Ozempic Weight Loss Reviews

Contents

“The net result is decreased hunger, prolonged fullness and ultimately weight loss,” adds Dr. McGowan.

Ozempic Weight Loss Review – 15 Things You Need to Know

Semaglutide has made the news recently with a pending Ozempic lawsuit, but it has a news-worthy reputation with Ozempic weight loss results as an off-label prescription. Unlike some medications, there are no Ozempic foods to avoid, and you only have to use the pen once a week.

The question is, what is Semaglutide, and can it help you lose weight? We looked into the company, the ingredient, and what the data has to say.

Ozempic Weight Loss can be purchased through their Official Site.

Ozempic Weight Loss Readers: Noom is offering our readers a risk-free trial, for a limited time. Click here for more information!

What is Ozempic Weight Loss?

Semaglutide is the active ingredient people turn to when they think of Ozempic and weight loss or maintenance of other health markers. You take it weekly using an injectable pen, but what exactly is this drug?

Frontiers in Endocrinology – In 2019, one publication wrote about discovering and developing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Highlights include how it affects glycemic control and body weight regulation. That led to efforts to advance therapeutic uses for things like obesity.
Obesity Reviews – Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). A 2019 article highlighted one study demonstrating the magnitude of semaglutide-induced weight loss exceeded the criteria of the EMA and FDA for antiobesity drugs, with no safety concerns.
The New England Journal of Medicine – One test wanted to determine if Semaglutide would help patients with metabolic conditions at risk for cardiovascular issues. The published results concluded that Semaglutide significantly lowered events among patients receiving it than those receiving a placebo.

Ozempic Weight Loss Competitors

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Who Makes Ozempic?

Novo Nordisk A/S produces the Ozempic injection devices. It is a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in the suburbs of Copenhagen, Denmark.

The stock-based company maintains production facilities in eight countries and affiliates or offices in an additional five. In 1923, the company commercialized insulin production and more recently founded the World Diabetes Foundation with support from the United Nations.

Development of Semaglutide (brand name Ozempic) finished in 2012, began clinical trials in 2016, and began sales in several countries starting in 2017.

Scroll below for one of the best products we’ve seen over the last year.

Customer Service

Ozempic Customer Service and Reviews

Novo Nordisk has a company profile on Trustpilot, with a TrustScore of 1.8 out of 5.0-stars (Poor) from 21 reviews. The research could not verify the amount of feedback that was actual Ozempic reviews.

Novo Nordisk has an unclaimed profile on Yelp, but there is no customer feedback, ratings, or Ozempic reviews.

Corporate Headquarters
Novo Nordisk A/S
Novo Allé, 2880
Bagsvaerd, Denmark

Phone: +45 4444 8888

Novo Nordisk Inc.
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, NJ 08536

There is also an online contact form that you can use.

Better Business Bureau

The Relationship Between Novo Nordisk and the Better Business Bureau

Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc. has a company profile on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website with an NR rating. It is not BBB accredited and has a 3.0 out of 5.0-star average from one customer review.

The company resolved 11 customer complaints in the last three years, with seven closing in the previous 12-month period. Some complaints mention Ozempic but appear to involve customer relation issues more than direct Ozempic reviews.

What Ozempic Claims Did We Find?

Novo Nordisk claims that an Ozempic injection can help regulate blood parameters for metabolic conditions. The company also states that Ozempic may help you lose some weight. Finally, Nova Nordisk purports that the product lowers the risk of major cardiovascular events.

Ingredients

What are the Ozempic Ingredients?

No matter what Ozempic dosing level you use, every pen contains the same ingredients. The only difference will be in the volume. The active ingredient in Ozempic is Semaglutide. Inactive ingredients include:

Disodium phosphate dihydrate
Propylene glycol
Phenol
Water

Does Ozempic Work? Benefits

Cardiovascular issues develop in people who are overweight. One off-label use for Ozempic dosing is to reduce these risks. The American Heart Journal states that GLP-1 is an appealing target for developing strategies for reducing cardiovascular risks in obese individuals.

Ozempic demonstrates the concern between results and consequences. Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism did a systematic review and concluded that Semaglutide reduced HbA1c, body weight, and systolic blood pressure. However, it is associated with increased gastrointestinal adverse events.

Weight Loss

What About Ozempic and Weight Loss?

