We all want to look good and feel our best; for many this goal involves shedding some pounds, as quickly as possible. These days, the media is selling us the idea that the rapid weight loss we’re after can be achieved with just one shot per week, but that’s not the whole story.

If you’re interested in learning the truth about achieving healthy weight loss and discovering options that are more affordable, gentler on your system, and beneficial for overall health and longevity, keep reading.

Obesity has reached epidemic levels in the US, tragically causing 500,000 deaths per year. So, it is no wonder that a drug like Ozempic, a semaglutide drug promoted by Hollywood and the pharmaceutical industry as the new miracle has exploded in popularity.  

The Ozempic craze is reminiscent of Fen-Phen in the 1990s, which was touted as a miracle weight loss medicine; however, it left people with life-threatening pulmonary hypertension and heart valve damage. 

So, before you consider starting Ozempic, know this.

Ozempic, initially developed for type 2 diabetes, is a popular semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist that promotes insulin release from the pancreas, reduces glucagon production, lowers blood sugar levels, and slows down food absorption from the stomach.

GLP-1 is naturally produced in the gut in response to a meal, along with 20 other satiety hormones. GLP-1 works in the digestive tract, stimulating the vagus nerve to the brain, which regulates organ functions such as digestion, heart rate, and respiratory rate.

Typically, GLP-1 is concentrated in the gut, and only about 10% enters the bloodstream, where it quickly breaks down. However, with semaglutide prescriptions like Ozempic and Wegovy, GLP-1 is delivered in high levels directly into the bloodstream via a weekly injection, bypassing the vagus nerve and reaching the brain past the blood-brain barrier. This process stimulates receptors in the brain to communicate that you’re already full. 

"For weight loss, relying on Ozempic or any semaglutide alone is akin to fishing with dynamite. It may produce rapid results, but  serious consequences for your larger ecosystem, well-being, and longevity must be considered. Tending to your gut health is a powerful way to support your well-being and promote sustainable weight loss." 

—Dr. Luc Maes, N.D., Director The Maes Center for Natural Health Care

The weight loss is impressive...muscle loss not so good

Current data shows us that weight loss with Ozempic and Wegovy is dramatic. In as little as six months, people see their weight drop by 15%. However, there are some severe downsides to these drugs and the associated health risks deserve more attention. 

Taking Ozempic comes with the loss of skin firmness and muscle mass. In some cases, as much as 39-40% of the weight loss is muscle mass. The visible trademarks of sagging and rapidly aging skin are often referred to as “Ozempic Face” and “Ozempic Butt.”

The muscle loss side effect of Ozempic is so problematic that new studies are being conducted in the hopes of creating pharmaceuticals to prevent muscle loss. Researchers have discovered that by blocking a gene called TNIK, laboratory mice are able to stay slim and muscular despite being fed a high-fat and high-sugar diet. It's theorized that these TNIK inhibiting drugs, taken in tandem with semaglutides like Ozempic, would reduce muscle loss—however, lifestyle changes like regular exercise and healthy eating would still be necessary to maintain the weight loss long term.

Fiber increases muscle mass and improves performance

Digestive distress is a serious side effect of Ozempic

In addition to negative impacts on skin tone and muscle mass, digestive side effects cannot be taken lightly. One profound side effect, stomach paralysis (gastroparesis), causes persistent nausea and vomiting. Other documented side effects include diarrhea, fatigue, malaise, pancreatitis, and gallbladder inflammation. Studies show that Ozempic also interferes with absorbing essential nutrients such as B12 and Vitamin D.

How to support weight loss with or without ozempic?

Fiber naturally increases GLP-1 in the gut.

Ninety-five percent of Americans do not consume enough fiber. Starting your daily routine with fiber can make a significant difference in your journey towards a healthy weight. 

Adding fiber to your diet is a safe, gentle way to boost GLP-1 in your gut.

Soluble fiber is prebiotic, and sources like Baobab powder improve gut health and microbiome balance, which stimulate steady GLP-1 production. These benefits and more are detailed below.

Increased Satiety: Fiber increases the hormone Leptin, which decreases your appetite, while the hormone ghrelin increases appetite. Ghrelin is made in your stomach and signals your brain when hungry.

Caloric Density: High-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, tend to have lower calorie density than processed and low-fiber foods. 

Slower Digestion and Absorption: Fiber slows the digestion and absorption of nutrients, including carbohydrates and stabilizes blood sugar levels, reducing the likelihood of insulin spikes and subsequent fat storage.

