Many celebrities are currently attributing their new weight loss to Ozempic, which has some divided opinions. This is because Ozempic isn’t an FDA-approved weight loss drug. In reality, it’s a medication used to help manage the side effects of type 2 diabetes.
However, with such visible results in the current streaming media, it’s no wonder people are questioning if it actually works for weight loss. In this blog post, we’re going to look at what Ozemic is, how it works and if it really does help you lose weight.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic’s active ingredient is semaglutide and it’s taken by using a disposable, prefilled injectable pen. The FDA-approved use for Ozempic is managing type 2 diabetes. However, it does have “off-label” approval which means it can be used for other health conditions aside from type 2 diabetes. But this is at your doctor’s discretion.
This is how it’s come about that Ozempic can be used to aid weight loss, as the off-label approval has meant more people can have access to it for problems other than diabetes.
How does Ozempic work?
Ozempic works in a few different ways. Firstly, it helps to regulate and increase your insulin levels which keeps your blood sugar low. It also slows down the movement of food when you digest it, decreasing your appetite. This helps to lower the amount of sugar that is released into your body, helping to manage the impact of type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic side effects
Ozempic does have some side effects that can occur when you first start taking it.
These can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
These side effects normally go away once your body becomes used to the medication.
There are more serious side effects that can occur, and these can include:
- Pancreatitis
- Allergic reactions
- Higher risk of thyroid cancer
- Gallbladder disease
- Prolonged nausea and vomiting
Ozempic has a boxed warning from the FDA. This warning is in place because testing showed that it causes thyroid cancer and tumors in animals. It’s not currently known if it does the same to humans, but the warning advises people with an increased risk of thyroid cancer or a family history of it to avoid the medication.
What happens if you take too much Ozempic?
If you have taken too much Ozempic at once, you can develop severe hypoglycemia. This is where your blood sugar gets dangerously low, and you need to call for emergency medical help right away.
Ozempic does come in pre-fill injectable pens, so you shouldn’t find that you accidentally take too much. But if you take more than your recommended amount, it’s best to seek medical attention.
Does Ozempic work for weight loss?
Although Ozempic isn’t approved for weight loss management, the off-label prescription could help you lose weight.
As Ozempic works by slowing down your digestion, you’ll probably notice that you feel fuller for a lot longer. Similarly, many people experience nausea when taking Ozempic — which again, can limit your appetite.
To put it simply, weight loss is a side effect of taking Ozempic, not a treatment for weight loss.
Many people do see results when using Ozempic for weight loss, but this will also depend on your lifestyle and what you eat. People who eat an unhealthy diet full of high-fat and high-sugar foods might see less dramatic weight loss. But those who use Ozempic in conjunction with eating a well-balanced diet may notice a more considerable weight loss.
Are the weight loss results sustainable?
It’s important to consider if the weight loss results with Ozempic are sustainable or not. If you’re taking Ozempic to help manage your type 2 diabetes, then you’ll most likely be taking it for the long term.
However, when taking it for weight loss, your doctor might only recommend taking it while you’re on a weight loss journey. Once you stop taking it, your appetite might increase — causing you to put back on the weight you initially lost. This is why it’s important to make sure you lead a healthy lifestyle when taking Ozempic so that your results become sustainable.
While Ozempic may seem like a fantastic new weight loss medication, there are limitations to it such as the potential side effects and unsustainable results. But with proper guidance from your doctor, it could help you lose weight.
If you’re interested in learning more about Ozempic, be sure to check out our review and our guide on everything you need to know about it.
