What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is used for type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar levels and lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death for adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Ozempic for weight loss has been shown to be effective in clinical trials. Ozempic is given as a once-weekly injection under the skin of the belly, the thigh, or the upper arm using an autoinjector (pen).
Ozempic works by helping the pancreas release more insulin, decreasing the amount of sugar your liver makes, and slowing the rate food passes through your body, making you feel full longer. This helps to lower blood sugar levels and lowers the risk of a major cardiovascular event.
Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist that works the same way as a natural hormone made in our gut called GLP-1. GLP-1 controls insulin release and gut emptying and regulates appetite and food intake. Ozempic works by binding to GLP-1 receptors, which results in lower blood sugar and A1C levels and may also reduce appetite to help with weight loss.
Ozempic is FDA-approved to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes. It should be used together with diet and exercise.
Ozempic (semaglutide) should not be used for type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Ozempic for weight loss
Ozempic for weight loss has shown to be successful with patients losing weight in clinical trials. The amount of weight lost with Ozempic 0.5mg was 2.6 kg more than the placebo group, and the amount of weight loss with Ozempic 1mg was 3.5 kg more than the placebo group after the 30-week trial. Ozempic is currently not an FDA-approved weight loss medicine.
Related/similar drugs
metformin, Jardiance, Xarelto, simvastatin, Trulicity, Lantus, Tresiba
Warnings
Call your doctor at once if you have signs of a thyroid tumor, such as swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, or shortness of breath.
You should not use this medicine if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands), or a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer.
Postmarketing data has shown an association between Ozempic use and ileus (stomach paralysis). Because these reports are voluntary it is not possible to estimate the frequency of these effects. Talk to a healthcare provider if you develop symptoms such as bloating, stomach cramps or pain, nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
Smithy –
I was hesitant to try Ozempic for weight loss (need to lose 30 lbs) because I have a lot of kids/responsibilities and don’t have the time to be nauseous or have debilitating diarrhea, etc. After keeping the pen in the fridge for weeks, I decided to risk an injection, and I’m so happy to say I’ve had zero side effects except a disinterest in food. I’m on week six of the 0.25 dose because it’s enough for me, and I don’t see a reason to increase the dose. My lack of interest in food is liberating! For the first time in 30 years, I don’t go to bed kicking myself for what I’ve eaten or making promises to myself to make amends for overeating. Zero sugar cravings…food isn’t a reward or pleasure anymore. I’m never ravenous, so I make good, calm choices about what I eat. This has been life-changing and a complete shift in perspective. Obviously, some people have terrible side effects, but I’ve had none (not even a headache!)
Sandra –
I’ve been on Ozempic for 4 weeks. I am so glad that my doctor sat me down and told me what to expect. She also asked if I could handle it. She said that if you can make it through the 4th week, I promise it will get better. She was right. I was pretty sick the first two weeks. I learned that it had a lot to do with me trying to eat my normal intake of food. Once I started to catch a clue and make my portions smaller, I learned it would make me feel better. I could guarantee if I ate too much, I’d feel like crap. People aren’t kidding about the side effects. It’s real. But I made it and am now starting to feel better with each day. I’ve lost 22 pounds now and I’m amazed. Yes, it makes you sick, but if you keep trying to eat like you did, it will be worse. You have to start listening to your body. You can’t keep eating your same amounts and expect to lose weight
Mary –
“I was prescribed it for prediabetes and weight loss. Today, in one week since my first injection, I lost 6 lbs. In one week, the last diet (one of very many), it took me 3 months to lose 10 lbs by starving myself, which tells you how elevated sugar prevents you from losing weight. I am not diabetic, my A1C is 5.5. I had slight nausea and fatigue the first 2 days, and after that, it’s all gone and I never felt better. I have no cravings. I eat approximately 1000 calories a day, and it’s more than enough. Instead of constant thoughts of food, I do other things that I used to enjoy like exercise, etc. I am worried about coming off Ozempic before I lose all the weight I need. It is a miracle drug for me! I hope it will help you all! If they keep working on meds like this, it will reduce type 2 diabetes and obesity drastically.”
Sussie –
I have been on Ozempic for exactly 1 year as my insulin intake (injection) was far too high, as well as Metformin. I was asked if I wanted to try Ozempic and was told that it may help with weight loss too. In the course of the year, I have lost over 9 stone in weight and gone from a ladies size 26 in clothing to a size 14 to 16. I have never been happier with my weight, my blood sugars are normal levels now which they were previously out of control.