7 Critical Warnings About Ozempic for Weight Loss You Need to Know
Ozempic (semaglutide), a medication initially developed to manage Type 2 diabetes, is increasingly being used off-label for weight loss.
It works by making people feel fuller and stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. Clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in regulating blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss in Type 2 diabetes patients.
However, some users have reported experiencing gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.
How Effective is Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Research shows that Ozempic is effective for weight loss not only in people with Type 2 diabetes but also in those who are overweight or obese. Even though the FDA has not yet approved Ozempic specifically for weight loss, it is commonly prescribed for this purpose.
According to research by Novo Nordisk published in The Lancet, patients with Type 2 diabetes who used Ozempic lost up to 15 pounds depending on their dosage (ranging from 0.5 mg to 2 mg).
For diabetes patients, weight loss is considered a secondary benefit of the medication, as its primary role is to control blood sugar levels.
How Does Ozempic Help with Weight Loss?
Ozempic mimics a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1, which is released when you eat. This hormone triggers the body to produce more insulin and signals the brain to reduce appetite and enhance feelings of fullness.
A weightloss expert quote “These are glucagon-like peptides that already exist in our bodies. Ozempic essentially sends signals to the brain, much like when food is consumed, leading to reduced hunger and increased insulin production.”
Is There a Generic Version of Ozempic?
At present, there is no generic version of Ozempic available. However, due to supply shortages, the FDA has allowed compounding pharmacies to create semaglutide formulations.
Compounded versions of the drug come in self-administered vials, and patients must closely follow their clinician’s instructions to avoid any risks, including accidental overdose.
How Quickly Can You Lose Weight with Ozempic?
In clinical trials conducted by Novo Nordisk, patients taking 2 mg doses of Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes lost an average of 14 pounds over 40 weeks. Those on a 1 mg dose lost about 12.5 pounds.
A separate study in JAMA Network Open found that people with and without Type 2 diabetes lost between 5.9% of their body weight after three months and 10.9% after six months.
Those without diabetes tended to lose more weight than those with the condition. The study also revealed that combining Ozempic with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet yields better results.
Benefits of Ozempic for Weight Loss
Ozempic can be especially helpful for people who struggle to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. Its benefits include reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes, improving insulin resistance, and helping regulate blood sugar levels.
Even a modest weight loss of 5% to 10% can reduce the risk of obesity-related health issues such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. A 10% to 15% reduction in weight may even alleviate conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.
Most people experience mild side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort when they start taking Ozempic. These symptoms often improve as the body adjusts to the medication.
However, more severe but rare side effects have been reported, such as gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), which slows or halts the movement of food from the stomach to the intestines.
Gastroparesis can lead to hardened food blockages in the stomach. Some patients have even filed lawsuits against Ozempic’s manufacturers after developing severe cases of this condition.
Is Ozempic Right for You?
Ozempic might be a suitable weight loss option for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 with additional weight-related health conditions. Alternatively, Wegovy—a similar medication that contains semaglutide—is already FDA-approved for weight loss.
Dr. Maria Anton, an endocrinologist at the Pritikin Longevity Center, emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes alongside medication: “Long-term success requires commitment. These drugs should be tapered off, not stopped abruptly, and body fat should be regularly monitored.”
You should avoid taking Ozempic if you are pregnant, have a history of pancreatitis, are at high risk for thyroid cancer, or have kidney disease.