Does Ozempic Help in Weight Loss?

Weight management is one of the most complex challenges a person may face by the people across the U.S. Despite the efforts, traditional weight loss methods may often fall short, leaving people searching for alternative solutions. However, within the last few years, GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) emerged as one of the top contenders to help people lose weight.

Ozempic (semaglutide) is one of the GLP-1 agonists approved that helps to treat Type 2 diabetes. However, this medicine does not approve of weight loss, but people may lose weight as a side effect.

What are Ozempic and its use?

Ozempic is an injectable medication that helps blood glucose (sugar) control in adults who have Type 2 diabetes. It also helps to lower the risk of stroke and heart attack in people with both heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic belongs to a class of medicine called GLP-1 agonists. GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking a gut hormone known as GLP-1 that helps to lower blood glucose levels after you eat a meal. They also help you to block your liver by helping you feel full and make glucose for a long time.

Is Ozempic insulin?

No, Ozempic is not an insulin type or a substitute for insulin. However, it does stimulate your pancreas to release insulin when glucose is present, like after a meal. Ozempic relies upon your body’s insulin to have the effect. Thus, it is not helpful when your pancreas can’t make insulin-like in Type 1 diabetes.

Ozempic for weight loss

GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic may help you control your blood glucose levels, but people who take them also tend to lose weight. GLP-1 is the key hormone that involves in the process.

After you eat, the cells in your intestines release GLP-1. It is something that triggers insulin release and blocks glucose production. It also slows down how fast food leaves your stomach and makes you feel full.

How long does it take for Ozempic to lose weight?

You may take a few months to reach your target dose of Ozempic. It is because how much you inject slowly increases over time to manage the side effects. During this time, you may also notice signs of weight loss.

The starting Ozempic dose for Type 2 diabetes is 0.25 mg once a week for four weeks or per your physician’s recommendation. The dose doesn’t typically affect your weight or blood glucose. It means to help your body get used to the medicine.

How long should a person take Ozempic?

Ozempic is the medication that has approval for Type 2 diabetes. As diabetes is a chronic health condition, you may need to take Ozempic long-term to keep your blood glucose under control. You may need to continue taking Ozempic to maintain its heart-related conditions.

Safety of Ozempic for weight loss

Ozempic is not a weight loss medicine. But it is known safer and more effective medication for Type 2 diabetes, and you may lose weight as a side effect of the treatment. If doctors prescribe you Ozempic and you do not have diabetes, it is considered off-label use.

Side effects of Ozempic

When you are getting started on the Ozempic, you tend to experience side effects related to digestion. These side effects are also common after you decrease the dosages. For many people, they get better over time.

Here are the common side effects of Ozemic:

1. Constipation

2. Stomach pain

3. Diarrhea

4. Vomiting

5. Nausea

Conclusion

Ozempic is a once-weekly injection that helps you treat Type 2 diabetes. It does not have the right approval for weight loss, but people taking it tend to lose weight. However, only some people have a prescription to take Ozempic off-label, which helps them to lose weight.

Your healthcare provider may help you weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of starting a medication like Wegovy or Ozempic.

You can download free pharmacy discount card anytime to get good discounts on medications.

FAQ’s

1. Are there any other medicine options like Ozempic currently approved for weight loss?

Right now, there are two GLP-1 agonists approved for weight loss: Saxenda and Wegovy. Between these medicines, people tend to lose more weight with Wegovy.

2. Are there any options for medications or food you should avoid while on Ozempic?

Ozempic doesn’t have many known medication interactions. But it doesn’t mean that interactions are not possible.