While many users of Ozempic may only experience mild symptoms, there are some less common but more serious side effects to be aware of. Though these side effects can be uncomfortable, many are mild to moderate and tend to decrease over time. Understanding these can help you anticipate what to expect while using this medication. However, with these benefits come potential side effects that should not be overlooked. Rare, but serious, side effects have been reported with semaglutide. Common semaglutide side effects include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Yes, it’s possible to gain weight after stopping Ozempic. And if you stop Ozempic, it’s possible to regain weight that you’ve lost. The buzz about these drugs has created a shortage of both, according to the U.S. And TikTok is full of influencers showing off their startling before-and-after shots showing off their weight loss after using it. But like every drug, there are downsides—and potentially serious side effects. You’ll also have access to the full suite of Noom tools to help you design a healthy diet and exercise program while losing weight. You’ll be paired with a clinician who can prescribe medication, if needed, and manage your prescription, including guiding you through any side effects. How does Ozempic work? Understanding GLP-1s for diabetes, weight loss, and beyond A 2022 study in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism showed that participants regained two-thirds of their weight within a year of discontinuing semaglutide. Once the injections stop, your appetite often returns with a vengeance, and most people regain a significant portion of the lost weight within a few months. And the irony is, the more weight you lose on Ozempic, the harder it becomes to maintain that weight loss naturally once you stop. “Ozempic face” is a term coined to describe the cosmetic effects of weight loss drugs. GLP-1 drugs (also called GLP-1 agonists) are medications originally marketed to treat diabetes. If you take GLP-1 drugs to manage your weight or improve your health, you should be aware of the possible risks. These usually go away after a few weeks as your body gets used to the drug. The injection itself is done using a pre-filled pen, and it’s something most people can do themselves at home after a quick demo from their doctor. Ozempic is powerful, and taking more doesn’t mean faster results, it could actually lead to discomfort or health risks. However, it’s very important to follow your doctor’s advice and never increase the dose on your own. Over time, your dose may be increased depending on how your body responds and what your goals are. In this case, being prescribed Ozempic or Wegovy may assist in weight loss for those who are in a higher-weight body, but it won’t address the underlying factors that can lead to binge eating disorder in the first place. Whether this class of weight-loss drugs truly have a dark side will probably only become clear in the future when there’s more data about their prolonged use. However, Guirguis’s concern is that many people are now trying to obtain these drugs from unregulated websites. Maintaining proper nutrition is key to minimizing hair loss risks. Patients experiencing significant hair thinning should consult healthcare providers to rule out other potential causes. As the body adjusts to new metabolic patterns and nutritional intake stabilizes, hair growth typically returns to normal. When food consumption decreases, the body may prioritize critical functions over hair production. Essential nutrients like protein, iron, and vitamins play crucial roles in maintaining healthy hair growth. If you are facing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately. Learn more about some reasons you’re not seeing results and when to talk to a healthcare provider. This article will detail basic facts about Rybelsus, including how it is used, how to take it, and possible side effects it may cause. Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider. If you and your provider decide it’s time to come off the medication, tapering your dose slowly can make the transition smoother and help your body adjust. Newer or higher-dose GLP-1 medications like Wegovy® and Zepbound® are specifically approved for weight management. Most people experience mild side effects as their body adjusts to the initial dose or when their dose is increased. Studies have also shown that weight loss with semaglutide is dose-dependent, meaning progress tends to build as your dosage increases. In a large clinical trial, people on the highest dose of Ozempic® (2 mg weekly) lost an average of about 15 pounds, roughly 7% of their body weight, over 40 weeks. However, Al-Aly says when people — and particularly older adults — lose weight, “they don't only lose fat; they actually lose muscle mass and bone mass,” which could help explain the association. Individuals have reported hair loss when taking these drugs, as well as aspiration (when food or liquid enters the airway) when sedated for surgery, likely due to the delay in stomach emptying caused by the drugs. But like any drug, they are not without possible side effects. Plus, research shows they can help prevent heart problems, lower the risk of worsening kidney disease, and aid sleep apnea – all health issues that can become more common with age. Most reported cases appear to be individual variations rather than a consistent, medication-induced problem. Clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance suggest that sexual side effects are relatively rare. High cholesterol and diabetes, which Ozempic helps manage, are known contributors to erectile dysfunction. Ozempic (Semaglutide): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, Cost, and Safety Guide Holistic