Ozempic and weight loss results could be possible, especially when combined with lifestyle changes. The New England Journal of Medicine published the results of a double-blind trial that showed Semaglutide and lifestyle changes were associated with reduced weight.

Can Ozemptic benefits continue long-term? The Journal of the American Medical Association looked at results from the STEP 4 clinical trial. It concluded that those maintaining Semaglutide treatment after 20-weeks continued to lose weight over those using a placebo.

How significant is the potential weight loss with Semaglutide? The Lancet published the results of a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, clinically controlled trial using 2.4 mg doses. The observed change in mean body weight from baseline to the end of 68 weeks was -9.6%.

Some observations put that weight loss at a higher level. According to Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine , Semaglutide has demonstrated the most significant weight loss of any obesity medication. It notes reductions of approximately 15% of initial weight at 68 weeks, accompanied by improvements in cardiovascular risk factors and physical functioning.

Is Semaglutide more effective than other GLP-1 RAs? The Annals of Translational Medicine attempted to find out. It noted the drug’s efficacy regarding loss of appetite. Adding that to its influence on HbA1c and body weight makes it seem more effective, but further testing is needed to answer that question confidently.

Side Effects

Are There Potential Ozempic Side Effects?

Those thinking of Ozempic and weight loss benefits will want to know of any side effects. The most common side effects could manifest as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation.

Novo Nordisk lists more severe side effects like inflammation of the pancreas, changes in vision, low blood sugar, kidney problems, gallbladder problems, and allergic reactions.

Directions

How to Take Ozempic: Directions

The product is available as a self-injectable pen. You take an Ozempic injection once weekly, on the same day every week, as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Ozempic dosage levels include 0.25 mg, 0.50 mg, 1.0 mg, and a maximum dose of 2.00 mg per injection.

Take it with or without food. There are no Ozempic foods to avoid before or after an injection. Your doctor will start you at the lowest Ozempic dosage and increase it every few weeks until you achieve satisfactory parameters.

Each Ozempic pen contains multiple doses and comes with several needles. You use a new needle with each injection.

Can I Take it With.

Can I Take it With…

Ozempic received approval for prescribed use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Your healthcare provider consulted with you about your Ozempic dosing level (the lower or maximum dose pen), benefits, and potential side effects. You must consult your doctor before changing your diet, adding supplements, or starting/stopping medications. That is especially important with underlying health conditions or medications that increase insulin.

Where to Buy

Where to Buy Ozempic and the Cost

The Ozempic injection system is available through a prescription from your doctor. It can be partially or fully paid for by commercially-insured plans, with co-pays depending on the details of your insurance coverage. That can make the deductible payment for Ozempic cost between $2 and $1,026.

The non-insured Ozempic cost ranges between $1,205 and $1,368, depending on the Ozempic pen size purchased.

Novo Nordisk offers an Ozempic savings card for eligible commercially-insured patients. That can decrease the price to as low as $25 for three-month prescriptions.

October 2022 Update: According to GoodRx, the average retail price for Ozempic is $1032.87. for a 30-day supply or $3034.65 for a 90-day supply.

Cancel My Prescription

Can You Cancel My Prescription?

We can not cancel the prescription services you have with a retail outlet. Our website functions as a source for researched information on products like the Ozempic pen. You will need to contact the retailer your prescription is through to cancel.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Using Ozempic for weight loss could help obese patients
Available in smaller and maximum dose pens
Novo Nordisk offers an Ozempic savings card for commercially-insured patients

Cons

Available only as an injectable pen and not as an oral
Can cause gallstones in some patients
It can be costly, depending on your insurance status and deductible

Bottom Line

What’s the Bottom Line on Ozempic?

You can get an off-label prescription of Ozempic for weight loss. Ozempic dosing levels should be the lowest amount needed to suppress appetite and achieve your desired results. It is available as prescription-only, however. Also, keep in mind there is an Ozempic lawsuit pending that could affect patients and prescriptions.

Weight loss is a long-term situation and Ozempic helps you stick with food changes, but what foods are best to eat to lose weight? We suggest giving Noom a try. It works by teaching users about the psychological side of weight loss, how to eat right, why they often choose “bad” foods, and more.

Don’t take our word for it. You can try Noom today as a free trial offer!

Need Help Finding a Diet?

Choosing the right weight-loss system can be confusing and often times frustrating. Let us help. Let us know a little more about you and your goals.

User Reviews for Ozempic

Ozempic has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 744 ratings on Drugs.com. 43% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 36% reported a negative experience.

