Among individuals with obesity without type 2 diabetes, subcutaneous semaglutide is effective for weight loss with an 11.85% reduction from baseline compared to placebo. We therefore assessed the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous semaglutide as treatment for obesity in patients without diabetes. Dr. Joseph’s clinical focus is the prevention and treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in people and populations made vulnerable due to the impacts of the social determinants of health. One of the primary advantages is its ability to improve blood sugar control. Administered as a weekly injection, Ozempic aids in lowering blood glucose levels, reducing appetite, and slowing gastric emptying. Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, is part of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists class. It also offers cardiovascular benefits and is increasingly explored for its potential in weight management for a subset of individuals. While some people use Ozempic off-label for weight loss, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to discuss the risks and benefits before using it solely for this purpose. Dr. Zhou estimates that 25% to 33% of people taking Ozempic and similar medications used for weight loss experience some degree of hair loss. Novo Nordisk's oral weight loss medication being studied that contains the same ingredient as Ozempic, semaglutide, will be for obesity. Drug manufacturer Eli Lilly also recently released phase 2 clinical trial results for its weight loss pill, orforglipron, in people with obesity or who were overweight but did not have Type 2 diabetes. A phase 3 trial of Novo Nordisk's oral semaglutide in people who are obese or overweight and do not have Type 2 diabetes found that the average participant lost 15% of their body weight after 68 weeks — similar to the clinical trial results of Novo Nordisk's injectable semaglutide. If you miss a dose, take it within five days; otherwise, skip and resume normally. Remove the cap, attach a new needle, and dial the dose. They’ll assess if Ozempic suits you, considering your medical history and goals. Begin by consulting your healthcare provider. THRIVE Le-Vel Review: Super Premium Weight Loss in a Patch? It may take a few months, but any hair you lose after beginning a weight-loss medication typically grows back. “Your body can perceive weight loss as a stress,” explains Dr. Zhou. The cost of Rybelsus — and any of the weight loss pills currently being studied, should they be approved and become available — depends on your health insurance. “They could definitely have a lot of poor side effects, because they didn't titrate up to that level yet,” Godwin says. Patients should not increase their Ozempic dose without doctor approval—which is possible because there are multiple doses in one pen. “I think it's so popular now that practitioners might be tempted to just prescribe more freely, and then maybe not monitor patients as frequently,” she says. Godwin says recent reports of extreme vomiting and gastroparesis are a reminder that patients should schedule regular checkups with their doctor when taking these medications. “We also do not know the side effects or risks in these populations—there could be unknown drug reactions. Ozempic has been approved only for type 2 diabetics, and Wegovy has been approved only for patients with a BMI above 30, or 27 if they have a weight-related comorbidity like high blood pressure. We need more studies to better understand the mechanism and how to best use these drugs for our patients.Until the supply/demand discrepancy is solved, those with chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia, and moderate to severe obesity, should be prioritized in receiving Ozempic.If you have Type 2 diabetes, one of the reasons you may be prescribed Ozempic is because it can help you lose weight.But some people without diabetes are prescribed Ozempic off-label to help them lose weight.In the long run, weight is related to cancer risk.Drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy are extremely effective for weight loss.Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, is part of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists class. Dr. Saunders notes that FlyteHealth won’t prescribe anti-obesity medications without a large panel of labs, a series of health questionnaires, and a one-hour initial visit. If you want to lose weight on these drugs — and develop the tools you need to keep it off for good — it’s well worth taking these steps to maximize your chance of success. With close monitoring by a health care provider, paying attention to any problems and periodically reassessing whether patients still need to be on the drug, “we can do this safely,” Low Wang says. The celebrity chef looks unrecognizable after losing a significant amount of weight over the years, and one of Deen's major physical changes has been her face. Several photos of Deen have caught the attention of the public as the celebrity chef has lost a significant amount