, you're not a diet" (14:15). He emphasizes that dietitians possess a clinical background essential for creating comprehensive and safe dietary plans, especially when medications are involved.

Brandon concurs, advising listeners to "call someone, call a nutritionist and, and get a solid diet" (12:25), but Alex recommends consulting a dietitian for their medical expertise. This collaboration ensures that any dietary changes align with the individual's health needs and medication regimen.

Caloric Restriction and Diet Quality

The discussion transitions into the implications of severe caloric restriction, whether achieved through medication or dieting. Alex warns against the pitfalls of an inadequate diet: "What if somebody's just eating a certain couple of things a day... What does their protein intake look like? What about fruits and vegetables..." (05:48). He points out that drastically reducing calorie intake without considering nutritional quality can lead to muscle loss and other health issues.

Brandon adds that an unbalanced diet, even with low calories, can be detrimental: "there's probably no way they're getting a quality diet. So that's going to create the problems" (09:02). Both speakers agree that nutrient-dense diets are crucial for maintaining overall health during weight loss.

Alcohol's Impact on Weight Loss

A nuanced segment of the episode addresses the role of alcohol in weight management. Alex explains the metabolic differences in how the body processes alcohol compared to carbohydrates: "the alcohol doesn't digest like a carb, it digests like a fat... it [alcohol] promotes fat storage" (18:12). This clarification is vital for listeners who might mistakenly categorize alcohol as merely another carbohydrate source.

Brandon humorously shares his own experience with tracking alcohol intake, highlighting a common challenge: "I don't want to deal with you right now. I'm just gonna go with carbs right now and pretend I didn't see you" (19:19). Alex reinforces the importance of acknowledging and managing alcohol consumption to avoid hindering weight loss efforts.

Sustainable Weight Loss and Long-Term Health

Towards the conclusion, Alex reflects on the sustainability of weight loss achieved through medications versus lifestyle changes. He observes that "as soon as they got off, their hunger levels were significantly higher than when before they started the medication" (16:02), suggesting that without ingrained healthy habits, maintaining weight loss is challenging.

The speakers advocate for developing lasting fitness and dietary routines that do not solely rely on pharmacological aids. Alex emphasizes, "It's doable. It's you finding that, you know, that the nutrition plan, the fitness routine, that works for you" (16:45), encouraging listeners to personalize their health strategies for sustained success.

Key Takeaways

1. Medications as Tools: Ozempic and Wegovy can aid in weight loss but should be viewed as supplementary tools rather than standalone solutions.

2. Professional Guidance: Consulting a dietitian is crucial for creating a balanced diet that complements medication use and addresses individual health needs.

3. Lifestyle Integration: Sustainable weight loss requires a combination of proper nutrition, strength training, and consistent physical activity.

4. Awareness of Risks: Understanding the potential side effects and long-term consequences of weight loss medications is essential for informed decision-making.

5. Alcohol Moderation: Recognizing the unique metabolic impact of alcohol can prevent unexpected challenges in weight management.

6. Focus on Quality Diet: Ensuring nutrient-dense food intake supports overall health and preserves muscle mass during weight loss.

Conclusion

Brandon Booth and Alex provide a comprehensive examination of the complexities surrounding the use of Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss. Their discussion underscores the importance of a balanced approach that integrates professional dietary guidance, sustainable lifestyle changes, and an awareness of the medications' benefits and risks. Listeners are encouraged to prioritize long-term health and well-being over quick fixes, ensuring that their weight loss journey is both effective and enduring.

Notable Quotes:

• Alex (00:38): "It's designed like for folks with diabetes to help with getting their A1C and their blood glucose levels down... it's one of those things where I think you look at it like a tool to help in weight loss."

• Alex (03:31): "We don't know the long term effects of these drugs."

• Brandon (12:25): "If it's not you, then to call someone, call a nutritionist and, and get a solid diet, I would definitely."

• Alex (14:15): "If you're a dietician, you're a nutritionist, but if you're a nutritionist, you're not a diet."

• Alex (18:12): "The alcohol doesn't digest like a carb, it digests like a fat. And it can cause a signal in your body to promote fat storage."

Timestamp References:

• [00:38]
• [01:54]
• [03:31]
• [04:25]
• [05:48]
• [08:18]
• [09:02]
• [12:25]
• [14:15]
• [16:02]
• [16:45]
• [18:12]
• [19:19]

This summary aims to encapsulate the critical elements of the episode, providing listeners with actionable insights and a clear understanding of the discussed topics.