Improved Gut Health: Fiber is beneficial for the health of the digestive system. It promotes regular bowel movements and helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome has been associated with improved metabolism and weight management.

Increase Short Chain Fatty Acids: Fiber promotes butyrate, propionate and acetate production in the gut stimulating GLP-1 production.

Stabilizing Blood Sugar Levels: High-fiber foods can help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the release of glucose into the bloodstream. This can reduce cravings for sugary and high-calorie snacks, contributing to better weight control.

Long-Term Weight Maintenance: Diets high in fiber are associated with long-term weight maintenance. The satiating effects of fiber can make it easier for individuals to stick to a healthy eating plan over time.

Not all fiber is created equal.

Baobab, a great source of prebiotic fiber.

Fruits, vegetables, and grains contain fiber, but there is one unique source of prebiotic fiber that also provides additional nutrients that work together and support a healthy weight naturally. Baobab is the prebiotic with benefits!

Baobab Fruit Powder, the ancient prebiotic superfood from the African Tree of Life, is an excellent source of prebiotic fiber, polyphenols, vitamin C, and minerals, which also help preserve muscle health.

The Gut-Boosting Benefits of Baobab Fruit Powder

Polyphenols and healthy weight.

Polyphenols are a group of naturally occurring compounds found in plants. One of their health benefits includes weight loss. Baobab differs from other prebiotic fibers because it is also exceptionally rich in polyphenols, Catechin, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Some studies suggest that EGCG, also found in green tea can enhance fat oxidation and contribute to weight loss. Another flavonoid, Quercetin, has anti-obesity effects by influencing factors like inflammation. Baobab fruit powder contains  polyphenols that have fat oxidative and anti-obesity benefits.

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient crucial to various bodily functions. Research shows that low vitamin C levels are associated with slow fat oxidation and slow weight loss  management and help prevent some of the side effects of Ozempic. 

Antioxidant Properties: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Excessive Free radical production can interfere with normal cellular function and contribute to obesity and other health issues.

Collagen Synthesis: Vitamin C is essential for synthesizing collagen, a protein that plays a role in skin, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Collagen is also necessary for maintaining the health of joints and bones. 

Immune System Support: Adequate vitamin C is vital for a healthy immune system. While not directly related to weight loss, a robust immune system can help maintain overall health, allowing individuals to engage in physical activities that support weight management.

Baobab powder is the fiber of choice as it contains prebiotic fiber, polyphenols, vitamin C, and minerals including calcium, magnesium and potassium. 

Diet 

Emphasize a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, nuts and seeds. Focus on low glycemic foods supports healthy weight as these foods support blood sugar balance. Include healthy fatty acids from olive oil, algae oil, or fish oil, which have a beneficial effect on hyperglycemia and insulin resistance 

Regular exercise ,such as walking, jogging, or other forms of exercise,  helps improve insulin sensitivity and prevent metabolic syndrome.

Stress Management: Improving how you handle stress can impact blood sugar levels and cortisol levels. Consider meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. Baobab Powder contains calming, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. You can also consider including an Adaptogen to improve your resilience.

Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can affect blood sugar levels and help with losing body weight.

Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough quality sleep, as poor sleep can affect insulin sensitivity. Melatonin, a hormone you make while you sleep, helps preserve muscle mass.

Take away

While weight loss medications like Ozmepic work, they come with serious side effects. To make your weight loss experience successful and you choose Ozempic it is critical that you support whole body health to preserve digestive health, muscle mass and skin tone. The simple step of adding prebiotic fiber can make a huge difference as it naturally stimulates GLP-1 and helps preserve muscle mass. Baobab Fruit powder is rich in Prebiotic Fiber, vitamin C and Polyphenols and can be taken during and after Ozempic. 

What is Baobab Fruit Powder?

The Baobab is an amazing tree that grows in the African Savanna. Once considered a lost crop, the magical Baobab tree produces a fruit powder with immense health benefits. Baobab fruit powder is low glycemic, an immune-boosting superfood, an excellent source of prebiotic fiber, bioavailable vitamin C, antioxidant polyphenols and minerals including calcium, magnesium and potassium. To maintain muscle mass, the fiber in Baobab helps to activate the production of short chain fatty acids that support the gut-muscle axis.

How To Use Baobab?

Baobab Fruit Powder tastes sweet and tangy and can be added to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal or granola. Baobab Powder is a raw ingredient, organic and wild harvested, gluten free and free of additives.