of weight, specifically in her face. Many stars have relied on the drug to get thin, and because of this dynamic, there's been a trend in Ozempic accusations made against some of the biggest celebrities, including the scandalous Paula Deen. In 2023, Clarkson moved her family and talk show from Los Angeles to New York, which was a major mental health win for her. Being in the spotlight can pressure celebrities to look their best, which, unfortunately, sometimes means losing weight for the wrong reasons. It offers similar benefits but is tailored for obesity management. Compounded versions exist but carry risks of inconsistency. Telehealth services offer prescriptions, but ensure legitimacy. Manufacturer savings cards can reduce it to $25 for eligible patients. Long-term success comes from habits, not just the drug. What should I watch for while using this medication? Especially when other FDA-approved medical interventions have been deemed effective and safe for long-term use, such as liraglutide, phentermine, and several others; meanwhile, Ozempic has not. Accepting this view would also require holding the uncertainty of long-term risks as insignificant, and this is simply not the case when there is potential for harm. Other proponents might accept the short-term risks for cosmetic purposes and dismiss the fact that there is much unknown, including whether it is sustainable long-term. The production increase would make prioritization less of a problem and could at least prioritize medical interventions. However, even legitimate pharmacies are at risk as they turn to unfamiliar distributors to meet demand. Scientific American looks back at what we learned this year about these new drugs and how they are could be changing our relationship to, and understanding of, our weight. Because, yes, you'd technically be using a medication intended to treat people with type 2 diabetes. Despite not being FDA-approved for weight loss, though, people are still getting it prescribed off-label by their doctors to shed pounds. While specifically designed to manage blood sugar levels, patients noticed they lost weight, as well, Dr. Srivastava says. Ozempic (the brand name for semaglutide) is a medicine made for adults with type 2 diabetes. But over the last few years, Ozempic has flooded the headlines as a prescription weight-loss drug (which it isn't, exactly — but more on that later) that was favored by celebs. In the 1990s, diet pills — including fen-phen, a combination of the drugs fenfluramine and phentermine — were popular. Many patients experience more rapid loss in the first few months, followed by a plateau where progress slows. Your body composition, metabolism, and genetics play important roles too. That’s a significant transformation for someone struggling with excess weight. Research shows most people see modest results in the first month, with continuing progress over time when combined with lifestyle changes. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Animal studies suggest long-lasting effects after the one dose which has the potential to radically redefine obesity care. But researchers say it is far too early to imagine that these drugs will become some sort of magical treatment for countless diseases. Monday's vast study confirmed the findings of the previous research, also bringing more specific information about the drugs' promising effects. Because of Ozempic’s popularity, this post is mainly about that drug in particular. These are the GLP-1 receptor agonists, known by their trade names of Wegovy (semaglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide), and Ozempic (semaglutide). Because Contrave contains bupropion, it carries an increased risk for suicidal ideation, just like antidepressants that contain that same ingredient. Ozempic and these other GLP-1 agonists seem to be the closest things to it so far. Whenever I Achieve a Hard-Fought Goal, It Never Feels Like Enough. Is This Normal? The cost-effectiveness of semaglutide is unclear, though one recent study demonstrated that semaglutide, relative to no treatment, diet and exercise alone, and other anti-obesity medications, was cost-effective at the willingness-to-pay threshold of $150,000 per quality-adjusted life year over a 30-year horizon.89 As part of the shared decision-making process, insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses should be discussed openly with patients. As shown in STEP 2, semaglutide at a higher dose of 2.4 mg produces larger weight losses than the 1.0 mg dose approved for type 2 diabetes.39 Special considerations are needed when prescribing semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes. Like other GLP-1RA medications, semaglutide has a boxed warning of a risk of thyroid c-cell tumors and is contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2. These side effects often improve as the body adjusts to the medication. Like any medication, GLP-1 receptor agonists may cause side effects in some people. Liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound) are all FDA-approved