Abstract:
Semaglutide, more commonly known as Ozempic, was approved in 2021 by the US Food and Drug Administration. Although originally intended for type 2 diabetes treatment, Semaglutide was found to help with weight loss and began to increase in popularity. It acts as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist which allows it to improve glycemic control with a low risk of hypoglycemia; it also reduces body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. However, Semaglutide is contraindicated in those with a history of gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer, and MEN2 (Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome) and the side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, and dizziness. Lycopene has been shown to be effective in treating both type 2 diabetes and obesity because of its ability to metabolize glucose and improve insulin sensitivity. Dietary lycopene supplementation has been found to regulate lipid metabolism and decrease fat deposition effectively. A literature review was conducted to find foods rich in lycopene such as tomatoes, watermelon, and papaya, as well as foods that naturally increase GLP-1 levels such as fish, olives, and avocados. Based on the literature review, a nutritional analysis was conducted, and a daily diet was created using FooDB, USDA’s FoodData Central, and USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The proposed diet focuses on Lycopene-rich foods and foods that increase GLP-1; in addition, other foods were selected that achieve the recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals. The diet is 1346 total calories and contains 4599.08067 mg of Lycopene. This is achieved from 200 grams of Sockeye salmon and 100 grams of each of the following: garden tomato, watermelon, lettuce, papaya, grapefruit/pomelo hybrid, avocado, olives, lemon, red bell pepper, cow milk, eggs, and millet. Given the increasing popularity of Ozempic and some of the challenges with prescribing it to patients for long-term weight loss goals, there is a great need for nutrition research focused on a sustainable fat-burning diet. Patient education on natural alternatives to Ozempic that achieve comparable results will be invaluable in primary care, especially for patients misinformed of the indications, contraindications, and long-term risks.
Audience take away notes:
- The audience will gain a better understanding of foods that mimic the effects of Ozempic.
- The audience will become more informed on the mechanism of action of Ozempic and will be better able to explain to patients how to maintain a diet that enhances their glucose and lipid metabolism.
- This provides a more affordable, long-term weight-loss solution than Ozempic that can be taken by patients with contraindications.