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published.

Reviews for Ozempic

dana · Taken for less than 1 month · September 26, 2020

“Started taking this medication off label for weight loss only, I am not diabetic. Started on Aug 30, 2020. First 2 weeks I had some mild nausea nothing terrible and some mild dizziness, the past 2 weeks I have had no symptoms. I definitely cannot eat what I use to or you will feel sick. I am doing the weekly injection at 0.25 along with weight watchers and in the past 26 days I have lost 10.5 lbs :). My sweet tooth cravings are pretty much gone. Really happy so far, I am increasing to 0.50mg next week. I’ll keep you all posted!”

9 / 10
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Zell · Taken for 6 months to 1 year · March 29, 2021

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I started ozempic 9 months ago. At the time I was a little over 200 lbs and was taking 1000 mg of metformin daily. Metformin had worked for me for almost 20 yrs so I didn’t expect that is had suddenly stopped working. For 3 years I gained weight even though I worked out, and I thought it was just my appetite out of control. One random day I realized my metformin was the problem. I saw a new dr who prescribed ozempic. What a miracle! 9 months later and I’m down 40 lbs, my a1c dropped from 8.1 to 5.6, and I have virtually no symptoms from the drug other than fullness. The symptoms in the beginning did not last long either. Nausea, headache, fatigue. all cleared up within a week or 2 each time my dose was increased. It can cause what feels like constipation but for me it’s just that I simply haven’t eaten enough. This drug feels too good to be true. I’m so pleased with my experience so far!”

Frequently asked questions

How do Mounjaro, Wegovy & Ozempic compare for weight loss?
How long does it take for Ozempic to work?
How many doses are in an Ozempic pen?
Mounjaro vs Ozempic: How do they compare?

Stingie · Taken for less than 1 month · July 21, 2021

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I did one injection and have been ill since. Have had acid reflux, burping, vomiting, constipation, headache and dizziness. I tried to eat small meals and drink plenty of water as directed by my physician, but I have been unable to hold anything down. 5 days after my first injection, I’m off work drinking pedialyte trying to get my strength back and avoid being hospitalized. This is the worst that I have ever felt in my life.”

1 / 10
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MzGormo · Taken for 1 to 6 months · January 30, 2021

For Diabetes, Type 2 “Started on Ozempic Sept 2020, starting weight 312 lbs (5’ 4”). I am type 2 diabetic and take 2550mg of Metformin daily. HbA1c was 79, sugar cravings and blood sugar out of control. Started on 0.25 dose, for a month. Quite bad stomach cramps and nausea for the first month. Went up to 0.5 on month 2, then 1.0 dose for month 3 and since. No 1 tip – inject into your leg rather than around your belly. Once I changed to injecting in my leg, nausea and cramps disappeared overnight & never came back. To maximise effectiveness, you can’t eat like you did before. I re-joined Weight Watchers in Sept. I have lost 80lbs in 5 months, HBA1c dropped from 79 to 51 which is normal type 2 level although the doc feels with more weight loss, it could go to normal levels. In Ireland, diabetes is classed as a long term illness so all medications are covered by the government so I don’t have to pay for this. Otherwise costs €195.”

10 / 10
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Susieblee · Taken for 6 months to 1 year · July 14, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction “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.”

10 / 10
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Mary · March 6, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction “I was prescribed it for prediabetes and weight loss. Today in one week since my first injection and I lost 6 lbs. in one week, last diet (one of very many) it took me 3 month to lose 10 lb by starving myself, which tells you how elevated sugar prevents you to lose weight. I am not diabetic, my a1c 5.5. I has slight nausea and fatigue first 2 days and after that, it’s all gone and I never felt better, I have no cravings, I eat approximately 1000cal. A day and it’s more than enough, instead of contact thoughts of food I do other things that I USED to enjoy: exercise, etc. I am worried coming off ozempic before I lose all 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 DT2 and obesity drastically”

10 / 10
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More FAQ

Ozempic vs Wegovy: What’s the difference between them?
Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
Taking Ozempic: What foods should you avoid?
What is Ozempic used for and how does it work?

Kitkat · Taken for 1 to 6 months · July 20, 2021

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I’m a 54 year old female who’s a1c was 8.3 at the end of March. So after 4 months on Ozempic, my a1c is now 6.3! and I’ve lost 34 lbs. Definitely curbs my appetite and I have been logging my food. My side effects have been minimal, a little nausea in the beginning and constipation. This med has been a game changer for me. My hope I that many others will have the same results I have.”