for weight loss. Patients who were not able to tolerate liraglutide due to gastrointestinal side effects may tolerate longer-acting semaglutide, though studies are needed to examine the effects of switching between agents. Maintaining patients on a lower tolerated dose, if effective, could also be used, as in the STEP 1 trial. In a pooled analysis from STEP trials 1–3, participants randomized to semaglutide 2.4 mg compared to those assigned to placebo reported more nausea (43.9 vs 16.1%), diarrhea (29.7 vs 15.9%), vomiting (24.5 vs 6.3%) and constipation (24.2 vs 11.1%).74 These symptoms most commonly occurred during or shortly after dose titration and the median duration of constipation, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting were 47, 8, 3, and 2 days, respectively. This medication has not been assessed in patients with a history of pancreatitis. The pharmacologic management of obesity has further details on the full scope of contraindications. Patients with certain pre-existing health conditions should exercise caution or possibly avoid Ozempic altogether. Specific health conditions can complicate its use, and pregnancy and breastfeeding demand particular caution. Patients should be informed of the symptoms and the importance of prompt medical attention if symptoms occur. When compounding semaglutide, pharmacies will use a recipe that’s likely different from Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus. So what exactly is the difference between compounded semaglutide and Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus? Does this mean that compounded semaglutide is the same as Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus? Does that mean for the vast majority of people, these drugs can’t have lasting effects, and put obesity into remission? Bynes didn’t detail the significance of the new body art but her Instagram bio also boasts the two cryptic words. Bynes didn’t detail the significance of the new body art but her Instagram bio also boasts the two cryptic words The pair got engaged in 2020 after meeting at a treatment facility, as both struggle with substance abuse. The former child star was dressed casually for the occasion, sporting a baggy denim jacket, black crossbody purse and trousers, while her date, 40, donned a beige button-down shirt and army green jacket. “I’m 163 now, I actually shot up on the Ozempic pill to 180 from 173, I was able to lose 20 pounds from 180 and now I’m down to 163 on the Ozempic injection,” Bynes detailed. Considering taking a weight-loss drug like Ozempic? Here are some potential risks and benefits The adherence of the participants to treatment during the trial is also a factor. Furthermore, the studies included the weight for participants who were lost to follow-up and this could have affected the mean percent weight difference. We observed that aside from the administration of semaglutide, reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity were also part of the intervention. “Not even the drug companies know that,” Phillips says. “That’s lower than bodybuilders would recommend, but it’s still higher than the RDA,” he notes, and more than adequate to support a large person’s lean body mass. The workouts Nadolsky recommends for patients taking a GLP-1 are no different from what he’d recommend for anyone else. SPENCER NADOLSKY, D.O., is an obesity and lipid specialist and co-host, with his brother Karl, of the Docs Who Lift podcast. And the longer you carry excess weight, the greater the toll it’s likely to take on your ability to move without pain. However, both Ozempic® and alcohol can lower blood sugar levels, so combining them can potentially lead to low blood sugar, especially if you have type 2 diabetes and are taking insulin. This means that the body quickly absorbs and converts them into glucose, causing a sharp rise in blood sugar levels. Choosing low-sugar options and limiting sugary foods and drinks in your diet can help ensure successful diabetes and weight management while taking Ozempic®. This leads to a gradual increase in blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of spikes and dips, and improving overall blood glucose control. Stay on top of your game with personalized medical care. Weight gain is a common side effect during breast cancer therapy that can lead to worse outcomes including poorer cardiovascular health. “There are at least 13 types of cancer we know are linked to obesity, including post-menopausal breast, colon and gastric (stomach), prostate, endometrial, and others,” says Sherry Shen, MD. Our programs include both the provider and medication, with no hidden fees or office visits. Our mission is to make treatment fast, easy, and affordable for everyone. Helimeds has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Ozempic can help people lose weight, which can reduce the risk for many other serious health conditions, such as heart problems. Find out if weight loss medications can actually help you lose weight For years, people have been trying all sorts of methods and