approaches to boost energy levels and strengthen your immune system for optimal health. Comprehensive care to support digestive health and improve overall well-being. Holistic care focused on improving overall health and well-being for a balanced lifestyle. Targeted solutions for stubborn areas of the body, tailored to your unique needs. Comprehensive solutions to address a range of body concerns, from stubborn fat to skin laxity. Both medications support weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing gastric emptying. This dual benefit of managing blood sugar levels while also supporting heart health makes Ozempic a compelling choice for many patients. Rather, it’s a side effect of the rapid weight loss the medication can bring. So far, there's no evidence that it causes adverse effects or increases the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). During Wegovy’s clinical trials, 3% of people receiving the medication reported this side effect.She stopped taking the drug because she couldn’t tolerate the side effects, she says.They can help you come up with a plan, which may include tapering off the medication.None of the health care experts interviewed for this story believe that other weight-loss efforts will go away.Journalist Johann Hari, who lost 42 pounds with Ozempic, calls the drugs a powerful tool, but also “a mass experiment, carried out on millions of people, and I am one of the guinea pigs.”It can reduce the risk of a stroke, heart attack, or death in adults who have type 2 diabetes along with heart and blood vessel disease, according to Medline Plus.Ozempic is the new wonder drug, according to some of the latest news headlines.Experts also recommend that people continue to take semaglutide indefinitely to maintain their new weight. Some supplements, like berberine, can interact with drugs for blood pressure and cholesterol. The question is what kind of health system celebrates weight loss without asking what was lost along the way. In simple terms, it makes people feel full sooner and longer, while smoothing blood sugar spikes. In the United States alone, annual prescriptions for semaglutide and related GLP‑1 drugs have multiplied several‑fold since the early 2020s. What began as a niche diabetes medication is now prescribed to millions of people worldwide, many without diabetes at all. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to semaglutide. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes. Semaglutide injection also slows the emptying of the stomach and may decrease appetite and cause weight loss. Ozempic is the more powerful of the two treatments, Ponder says. Because Ozempic hit the market in 2017, there’s not as much long-term data about its side effects. It’s been widely used for decades, so its effects are well known. "The side effects for metformin are usually milder, and they resolve with time or by eating some food," Horn says. He points to fen-phen, a wildly popular weight-loss drug from the '90s. Both medications have been in short supply. Her cholesterol and blood sugar levels started coming down. To minimise these risks, they need to stay hydrated and get blood tests regularly. Although there is thyroid cancer developed in rodents while using the drugs, there’s no proven evidence linked in humans. For patients who may feel discouraged by slow healing wounds or frustrated with bandage changes, here are a few key points regarding wound healing. Unfortunately, many have heard of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) and suffer from the various effects of the disease. One of the common complications of diabetes is cracked feet. Wegovy titrates to 2.4 mg weekly for weight management. Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist (a type of incretin-mimicking medicine). According to the FDA and public health agencies, compounded or “off-brand” GLP-1 products aren’t reviewed for safety or quality and should be avoided. If you are struggling in your weight-loss journey the Mayo Clinic Diet can support you. There have been weight loss drugs for a long time, but they provided only moderate weight loss and had a lot of side effects.However, if dosage of the drugs is increased, a resurgence of symptoms may occur.They see it often with people who drop weight from diet programs, surgery, or medications like Ozempic.NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public.Taking more than your prescribed dose of Ozempic® can lead to serious side effects.While most side effects are manageable, certain symptoms signal the need for immediate medical attention.We are years away from the day that Ozempic or any related drug could be prescribed as a therapy for addictive or compulsive behavior. But this medication was intended for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. The medications mimic one or more gut hormones and work to curb cravings and slow digestion, helping control blood sugar levels and appetite. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first GLP-1 drug for type 2 diabetes in 2005 and another, the first for weight loss, in 2014. A UK watchdog has now issued a public alert regarding weight-loss medications after it received 40 reports relating to pregnancies while using such drugs. “It’s helped a lot of people who have type 2 diabetes, which is driven by insulin resistance, and it’s helped a lot of people with weight loss who have traditionally struggled with other measures,” Sekhon says. In recent years, Ozempic (semaglutide) has become one of the most talked-about medications for weight loss. Beyond the Ozempic Buzz: How GLP-1s Actually Work Always share this with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.In other words, if you’re experiencing unmanageable side effects long-term, know that there are many other routes to take.This is when people lose weight quickly, and their face starts to look a bit hollow or tired.Thus, doses of other diabetes medications may need to be lowered if initiating semaglutide, and patients should be informed about hypoglycemia risk.In a multicenter clinical experience assessing the outcome of FDA-approved AOMs (eg, phentermine-topiramate, liraglutide, orlistat, and naltrexone-bupropion), weight loss of 5.0% was achieved at 3 months compared with 5.9% in the present study, and weight loss of 6.8% was achieved at 6 months compared with 10.9% in the present study.If you’ve been using compounded semaglutide, you may need to transition to Ozempic or Wegovy in order to continue treatment.London-based plastic surgeon Mr Paul Tulley claimed that a 'growing number of patients in their 20s and 30s are becoming increasingly concerned about the appearance of their neck'. “These medications are intended to be prescribed chronically to assist with weight loss and weight-loss maintenance, which is often a difficult area,” she says. “If patients have not responded with weight loss within three months, we would consider them a non-responder to the medication.” “Usually, patients don’t see weight loss with the lowest dose—0.25 milligrams," he says. "But they start seeing it after 0.5 milligrams. Even so, there is still limited or uncertain evidence about their long-term safety, possible side effects, and how financial ties might influence study results. Always consult your doctor to tailor the treatment to your needs. These are less common but worth discussing with your healthcare provider. Some women report unique Ozempic side effects in females long-term, such as changes in menstrual cycles or hair thinning. In this cohort study of 175 patients with overweight or obesity, the total body weight loss percentages achieved were 5.9% at 3 months and 10.9% at 6 months. While it’s primarily FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, many healthcare providers prescribe it off-label for weight loss, leading to a surge in demand. Ozempic® has been making headlines as a game-changing weight loss treatment, but is it really the miracle drug people claim it to be? Using a lower dose of medication will slow weight loss, but it may cause fewer cosmetic side effects. It refers to the side effects of the rapid weight loss produced by any of the GLP-1 medications. Unlike the large synthetic molecule semaglutide, orforglipron is a small molecule, though both act by mimicking GLP-1. And a growing set of studies suggests they have a constellation of other health benefits, too. An Eli Lilly employee collects product during the manufacturing of orforglipron, an investigational oral GLP-1 drug, at a Lilly facility. Aside from "Ozempic face" and "Ozempic butt," several Ozempic side effects are talked about more than others, such as digestive problems, hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, and risk of thyroid cancer. You’ll need a prescription to take Ozempic, which can come from your provider or an online weight loss clinic. Learn more about how Ozempic® works to lower blood sugar and A1C. These side effects were reported more frequently when starting to take Ozempic® or when increasing the dose. Combining Ozempic with insulin or sulfonylureas increases the risk of low blood sugar. Caution is advised when taking medications that require precise blood levels. Despite these effects, Ozempic is not FDA approved for weight loss. Clinical trials showed that patients treated with semaglutide lost more weight compared to those receiving placebo. Ozempic can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications. Like any medicine, it can have side effects, so it's always good to talk to a doctor before starting it. It comes as a weekly injection and works by copying a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). Even with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and stress management, progress often stalls without consistency. You may slow down how quickly you go up in doses or even try an Ozempic alternative. If you are taking Ozempic and are experiencing side effects that won’t go away or that are severe, talk with your provider about your options. For a full list of side effects, visit the Ozempic site. In some cases, Ozempic can cause severe side effects, like pancreatitis, but they are very rare. There are some other mild side effects, like redness around the injection site, that are less common. However, this side effect was rare, and the FDA concluded the drugs presented no concerns about suicidal ideation. Nonetheless, this is an important risk/benefit discussion for people to have with their doctor. Other recent research suggests that patients with another form of the disease—called differentiated thyroid cancer—GLP-1s do not increase risk of the disease recurring or progressing. There can be gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea and vomiting for some people, which are usually manageable. In the event of a medical emergency, dial 911 or visit your closest emergency room immediately.If more than 5 days pass, skip your missed dose and take your next dose on your regularly scheduled day.Ozempic and Mounjaro are studied and FDA-approved for people with diabetes, while Wegovy and Zepbound are indicated for obesity.Experts caution that it’s important to understand these are not miracle drugs—and that there are risks to taking them outside of their intended use.Multiple studies since 2024 have indicated a potential link between taking semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus — and an increased risk of developing NAION.To stay safe, the FDA recommended people should only use FDA-approved semaglutide, get it from a licensed pharmacy and talk