10 / 10
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Doubtful · January 19, 2021

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I took one Ozempic injection at .25 and ended up at ER 2 days later. I had horrible bloating. Burping smelled like eggs. Unstoppable vomiting and diarrhea. I ONLY TOOK ONE INJECTION and stopped the medicine. It has been 2 weeks and the medicine still making me sick. I’m just wondering how long it takes to fully leave your system? I just want to feel human again. I was tested for pancreatitis but was ok but dr said will repeat labs soon. I DON’T RECOMMEND THIS MEDICATION TO ANYONE. PLEASE BE SAFE TAKING THIS MEDICATION.”

1 / 10
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Mac · October 18, 2020

For Diabetes, Type 2 “Ozempic has caused me so much constipation . I know a side effect is diarrhea but it does the complete OPPOSITE for me . A day or two after I take my injection I have no bowel movements at all !! Every week I am forced to take a laxative . It has caused so many problems for me . Anyone else experienced severe constipation . So frustrated”

1 / 10
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Anon · Taken for 1 to 6 months · May 19, 2020

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I was terrified to take this after reading some of the reviews online, but I have to say I am so happy I started this drug. I’ve followed others suggestions about injecting the drug into my upper thigh and not my abdomen. I was on a .25 dose for 4 weeks then moved to .5 and that’s what I currently take. My appetite has decreased SIGNIFICANTLY. I was addicted to eating junk foods, and I simply cannot eat them anymore, my stomach cannot handle them. I get full after eating one proper sized meal, and it keeps me going for most of the day, only having a snack like 1 apple in the evening. Side effects were mild for me, had some constipation but I started taking fiber supplements to help with that. I have been on the medication for 7 weeks now and I’m down 10lbs and I feel great. Make sure your doctor gets you to increase the dose slowly, inject into your thigh and be ready to make better dietary choices when starting this drug. I truly believe it saved me from morbid obesity.”

10 / 10
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Concerned · Taken for 1 to 6 months · February 1, 2021

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I started Ozempic in late December at .25 injection. I also take 500mg metformin per day. Soon after I started Ozempic I had decreased apetitite and my sugars improved, but I had reflux, gas, bloating, nausea and diarrhea. After 4 weeks I started .50. 2 weeks in I have bouts of painful constipation then diarrhea, nausea, bloating, gas, reflux and cramping. I’ve almost vomited a few times. When I eat it feels like the food just sits and sits, barely moving through my gut. My doctor wants me to stick with it, saying that these side effects usually improve, but It’s been pretty miserable. I’m thinking I’m going to stop taking it. While Ozempic has been effective in regulating my sugars and losing weight, I don’t think it’s worth the suffering that I’ve been enduring on this medication. I understand that studies showed it causing thyroid cancer in mice, but no one knows if it causes thyroid cancer in humans. I don’t want to be the guinea pig the drug makers use to find out it does.”

5 / 10
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Saucy · December 3, 2020

For Diabetes, Type 2 “Been on Ozempic since mid April 2020. All side effects listed with the worst being chronic diarrhea. Nausea has been significant, but has settled to occasionally. Trying to follow a more plant based diet I have lost today an official 60 pounds. I find the less meat I eat, the more energy I have, the better my blood sugars are as well. I am 53, so weight loss isn’t impossible for us older ladies. “

7 / 10
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Sane One · March 13, 2020
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jamison42 · Taken for 1 to 6 months · June 2, 2021

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I have been on 0.5 Ozempic for 2 months now. The nausea is no better. I vomit almost every day. Driving down the road and I begin to vomit. Almost caused me to wreck my car twice now. I’ve lost 30 pounds and feel terrible. My stomach hurts all the time and now my back. I do not urinate much at all even though I’ve increased water. Calling today and going off it. Losing weight is great, but not at the cost of feeling horrible every day.”