medications in search of the perfect weight loss solution. Compounded Semaglutide: Are Ozempic and Wegovy Knock-Offs Safe? “They are not considered life-sustaining the way diabetes and blood pressure medications are,” explained Sodicoff. "Using such drugs may lead to undisclosed health complications, including life-threatening situations," Dr. Boyer adds. (Wegovy, the brand name for a medication that uses the same drug as Ozempic but a different dose, is approved for weight-loss under certain circumstances.) So because people with type 2 diabetes often have low or nonexistent levels of insulin in their bloodstream, Ozempic will increase the amount of insulin, allowing the body to better process or break down food. According to a study in the Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, participants regained two-thirds of their prior weight loss when they stopped treatment completely, concluding that "ongoing treatment of Ozempic is required to maintain improvements in weight and health." "Treating everyone with obesity in the U.S. with medications will bankrupt the country and still not cultivate the type of health and vitality we actually want," he said. With about 40% of U.S. adults now classified as obese — and another 30% considered overweight — many doctors and patients are embracing the new drugs as a solution. Excess body weight is tied to a range of medical problems, including diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and many types of cancer. Originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, the drugs are well known to improve control of blood sugar. Ozempic offers significant benefits for people managing type 2 diabetes, particularly for those who need additional help controlling blood sugar and reducing cardiovascular risk. Ozempic is a medicine designed to treat people with type 2 diabetes. She’s loved all things health and wellness since starting her bi-weekly podcast Pancreas Pals—a series all about the highs and lows of living life with type 1 diabetes. “Be sure to drink a lot of water, eat your meals slowly, and use over-the-counter medications like Tums or Gas-X to ease any nausea or gas pains. If you are diabetic, there are alternative medications that are safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.” If you're wondering what the right Ozempic dosing for weight loss looks like, you're asking the right question. You’ve heard the buzz about Ozempic for weight loss, and you’re curious about how it actually works. In that case, she says, medications like Ozempic and Wegovy can be a great option. Why shouldn’t people with obesity have the option to take a medication for their condition that’s potentially life-changing? Why all insurance companies would not cover these medications for people who qualify is beyond comprehension. It isn’t actually FDA-approved for weight loss (Wegovy is), but that’s not stopping people from wanting to take it. These medications work like our own GLP-1, slowing down gastric emptying, helping with insulin secretion and sensitivity, and improving blood sugar regulation. The average weight loss with Contrave is around 5%, according to Spencer Nadolsky, D.O, who uses Contrave with patients for that purpose. The drugs, initially created to treat diabetes and now commonly used for weight loss, affect several systems in the body, including those essential for oral health. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ozempic (semaglutide) in 2017 for adults with type 2 diabetes, it ushered in a new era of blood sugar and weight loss drugs. The success of GLP-1 medications has made drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) seem like a magic bullet for weight loss. “While serious adverse effects are seldom seen, they include acute pancreas inflammation and gallbladder problems. “Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, and long-term safety for non-diabetic users remains unclear,” warns Wasserfall. This discovery has led to Semaglutide being prescribed off-label for weight management, although it is not approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) for this purpose. What else would you most like people struggling with weight to know about Ozempic and these other drugs? If you took a blood pressure medicine, and your blood pressure came down, you don’t stop the blood pressure medication… This is the same thing with anti-obesity medications. These medications give the kind of weight loss that previously we only saw with bariatric surgery. Tirzepatide gives 20-23% weight loss and other drugs in phase 3 trials are going to be even better. One study scored a high risk for blinding of outcome assessment due to the single-blindness in participants (Jensterle et al., 2021), while two studies were double-blind, but the blinding of outcome assessment was unclear (O'Neil et al., 2018; Hjerpsted et al., 2018). All studies (Wilding et al., 2021; Wadden et al., 2021; Rubino et al., 2021; Rubino et al., 2022; O'Neil et al., 2018; Friedrichsen et al., 2021; Hjerpsted et al., 2018; Jensterle et al., 