to their doctor about proper dosing.Patients with A1C ≤8% at screening reduced the insulin dose by 20% at the start of the trial to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.An interaction between two medications doesn’t always mean that you should stop taking one of them, but sometimes it is necessary. Side effects and other reactions to weight management medications are possible.10 For more information, visit the FDA drug database, DRUGS@FDA. Experts are concerned that, in some cases, the side effects of prescription medications that treat overweight and obesity may outweigh the benefits. Weight loss of 5% to 10% of your starting body weight may help improve your health by lowering blood sugar, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels. If these lifestyle changes are not enough to help you lose weight or maintain your weight loss, your health care professional may prescribe medications as part of your weight-control program. The goal of most type 2 diabetes treatments is to increase insulin, but a common side effect is weight gain, which is why “80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes also have obesity,” notes Dr. Stanford. Part of what’s made the news is that the increase in usage of the drug for weight loss has taken the medication away from those who use it to treat diabetes. Since they’re the same drug, just prescribed in different doses, many people are using them interchangeably (even though using Ozempic for weight loss is technically off-label). Your podiatrist, endocrinologist, and primary care physician should communicate regularly about your treatment progress and any developing concerns. Managing Ozempic feet requires coordination between multiple healthcare providers. Social media discussions about side effects can create unnecessary anxiety. At Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists, we approach Ozempic feet with comprehensive treatment strategies tailored to each patient’s needs. When a patient loses weight quickly, the natural fat pads in their feet can diminish significantly. Additionally, it mentioned that Ozempic can slow down digestion, which might impact how other oral medications work. The EMA recommended label changes for the drugs sold in the EU to include NAOIN as a ”very rare” side effect. This comes to one extra case for every 10,000 people taking semaglutide each year. Another study in Denmark followed more than 424,000 people with Type 2 diabetes for five years. Multiple studies since 2024 have indicated a potential link between taking semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus — and an increased risk of developing NAION. Ozempic®: Tips for best weight loss results Pancreatitis cases occur rarely, with meta-analyses finding no higher risk than placebo over years. Human data shows no clear increased risk in large reviews. Most stem from extended exposure or rapid weight changes. Real-world evidence from thousands of patients helps separate common patterns from rare events. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. Your medicine cabinet may hold the answer to your rising weight “It could certainly lead to complications if patients are not being screened properly and counseled properly,” Levy says. In 2023, the FDA warned consumers that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, was being illegally marketed online. “Everything comes with a risk; everything comes with complications.” Weight-loss medications and Ozempic Initially prescribed for type 2 diabetes, these drugs have now received FDA approval for weight loss, offering additional benefits such as a reduced risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Despite the risks, the study also noted that weight loss drugs have several beneficial effects, including a reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and even dementia. Ozempic offers a GLP-1 receptor agonist and one of several diabetes drugs designed to help regulate blood sugar and reduce weight. While Ozempic and Wegovy are both often taken for weight loss, technically, Ozempic is meant for helping manage type 2 diabetes, though both drugs contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. In general, taking Ozempic with other diabetes medications can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar). Some common Ozempic side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, fatigue and headache.The FDA has issued warnings about compounded GLP-1 drugs because of reports of harmful side effects.Gallbladder problems like stones link to weight loss speed.Getting started with those kinds of lifestyle changes may now be easier for some people thanks to an appropriate use of the new weight loss medications.While Ozempic has shown tremendous efficacy for glycemic control and weight loss, it’s important to recognize that some rare or long-term risks could arise during treatment.Clinicians also caution against letting the medication drive patients into extreme calorie deficits, which only increases the likelihood of losing muscle and can worsen fatigue and other side effects.He currently remains on 1mg weekly injections, more than 7 months into his treatment. The FDA sees Ozempic and Wegovy as two different medications for different uses. Wegovy’s clinical trials showed more weight loss but only slightly greater improvements in glycemic control compared to Ozempic, Chao says. Wegovy is the first drug since 2014 to be approved for chronic weight management. Recently, its use has expanded to include off-label applications for weight loss, sparking significant interest and discussions in the medical community and among the public. Ozempic, the brand name for semaglutide, has become a widely recognized medication for managing type 2 diabetes. It may also be