5 / 10
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Cheryl · Taken for less than 1 month · January 30, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction “I did lots of research before starting Ozempic, so was aware of potential (hideous) side effects. I started a week ago on a starting dose on .25. (Had my second .25 dose this morning). Super super super happy. Based on research, I have opted to inject in my upper leg rather than my tummy. I don’t know if it’s based on the injection location, or if I’m just lucky, but I have had ZERO side effects. No nausea. No dizziness. Nothing. I am eating three sensible, small, low fat meals a day, with (perhaps) a small amount of fruit as a snack, and walk my dog regularly. I am down 1kg (2.2 pounds) over the week, and am super confident that I will be able to continue on Ozempic until I get down to my goal weight (20kg/44 pound to go). Although my doctor said he will increase my Ozempic to .5 then 1mg over the next 2 months, I am going to say no, and stay on .25 for as long as that works for me. (Why increase if the current dose is working!). I am 55. Cost in Australia = $132 per script.”

10 / 10
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Momo · Taken for 1 to 2 years · April 30, 2020

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I have been taking Ozempic for 16 months and have lost 80Lbs! I started at .25 and have moved up to 1. At first I was terribly sick but I took my time to adjust bit by bit while the dose was slowly raised and now I don’t feel sick at all from it now! If you can hold on and push through ( the push was hard, REALLY sick some days) it does get better. It has saved my life”

10 / 10
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Will · Taken for 1 to 6 months · February 7, 2021

For Diabetes, Type 2 “Did the first 4 weeks o Ozempic @ .25 had mild stomach issues. Nausea was come and go really not consistent. Helped control my eating. Dr said if you over eat or eat like you used to you will throw up. There is no place for the over eating but up. Didn’t over eat didn’t have much issue. Took stool softener to keep things moving. At the .5 dose ate less but less side effects than my first dose. Glad I have started the med it works.”

10 / 10
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JE · Taken for 1 to 6 months · August 26, 2020

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I have been taking Ozempic for 4 months to reduce insulin resistance (caused by polycystic ovary syndrome). The medication has significantly reduced my appetite. I have had a few minor side effects – a stomach cramp here, an episode of diarrhea there. but nothing at all significant. My weight went from 151 (BMI 25.9) to 133 three months later (BMI 22.8). I honestly could not be happier.”

10 / 10
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Maria B · Taken for 6 months to 1 year · February 1, 2021

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I started taking Ozempic in June 2020, initially lost 20 pounds by August. Total of 30 pounds so far, last 10 have been a lot slower. I went from 186 pounds to 156 pounds. A1c went from 6.5 to 5.6. Minimal side effects include occasional nausea and constipation. Started using miralax which has helped. Side effects I have experienced are worth the benefits. I consistently wake up with glucose levels in 80-90 range, never out of green zone on glucometer. I cannot over eat. If I do I feel ill or get heartburn so I have learned my lesson. I am really happy with this medication.”

10 / 10
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Margie · September 27, 2020

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I was put on Ozempic after taking Gliperide for several years. I started on 0.25mg then on to 1mg. I started having the nastiest burps ever, then diarrhea 3 to 4 times a day. After 3 months I went to a gastroenterologist and was diagnosed with gastroparesis, a side effect of Ozempic. I have all the side effects nasty ,offensive smelling burps, eye floaters in both eyes, bad diarrhea, stomach pain, now this disease that has caused pre cancer cells. Yes, my appetite has decreased, I have lost 15 lbs in 3 months, my numbers are good. But not worth being sick every day. Just found out my daughter is going thru the same exact thing. So take it at your own risk.”

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Lynn · December 22, 2020

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I took 1 dose of Ozempic and I have been sick ever since, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps and a little dizziness. This is terrible, will never use again. Can someone tell me how long these symptoms last?”

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Chris · Taken for 1 to 6 months · July 11, 2021

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I suffered from -Loss of appetite -Exhaustion -Nausea -Vomiting (once a week usually 2 days after my injection) -Low blood sugar events (probably caused because just had no appetite) When I spoke to my pharmacist she encouraged me to try to hang in there telling me it would get better and it finally has. I was not expecting it to take over 3 months though. My readings are all good and I’ve lost 28lbs so there were benefits to sticking it out but it was hard. I had decided that I would continue to take the medication until my next appointment and if things were still bad I would tell the Dr that I no longer wanted to use it. Things are better and my appointment is next week.”