2021) were of low risk in terms of random sequence generation, incomplete outcome data, selective reporting, and other bias. Four studies enrolled adults with BMI of 30 or greater or a BMI of 27 or greater with at least 1 weight-related comorbidity, and the average proportion of individuals without comorbidities was 24.4% (Rubino et al., 2021; Wadden et al., 2021; Wilding et al., 2021; Rubino et al., 2022). All eight studies were conducted on non-diabetic obese patients with an average baseline BMI of 33.8–40.1 kg/m2, and the individuals were all adults over 18 years of age (Wilding et al., 2021; Wadden et al., 2021; Rubino et al., 2021; Rubino et al., 2022; O'Neil et al., 2018; Friedrichsen et al., 2021; Hjerpsted et al., 2018; Jensterle et al., 2021). The Science Behind Semaglutide To manage the shortage, pharmacists are instructed to give preference to people with type 2 diabetes who are seeking the medication. However, five patients (2.9%) had to stop taking the medication because they could not tolerate the adverse effects. The TGA has also approved Wegovy (a higher dose of semagtlutide) for weight loss, however it’s not yet available in Australia. In the US clinical trial, nearly half (48.6%) of people taking semaglutide reported experiencing adverse effects. Anecdotally (not based on scientific research), people using semaglutide, such as Oprah Winfrey, report a reclaiming or turning point of their life, social situation and body image. Murphy shared her milestones in several videos that went viral on TikTok, fielding questions about side effects and how she got access to the drug. It was her first surgery, and she wanted to lower her BMI to minimize health risks during the operation and in recovery. But most people will regain the weight if they stop it.” Others stop because they don’t feel like the drugs are working or because of concerns over price. While GLP-1 receptor agonists show promising results for weight loss, Wasserfall believes that the focus should shift to prevention. Wegovy® pill is the first FDA-approved GLP-1 pill for weight loss. Kathleen loves helping her patients explore sustainable health changes that can easily fit into their lifestyle. Enrolling in the program means you’ll be working closely with licensed clinicians who will design a personalized plan to help you lose weight. At LifeMD, you may be prescribed Ozempic® for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and/or as a part of the LifeMD Weight Management Program. When these effects are combined, they often result in drastic weight loss for users. In this article, we will explore how to take Ozempic for weight loss and discuss five ways to maximize the effectiveness of this prescription medication. Ozempic off-label use for weight loss has demonstrated promising results linking this medication to substantial weight reductions in many overweight and obese individuals. Lose Weight and Melt Stress With the 28 Day Indoor Walking Challenge: Walking for Weight Loss Plan While some evidence suggests protective effects, rapid weight loss and reduced nutrient intake can compromise bone density. While GLP-1 drugs promote fat loss, rapid weight reduction can lead to 15–25% lean muscle mass loss. “The patients taking GLP-1 RA medications report that the ‘food noise’ — the constant thinking about food — is quieter,” Ali said. Research is still unraveling how GLP-1 drugs influence the body, from the gut and cardiovascular system to muscular and brain function. “Lowering prices might encourage more people who might benefit from these medications to start using them.” Food and Drug Administration, while Ozempic is not, though many people are using it off-label for that purpose. Since starting Wegovy, Gardner has also had fatigue, diarrhea and “really prominent” nausea for which she takes another medication. For example, once Gardner started taking Wegovy in January 2023 after talking about all the options with her doctor, she noticed she had "very little appetite" and finally started losing weight. The idea that "(obesity) is a problem of willpower was really an oversimplification," Dr. Tara Narula, cardiologist at Northwell Health in New York City, said on TODAY in a segment aired Aug. 15. But diets didn’t work, and she didn’t want to go the weight-loss surgery route. All medications come with potential side effects, Ali says.It goes to the pancreas, to help the body produce insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.Even if you meet the criteria, experts warn against trying to obtain the medication without a prescription by traveling to countries that don't require them.While she says she did experience significant nausea when she tried to increase her monthly dose, Jill says she has been able to mitigate the issue by staying on a relatively low dose.“Generally, these side effects are seen in the first few weeks of therapy as well as when dosing is increased,” Palinski-Wade says.Glucose goes down in people with diabetes.In December 2025, the World Health Organization recommended the long-term use of GLP-1 drugs — along with intensive behavioral therapy — for people living with obesity.