used to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack in people with Type 2 diabetes and a co-occurring heart condition.1 Remember, there is no such thing as a standard "healthy weight" for everyone, and body mass index (BMI) is also not an accurate indicator of what is healthy or not. The maximum recommended dose of Ozempic is 1 mg, injected once per week.8 Using too much Ozempic or taking it too frequently can lead to an overdose and increase the risk of harmful side effects. (There is even emerging preclinical evidence suggesting GLP-1s may significantly reduce the risk for first-time Alzheimer’s disease diagnoses.) According to the most recent KFF Health Tracking Poll, 12% of American adults have tried a GLP-1 drug. Chances are, you or someone you know has used it or a drug like it. A few years ago, hardly anyone had heard of “Ozempic.” Today, it’s practically part of everyday conversation (who hasn’t gotten the jingle “Oh, Oh, Oh, Ozempic” stuck in their head a time or two?). Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. How to Manage and Reduce Side Effects of Ozempic Patients should be monitored for depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior, and mood changes, and those who experience suicidal thoughts or behavior should discontinue semaglutide. Semaglutide should not be prescribed in patients with a history of suicidal attempts or active suicidal ideation. No increase in QT intervals or adverse cardiac events have been noted.30,76 Heart rate should be monitored in participants taking semaglutide. 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. Compared to Ozempic, Wegovy has a higher target dose — 2.4 mg once weekly. If needed, the dose may be increased in 4-week intervals up to a maximum of 2 mg once weekly. But after that, your dose is increased to 0.5 mg once a week. That’s because how much you inject is slowly increased over time to manage side effects. It can take a few months to reach your target dose of Ozempic. Joiner developed chronic kidney disease as a byproduct of his diabetes. Jastreboff said she encourages her patients to consume smaller, more frequent meals, not eat past the point of fullness, and monitor which foods exacerbate their symptoms. In clinical trials, 73% of adults taking the highest dose of Wegovy reported gastrointestinal issues. Some side effects are common and others are uncommon but potentially very serious. You know you’re ready to lose the weight and keep it off. "At some point does your body not respond to it anymore? I don't know." The FDA removed Ozempic and other semaglutide medications from the shortage list in February 2025. Researchers writing in JAMA Ophthalmology stated that more studies are needed to understand how semaglutide may affect the eyes and to identify which patients are most at risk. This risk was significantly greater than for those on other medications. They argue that the makers of each of these drugs should have known about the risks and warned the users. In addition to medical studies showing a potential connection, hundreds of lawsuits claim the medications have caused severe gastrointestinal injuries. "Right now, it's considered a dietary supplement as opposed to a tried-and-true medication." If you are looking for a similar, but more natural way to lose weight, you may have come across berberine — a supplement commonly referred to as "nature's Ozempic." Koff suggests Amarasate may be particularly beneficial for individuals transitioning off GLP-1 agonists, as it naturally stimulates hormone production with minimal side effects. How Does Ozempic Help With Weight Loss? Is It Safe To Take Ozempic If You Don’t Have Diabetes? Maintaining a healthy weight can lead to significant health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease, improved mobility, better sleep, and enhanced overall well-being. Discover how clinically-proven weight loss medication can help you achieve your weight management goals for just $99/mo. The patients who took Ozempic in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet and increased exercise lost 14.9% of their body weight. But it’s not the first GLP-1 agonist to be approved. Below, discover everything you need to know about Ozempic so you don’t have to pretend to know what you’re talking about the next time it comes up in conversation—and maybe even determine if it’s right for you. Fat exits your body in your breath, pee and sweat Research participants who didn’t take the medication lost about six pounds on average. The weight loss benefit of semaglutide in patients with diabetes is well-documented, but its clinical utility in treating obesity among patients without diabetes is less described. While semaglutide doesn’t cause low blood sugar levels, it may occur if you are also taking other diabetes medications. Ozempic can be used alongside other diabetes drugs, but it may increase the risk of low blood sugar. Ozempic is an effective medication for managing type 2 diabetes, but like all drugs, it carries the risk of side effects. Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly and adjusting other medications under medical supervision can reduce this risk. