Author: Alexandra Sowa, M. D.
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Self-Help
Format: Kindle ARC
No. of Pages: 256
Date of Publication: January 7, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
DESCRIPTION:
The newest class of weight loss drugs (GLP-1s) are complete game-changers in their potential to reverse obesity and its related diseases, with nearly 50% of Americans qualifying for the use of these drugs. Already 1 in 8 Americans say they’ve tried a GLP-1 medication—but with many acquiring their prescription from online pharmacies, med spas, and general practitioners, they face a huge gap between trying the drug and achieving their health goals with it long-term.
That’s where The Ozempic Revolution comes in. Dr. Alexandra Sowa, a leading obesity medicine specialist, shares her expertise on this much-discussed but largely misunderstood class of medications, including information like:
What the GLP-1 experience really feels like
How to know if you’re a candidate for these medications
How to get a prescription and get it covered by insurance
How to manage and reduce unwanted side effects
Unique food plans and strategies for managing the mental challenges of losing weight
Simple, easy recipes for when you don’t feel like eating
Traditional and social media has been flooded with junk information and stigmatizing headlines about GLP-1s, and in this book, Dr. Sowa digs into all of it—the good, the bad, and the ugly—bringing the science to light.
If you’re curious about how GLP-1s might fit into your life, or want to optimize your experience while taking them, then Dr. Sowa’s clear-eyed, fully informed approach is a must-read. The Ozempic Revolution changes everything: these drugs finally provide a viable, healthy, and sane way to lose weight, avoid disease, and maintain your health gains for life.
MY THOUGHTS:
I’m one of “those” people who’s obese. A staggering 43 percent of the U.S. population shares this unfortunate statistic. Despite this alarming fact, we must delve into the question of why Dr. Alexandra Sowa, an internist, chose to write such a book, and she states: “Any new concept that some might perceive as unconventional often raises eyebrows and prompts skepticism. In this case, the title of the book, “The Ozempic Revolution,” piques curiosity and raises questions about the effectiveness of weight loss medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.”
I was eager to examine how the book would help to educate me about the history, usage, and benefits of these medications. The book’s long title reads, “The Ozempic Revolution: A Doctor’s Proven Plan for Success to Help You Reverse Obesity, End Yo-Yo Dieting, and Protect Yourself From Disease.” Just by glancing at the title, I knew this book would hit the spot for me. It discusses the nature of obesity, the prevalence of its impact on the population, the ineffectiveness of yo-yo dieting, and the potential benefits of weight loss in safeguarding our health from various diseases. As my primary physician is also an internist, I was intrigued by Dr. Sowa’s insights and decided to read the book after reviewing her bio.
The book is structured into four main sections:
1. The Science: This section delves into the scientific aspects of weight loss and the role of GLP-1 receptors in regulating appetite and metabolism.
2. The SoWell Method for Sustainable Success: This section provides practical strategies and techniques for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
3. Your GLP-1 Life: This section focuses on the benefits of GLP-1 medications and how they can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
4. Recipes and Dining Out: This section offers a variety of recipes and dining suggestions that align with the principles of the SoWell Method.
Upon reading the table of contents, I was immediately drawn to the section titled “The Science.” I was particularly curious about the meaning of GLP-1. I’ve been using Wegovy for five months now, and I’ve experienced a remarkable weight loss of 45 pounds so far. My average monthly weight loss is approximately 9 pounds, which translates to a pound and a half per week.
So, what are GPL-1s? Glugacon-like peptide 1 (GPL-1) is a hormone produced by your small intestine. It plays several crucial roles, including triggering insulin release from your pancreas. Insulin is essential for converting food into energy and regulating blood glucose levels. (Source: Google)
As the book delves deeper into this topic, Dr. Sowa emphasizes the significance of GLP-1 agonist drugs (another new term for me) like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. She highlights their potency, transformative impact, and life-saving potential for patients.
It’s a fact that many obese individuals face shame and discrimination due to their weight. Unfortunately, I personally experienced this firsthand. Two examples. My gastroenterologist shamed me to the point where I never wanted to see him again. He equated my esophageal stricture with my weight issues, which really upset and confused me. I’ve had well over a dozen procedures to stretch my esophagus and was never told this issue was caused by my weight. Shortly after that, another surgeon shamed me because of my weight and expressed regret about having to operate on me to fuse my spine.
If you could meet my primary physician, you’d be surprised. She’s incredibly small, barely 5 feet tall and weighing around 90 pounds. Despite her petite stature, she’s one of the kindest doctors I’ve ever had. She’s only been my doctor for about a year and is also an internist, as is the author of this book. When she suggested weight loss management, she took the time to explain the process and potential benefits to me, which motivated me to start the journey.
While reading this book, I gained even more understanding than from talking to my doctor. Surprisingly, I discovered that many others that I know are on Wegovy, including my doctor’s nurse. Even more astonishing, four of my siblings are on different forms of these GLP-1 medications!
This book teaches us about the reasons behind our weight gain, the author’s successful treatment methods over many years with minimal adverse outcomes, and the medical field’s familiarity with these medications and weight loss specialists.
Beyond the educational content, the book offers fantastic high-protein recipes, appendices, a hunger scale, and a food log. A clickable QR code provides access to helpful worksheets, and a cognitive behavioral toolkit aids in starting and maintaining long-term weight loss, found in the appendices.
I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with weight loss management. If you can connect with your doctor and discuss these topics, you may find a way to transform your life, which can bring numerous health benefits.
Many thanks to William Morrow and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
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