“You regain the weight,” Wharton said. Several other adverse events have been reported with semaglutide.75 For example, as with other GLP1-RAs, increases in heart rate averaging 2.539 to 5.4 beats per minute51 have been observed in clinical trials. Pregnancy is a contraindication for use of semaglutide, and semaglutide should be discontinued at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to the long half-life. Caution also should be used in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to other GLP-1RAs. Patients should be informed that it is unknown whether semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma in humans. Many of the contraindications and adverse events of semaglutide are shared among other GLP-1RAs, including liraglutide; however, there are differences in occurrence and severity as further detailed below. Since obesity has been increasing in prevalence worldwide and can cause serious complications like cardiovascular disease and diabetes,2,3 safe and acceptable treatments for this condition are crucial to prevent further health complications. Despite these confounding factors, we still believe that semaglutide is a major factor in weight reduction because the subjects all attempted to lose weight prior to starting treatment but were unsuccessful. It is currently approved for the treatment of diabetes but not for obesity.6 Patients with obesity sustain a 46% higher inpatient cost compared to normal weight individuals. Studies that measured percent weight loss from baseline after treatment with semaglutide were included. The medication’s efficacy in improving self-reported appetite and in reducing objectively-measured energy intake may reduce the need for traditional behavioral counseling to support changes in these behaviors. Further research is needed to determine the optimal frequency of lifestyle counseling required with semaglutide 2.4 mg. The intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) intervention succeeded at week 28 in inducing a mean loss of approximately 8% of baseline weight in placebo-treated participants, a loss that declined to 5.7% at week 68, most likely because of the decreased number of counseling visits during the second part of the intervention. Changes in these values were generally similar in the two semaglutide-treated groups, although the data were not submitted to formal statistical analysis. Semaglutide also was superior in the percentage of participants who lost ≥10% (69.1 vs 12.0%), ≥15% (50.5 vs 4.9%), and ≥20% of baseline weight (32.0 vs 1.7%). What should someone considering these drugs know about them? This is true not just for drugs, but also for dieting or bariatric surgery. Can stopping the medication cause a regain of weight? It is recommended to begin at the lowest dose of 0.25 milligrams subcutaneously once weekly for the first four weeks to avoid unwanted side effects.People who take GLP-1 medications may be at an increased risk of severe stomach problems such as gastroparesis, research published in JAMA in 2023 found.“We finally have medications that are highly effective in treating obesity for the long term, and it’s a game-changer for those who really need it,” says Dr. Butsch.Mir Ali, MD, is a bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.The longer-term effects aren’t known.Food and Drug Administration, while Wegovy is approved specifically for weight management in people with obesity or those who are overweight and have a complication like high blood pressure. This weight loss effect is primarily due to its appetite-suppressing action and delayed gastric emptying, making individuals feel full longer. By enhancing the body’s natural hormone response, Ozempic helps maintain stable blood sugar levels without causing significant drops. Additionally, Ozempic has been shown to improve kidney function in people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. This makes it a valuable option for individuals with type 2 diabetes who are at higher risk for these conditions. Ozempic can help a subset of individuals lose weight by reducing appetite and promoting feelings of fullness. In the meantime, the researchers hope that regulatory agencies and drug makers will consider updating the warning labels for their products, which currently don’t include the risk of gastroparesis.Nearly 50% of U.S. adults are considered obese (defined as having too much body fat for your weight) according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.It can be normal to hit a weight plateau while taking these medications.Here are patients’ experiences with Ozempic and Wegovy, and their before-and-after photos.I think obesity is with you forever.It may take a few months, but any hair you lose after beginning a weight-loss medication typically grows back.With close monitoring by a health care provider, paying attention to any problems and periodically reassessing whether patients still need to be on the drug, “we can do this safely,” Low Wang says. Celebrities and influencers tout them in interviews and social media, and even Oprah admitted to using one to aid in her weight loss journey. Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs like it have become so pervasive in the zeitgeist that it’s likely even your most social media-averse relative knows what they are. “There are certain guidelines we have to follow based on the way these medications were designed. Ali stresses that everyone responds to medication like Ozempic differently, but most won’t benefit from very low doses. Instead, it can be a reaction as your body rapidly loses weight from the treatment. Your body’s response to rapid weight loss from the medication may cause shedding That said, Rajapaksa said pills generally cost less than injections, which will likely be the case for weight loss medications, too. According to the results of a phase 2 clinical trial of people with Type 2 diabetes published in May, participants, who took the pill twice daily, saw their body weight “statistically significantly reduced” compared to a placebo after 16 weeks. As a leading healthcare provider in Western New York, SOM Medical Practice is committed to providing our patients with accurate, science-backed information on the latest medical advancements. In recent years, Ozempic has garnered considerable attention not only for its effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes but also for its remarkable impact on weight loss. People shouldn’t be pushed into any treatment that’s aimed at losing weight or changing their body, he said. The change in average body weight was 15.3 kg in the semaglutide group, versus 2.6 kg in the placebo. It's not about the weight loss, it's about the maintenance. But how many people would have to be on the drug to really change it? But then you have your third of patients on the lower end of the scale who are only losing in the 10 percent range, and they'll say 90 percent of patients lost at least 10 percent of their weight. Among these, Ozempic, primarily known for its role in managing type 2 diabetes, has garnered attention for its secondary effect—aiding in weight reduction, particularly in the abdominal area. Since DAEs occurred more frequently in semaglutide, it may be due to its longer half-life (165 h), potentially inducing a more abrupt return of hunger when pausing the treatment and leading to permanent discontinuations (Lau et al., 2015; Rubino et al., 2022). Compared with placebo, semaglutide increased the incidences of AEs, SAEs, and DAEs, especially DAEs, and gastrointestinal side effects accounted for the majority, particularly nausea and diarrhea, which is probably owing to the long-term gastric emptying (Aroda et al., 2019; Wharton et al., 2022). In this regard, it is successfully recognized that semaglutide may be particularly suitable for obese patients with cardiovascular disease. Ji et al. (2021) revealed that semaglutide was related to a significant 26% reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared with placebo, with a 39% reduction in stroke. The exact amount of weight you lose on Ozempic or Wegovy can depend on factors like dosage, lifestyle habits and underlying conditions. “Of course, some people will naturally lose less and some will lose more.” But how much weight can you really lose on Ozempic or Wegovy? You’ve probably heard about the dramatic weight loss that can happen when you take Ozempic or Wegovy. A weight loss doctor reveals what you can expect, plus how long you can safely continue the meds But the messenger molecule also works on the brain to increase feelings of satiety, and, because the body still needs energy, it uses energy from the stored fat cells. GPL-1 is an endogenous hormone, “meaning we make it ourselves after we eat food,” said Wharton, medical director of the Wharton Medical Clinic in Toronto. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like petide-1 analogue, an unwieldy name for a drug also known as a GPL-1 receptor agonist. It is important to monitor for other possible complications under medical supervision.But over the next two years, as her weight continued to climb, she decided to give Ozempic another try — this time, combined with a low-carb diet and a slower approach to increasing her dose.And I wasn't a person that looked in the mirror and was like, oh, I'm overweight; I don't like how I look.“I started thinking, 'this drug may make me slimmer over time but at what cost?If you have questions about a missed dose, contact your care team for advice.RCTs with longer follow-up are needed to determine long term efficacy, safety and risk for weight gain after treatment discontinuation.Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.The maximum recommended dose for weight loss is 2.4 mg once weekly, as highlighted in a study of weight loss with 2.4 mg semaglutide.People taking weight loss jabs such as Ozempic have been complaining of another unfortunate side effect. Hence, they are at low risk for selection, detection and performance biases. All trials were double blinded, randomized, using interactive web-based response system with identically looking placebo and semaglutide. The course of treatment was 68 weeks for Wilding, Rubino and Wadden et al., but only 52 weeks for O’Neil et al.’s study. The mean weight, BMI, age and sex of the participants included in the trials are shown in Table 2. But ultimately, she’s not tempted to go back on the medication. “Working out here, the people that come here give you so much encouragement,” she said. “I lost the weight, but I felt like I was still fat, because I wasn’t working out,” she said. What are the potential side effects? It helps increase insulin secretion to lower blood sugar after a meal. If you stop the medicine, the weight will go back up. I think the media has taken what is a really important medical advance and has turned it into kind of a celebrity sound bite, "Can you get it? Can't you get it?" sort of thing. He explains that a person’s response to Ozempic and the side-effects experienced may have to do with genetic variations in receptors related to hormones. “Weight loss is really just a trial and error because, genetically, everybody's response to food is different,” Dr Mrozinski says. Victorian-based GP, Dr Michael Mrozinski says there's no way to predict how Ozempic will make you feel or work on your body until you start taking it. She has since stopped taking Ozempic after the first few months, and has not returned to taking the medication since. “I started thinking, 'this drug may make me slimmer over time but at what cost? This cohort study assesses weight loss outcomes of semaglutide at doses used in randomized clinical trials for patients with overweight or obesity.Ozempic Insulin injection pen for diabetics and weight loss.The drug is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.Begin by consulting your healthcare provider.More research needs to be done on semaglutide to understand what other health issues it could treat and researchers are looking into unexpected areas – neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s for example, and even some forms of cancer – to find more pieces of the puzzle.This article explores how Ozempic works for weight loss, what the research says, and what you should consider before starting treatment.But as always, only you and your doctor can make the decision together regarding whether a semaglutide is right for you.Regular check-ins with healthcare professionals ensure that users stay accountable and can adjust their strategies as needed. “Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have been game changers in treatment of obesity. “Weight loss drugs are among the most sought-after products sold in the U.S.,” said Dr. Taraneh Soleymani, director of Obesity Medicine at Penn State Health Medical Group. “No matter what intervention we do—whether it's counseling, medication, or surgery—we’re really trying to give patients the tools they need to change their diet and lifestyle to maintain their success,” he says. If you're going on a medication like Ozempic, Ali says it’s important for people to make lifestyle changes, too. Dr. Gudzune has patients taking semaglutide and tirzepatide who have reported feeling full on smaller portions, and many describe a reduction in “food noise” (ever-present thoughts about eating and food). If you have questions about the information provided in your diabetes treatment plan, please reach out to your diabetes care team. Ozempic has been approved at a 2 mg dose if additional blood glucose management is needed. As for what treatment she opted for, she stayed mum on the name, but explained "It's something that aids in helping breaking down the sugar," adding, "Obviously my body doesn't do it right." In May 2024, Whoopi Goldberg, who has also had a stunning weight loss transformation, appeared on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" where she and Clarkson talked about their slimming down successes. For example, Kelly Clarkson, who looks totally unrecognizable after her weight loss transformation, had another tool in her arsenal that contributed to her success. However, not all stunning Hollywood weight-loss transformations can be attributed to the diabetic medication. It is really a health equity issue at this point. It's not the people who need them the most. Many of my patients cannot get these medicines because there are shortages that are the product of so much demand. Another medication, retatrutide, is likely more potent still. We're doing studies here on the combination of semaglutide with cagrilintide, which is going to come out in a number of years. Same drug, just marketed under a different name, and actually has FDA approval for weight loss indication, whereas Ozempic doesn't. The vast majority of obese patients never got effective treatment because there wasn't effective treatment, or the treatment had more significant side effects. It's opened up people's eyes to obesity as a disease now that there's effective medication for it. For medical advice about side effects, talk with your health care professional.