By Robert R. Beltran, MD, PharmD, FACS
Founder, Recomnd Nutrition
Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are both GLP-1 receptor agonists originally developed to treat type II diabetes. As everyone knows they became widely popular because of their ability to achieve dramatic weight loss. Their side effects, which caused many deaths, of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, acute pancreatitis and medullary thyroid carcinoma were marginalized. They were a cash cow making billions of dollars for their manufacturers, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly respectively. But the general public did become concerned and skeptical of these products because too many people were losing muscle mass of the extremities and muscle and fat of the face which created a characteristic and unattractive facial appearance referred to as “Ozempic Face”. It was a very distinctive appearance characterized by hollow cheeks and sagging skin. It made people look aged, even younger patients. These findings resulted in a very significant decrease in sales of these products. Their scientist discovered that they could minimize this effect by decreasing the usual dosage by 1/2 to 1/3 of what was previously recommended.
They refer to this as “micro dosing”. It does not result in the weight loss previously described, so they decided to “create” other benefits that they knew would command the public’s attention. They started using buzzwords such as “improved cognition, less irritability and calming with mood stability, improved energy and healthy glow”! They indicated that their products had “anti-inflammatory properties”, “improve immunity” and suggested they were beneficial for Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. I am here to tell you there are NO studies whatsoever at any medical centers in the World that support any of these claims! A new fad of combining micro dosing of GLP-1 receptor agonists with NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is taking place for supposed “anti-aging” properties. Once again numerous ongoing studies are not demonstrating any subjective or objective benefits from any of the study participants. The people perpetuating these claims of course come from Hollywood celebrities and influencers, not scientists or reputable medical centers or practitioners.
I am going to explain how they promote this deception, exaggeration and hype. The pharmaceutical companies find medical doctors who have influence but whose ethics and integrity are compromised. These “doctor-influencers” receive payment via stipends, directorships or sponsoring of speaking engagements and other perks. They also hire non- professional “influencers” to make the comments and claims I referenced above. I know it sounds harsh, but I am being truthful and real. I was part of this profession for 36 1/2 years and I had ongoing contact with pharmaceutical companies through their “reps” or representatives. Because I also have a doctorate degree in Pharmacy, I was always skeptical of the claims made by pharmaceutical reps.
This pattern of deception, exaggeration, distortions and lies, is unfortunately a common practice of the pharmaceutical industry. Let me cite 3 other examples that have compromised and shortened lives and resulted in many deaths.
1. Purdue Pharma and OxyContin. The scientists, Board of Directors and the owners, the Sackler family, all knew how potent, addictive and deadly OxyContin was. But because it was raking in 10’s of billions of dollars, they all turned a blind eye and received a “ pat on the hand” punishment and a small percentage of their profits as a fine by the federal government.
2. All the pharmaceutical companies that develop antidepressants, mood stabilizers, sedatives
and prescribed sleep aids are well aware that they all cause some degree of
A) Brain Sedation.
B) Cognitive impairment.
C). Diminished motivation.
D). Altered personality.
These also are all addictive and can cause death from overdose. These are profound and
compromising side effects and consequences. Over 40,000 deaths occur annually from
these combined drug classes. But it all gets swept under the rug because our government
does not intercede and the medical community is complicit because of monies that pour in
from the pharmaceutical industries that support research, provide directorships or support
highly paid speaking engagements.
3. Anabolic steroid abuse is now an epidemic. Most of these come from reputable
pharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly. In short term use they have many benefits
improved focus and cognition, improved muscle tone and muscle mass and improved
libido, erectile strength and fulfillment during intimacy. But long term use, greater than 9
months results in compromise of two very important hormonal pathways, the hypothalamic
pituitary-adrenal axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This results in severe
irritability and fits of anger known as “steroid rage”, exaggerated muscle development that
can result in a grotesque appearance; protruding forehead, rounded facies and receding
hairline; gonadal atrophy with loss of libido, erectile strength and disinterest in intimacy;
increased incidence of high blood pressure, heart enlargement, arterial hardening and a
37% higher incidence of heart attacks. Anabolic steroids compromise and shorten lives,
yet the pharmaceutical industry minimizes these facts and risks in order to enrich
themselves.
Think the pharmaceutical industry is concerned about the best interests of the public? Think again!
Robert R. Beltran, MD, PharmD, FACS
Board Certified, Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
Board Certified, Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