5 / 10
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LondonTimes · Taken for 1 to 6 months · January 8, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction “Having struggled with a need for carbs and sugar for over 2 decades it caught up with. Constantly sluggish, despite regular exercise. Risk of heart issues as have an inherited Cholesterol disease. Weight, well thats a given, most females postmenopausal struggle to lose weight. So, after all sorts of natural therapies and a ton of exercise nothing helped very much. My GP mentioned Ozempic, even though I was only pre diabetic she still felt it would help. After the usual low dose start -6 weeks later up to 1mg. I have been injecting weekly and 6 months later, I am not only 30 lbs down I feel so brilliant. More energy, better sleep and no sugar cravings at all. It has been great. No side effects, maybe a little constipation at the start (mainly due to change of eating habits) Superb med, wish more people could be offered the chance to use it. It is still expensive in the insurance world , however hopefully like many other meds in this country the costs will lessen.”

10 / 10
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Lem · Taken for 1 to 6 months · February 1, 2021

For Diabetes, Type 2 “Honestly am so impressed so far with these meds. My weight had been creeping up due to insulin resistance (which itself makes it harder to lose weight) and PCOS. My doctor recommended I try this in conjunction with a very low carb and calorie diet. I started with a half dose of 0.25mg once a week injection and then after 2 weeks up to 0.5mg a week and so far in 6 weeks I’ve lost 15cm from my waist and 9cm off my hips, 5cm off my bust. I have been eating lite and easy roughly 1000 calories a day. Haven’t weighed myself yet as I’d prefer to see the difference in cm. This medication makes me feel a little nauseous the first day or two after my shot but after that I never feel hungry. I can quite easily eat a super small portion and feel full! I drink about 2L of water a day and do about 8000 steps at my job. It really has been great and sooooo much cheaper than Saxenda which was another one I was considering. Hopefully I continue to lose weight!”

10 / 10
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This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

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Ozempic For Weight Loss: Risks, Side Effects And More

Dr. Janese Laster is a quadruple board-certified physician and the owner of Gut Theory Total Digestive Care in Washington, D.C.

Janese Laster, M.D. Gastroenterology / Nutrition / Obesity Medicine / Bariatric Endoscopist
Updated: Jan 25, 2023, 10:10am

Commissions we earn from partner links on this page do not affect our opinions or evaluations. Our editorial content is based on thorough research and guidance from the Forbes Health Advisory Board.

What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic for Weight Loss: How Does It Work?
Is Ozempic Safe?
Common Side Effects of Ozempic
Should I Use Ozempic to Lose Weight?

Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable medication formulated to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar. Although not officially a weight loss drug, research suggests that people who take Ozempic may lose modest amounts of weight while on the medication. In fact, the active ingredient in Ozempic, known as semaglutide, is FDA-approved at higher doses for treating individuals living with obesity and other weight related medical problems under the name Wegovy.

Due to a Wegovy shortage coupled with Ozempic’s weight loss effects going viral on social media, people without type 2 diabetes have begun using Ozempic off-label for weight loss.

In this article, we discuss this growing weight loss trend and offer insights from physicians on Ozempic’s effectiveness for weight loss, safety and what you should consider before taking Ozempic for weight loss.

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What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic is an FDA-approved prescription medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. It helps improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes and is proven to lower hemoglobin A1C, a measure of blood glucose over time, according to research cited on Ozempic’s site. It also helps adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease lower their risk for cardiovascular events like stroke or heart attack.

The active compound in Ozempic, semaglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by activating GLP-1 receptors throughout the body and enhancing the effects of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1.

“GLP-1 serves multiple key functions in the body,” explains Christopher McGowan, M.D., a gastroenterologist specializing in obesity medicine and endobariatrics, and founder of True You Weight Loss in North Carolina. “It boosts the release of insulin by the pancreas in response to food intake, which helps to control blood sugar. Likewise, it reduces the release of glucagon—a hormone that increases blood glucose—thereby also helping to control blood sugar.”

Ozempic is a once-weekly self-administered injection of semaglutide. It comes in 0.5 milligrams, 1 milligram or 2 milligram dosages.

Is Ozempic Insulin?

Ozempic is not insulin. It helps your pancreas produce more insulin when your blood sugar is high. “Unlike insulin, Ozempic rarely causes low blood sugar,” notes California-based Lydia Alexander, M.D, a board certified obesity medicine specialist and president-elect of the Obesity Medicine Association, the largest organization of clinicians dedicated to preventing, treating and reversing the disease of obesity.

Ozempic for Weight Loss: How Does It Work?

While Ozempic is not specifically labeled as a weight loss drug, studies sponsored by Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Ozempic, suggest people who take semaglutide—the active compound in Ozempic—may lose weight [1] Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002. [2] Mares AC, Chatterjee S, Mukherjee D. Semaglutide for weight loss and cardiometabolic risk reduction in overweight/obesity. Curr Opin Cardiol. 2022;37(4):350-355. . In fact, the FDA approved semaglutide for weight loss in 2021 under the brand name Wegovy. However, Wegovy provides a higher dose of semaglutide than Ozempic—2.4 milligrams of semaglutide in Wegovy compared with 0.5 milligrams, 1 milligram or 2 milligrams of semaglutide in Ozempic.

As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide enhances the effects of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1. Dr. McGowan explains that in addition to its effects on blood glucose and diabetes, GLP-1 also impacts weight via two key mechanisms:

Affects the hunger centers in the brain (specifically, in the hypothalamus), reducing hunger, appetite and cravings
Slows the rate of stomach emptying, effectively prolonging fullness and satiety after meals

“The net result is decreased hunger, prolonged fullness and ultimately weight loss,” adds Dr. McGowan.

In one large clinical trial sponsored by Novo Nordisk, 1,961 adults with excess weight or obesity who did not have diabetes were given 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide or a placebo once a week for 68 weeks, along with lifestyle intervention. Those who took semaglutide lost 14.9% of their body weight compared with 2.4% for those who took the placebo [1] Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002. .

It’s important to note that the dose of semaglutide used in this study was higher than the dose provided by Ozempic. However, 2.4 milligrams is the dose of semaglutide in the FDA-approved weight loss drug Wegovy.

“Ozempic is FDA approved for the treatment of diabetes only. It is not a weight loss medication,” explains Dr. McGowan. “Its sister medication, Wegovy, is specifically approved for the treatment of weight,” he adds.

Even though Ozempic and Wegovy are essentially the same medication (just available in different doses), it should be noted that while Ozempic is typically covered by insurance, often, Wegovy is not.

High demand and subsequent inventory and supply chain strains have severely impacted the availability of Wegovy, notes Dr. McGowan. As a result, Wegovy has been repeatedly unavailable since its introduction and many people are turning to off-label use of Ozempic for weight loss. Dr. McGowan notes that this is interfering with the availability of Ozempic for those with diabetes.

While taking semaglutide may help you lose weight while you are on the drug, most people will regain much of that weight if they discontinue using it. “Studies show that stopping Ozempic completely will likely lead to regaining most of the weight lost within several months,” notes Rekha Kumar, M.D., head of Medical Affairs at evidence-based weight care program Found, and practicing endocrinologist at an academic medical center in New York City.

“GLP-1 medications [like Ozempic] are designed to be taken long-term,” explains Dr. McGowan. “They are chronic medications for the treatment of chronic conditions (both diabetes and obesity).”

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About Us

Family Medicine

In 2024 our team of doctors and nurses provide a comprehensive range of family planning services. Our doctors have expertise in antenatal care, preconception planning, and STD checks. Contraceptive advice including Mirena and Implanon insertion is available.

Early detection of illness;

Family planning;

Promotion of healthy lifestyle;

Skin cancer checks;

Sports injuries;

Weight reduction;

Workers compensation and third party.

Children's Health

Baby Weighing Service. Babies can be booked with our Nurse for weighing, a doctors appointment is not required to use this service. Contact reception for a appointment to have your baby weighed.

Immunisations. At Tuggeranong Square children's immunisation is regarded an important part of your childs health care. Our doctors take immunising children very seriously. and to ensure all children are immunised Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice doctors BULK BILL for all childhood immunisations. Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice also ensures the Practice Nursing Staff are highly trained in childhood immunisations.

Women's Health

Our practice is dedicated to treating a wide spectrum of women’s health concerns. We offer pre-natal, antenatal and postnatal care, contraceptive options, pap screening, and preventative health care advice. We provide assistance, advice and support through all stages of life, recognising the many issues many women may face from adolescence through to the peri and post-menopausal period.

Cervical Screening tests;

Reproductive health. Including Mirena and Implanon insertion;

Shared antenatal care.

Men's Health

We encourage men to present routinely to their GP to discuss all aspects of their health. We provide comprehensive advice and support for men to address the prevention and management of various health conditions. This may include assessments for cardiovascular risk, diabetes, cancer prevention, mental health assessments, STD screening, sports injuries and the importance of sleep as it relates to other areas of health.

Preventative Healthcare. Including cardiovascular screening, mental health and cancer checks;

Prostate examination.