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. These side effects can be surprising, but many have simple explanations—and manageable solutions. If something feels wrong or you think you’re having a serious reaction, get medical care immediately. If you experience any redness, ongoing pain, or signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider. Also, watch out for high-calorie drinks or large portions that can undermine your weight-loss goals.A PMC study on semaglutide notes that these side effects are generally mild to moderate but can impact quality of life if not managed properly.This is important because carrying extra fat is a health risk – it makes you more likely to develop several conditions, from diabetes to heart disease, and even cancer.These unfortunate effects are strongest in the days immediately after injecting the once-weekly medication.Ozempic is still considered as highly effective treatments for both diabetes and obesity.This cohort study assesses weight loss outcomes of semaglutide at doses used in randomized clinical trials for patients with overweight or obesity.If more than five days have passed, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Few medical interventions have been taken up so quickly by so many people, for reasons that reveal as much about our culture as they do about our biology. In adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, there is an increased risk of the disease worsening, or of experiencing cardiovascular death. People with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease are at a greater risk of major cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attack, or death. Ozempic® is not a weight-loss drug. Ozempic® is proven to lower blood sugar and A1C when used along with diet and exercise. Orlistat, phentermine/topiramate ER, naltrexone ER/bupropion ER, and liraglutide produce placebo-subtracted weight losses of 2.6 kg (orlistat) to 8.8 kg (phentermine-topiramate) at 1 year.20 Semaglutide 1.0 mg, once-weekly, subcutaneous injection, was first approved as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in 2017. However, according to the new study, doctors have observed unusual patterns of FDG in patients taking GLP-1 medications, which can mask signs of cancer or make healthy tissue look diseased. However, as more and more people begin using different GLP-1 medications, more unusual side effects are being reported. Whether you’re considering stopping Ozempic, have already stopped, or are planning ahead for the possibility, understanding what happens after treatment ends is essential for… Common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. Regular monitoring is essential to ensure that the benefits outweigh potential risks. To reduce the risk of nausea, try eating smaller, more frequent meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding strong smells. There are also reports that weight loss injections are being prescribed to people with eating disorders to help treat their conditions. Someone who took a weight loss jab hoping for better health and instead found themselves in a struggle they never expected. Of course, most people who take these drugs do not experience severe complications. As prescriptions for weight loss jabs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy have surged, so too have reports of side effects that go far beyond mild discomfort. They can also affect the signaling between your gut and your brain, ultimately changing how your body responds to food. But semaglutide isn’t simply a tool that suppresses appetite, Dr. Butsch clarifies. The only difference from Wegovy is the dose. Ozempic is the same medication as Wegovy, which the U.S. However, risk of gastrointestinal adverse events, discontinuation of treatment, and serious adverse events were higher in the semaglutide group versus placebo. 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. Hence, semaglutide alone probably will not be able to achieve an 11.85% weight loss. This could have affected the results because participants could have lost weight with initial treatment with semaglutide. Left unchecked, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, the nervous and immune systems, as well as impact multiple organs. But it turns out, as recent research has confirmed, that COVID-19 may also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. But my diagnosis of a chronic disease at only 27 made me realize that becoming slimmer wasn't the point; I was fighting to prevent diabetes from seizing control of my own body. These days, however, discussion of this kind of medication has become so far-flung when it comes to weight management that even WeightWatchers plans to get in on the action. And how much weight you lose can depend on your Ozempic dose. During this time, you may notice some weight loss. Your prescriber will weigh the benefits of Ozempic against the potential risks to determine if it’s right for you. Does this mean that anyone can use Ozempic for weight loss? If you have Type 2 diabetes, one of the reasons you may be prescribed Ozempic is because it can help you lose weight. In California, where experts say the semaglutide shortage is at its most rampant, Dr. Mathur says she's worked with colleagues at Cedars-Sinai to create a protocol for patients who need the medication to continue to keep blood sugars stabilized. In short, Ozempic is used to stabilize blood sugar first, and doctors consider any weight loss an added benefit, if it was necessary in the first place, as not all those with type 2 diabetes are considered overweight. Long before it was regarded as a so-called "miracle" drug, Ozempic attracted the attention of obesity medicine specialists after extensive clinical trials in 2017 revealed weight loss was a significant side effect of the medication. For people on long-term hormonal therapy, we’ve anecdotally seen that use of concurrent weight loss medications appears to be feasible. The average weight loss within the first month of starting Ozempic can vary widely among individuals. It is typically prescribed for a period of a few weeks to aid in reducing appetite and boosting energy, thereby facilitating weight loss. Are there any prerequisites, such as a documented history of failed weight loss attempts? Also, there is a possibility of recall bias because the dates of medication initiation and termination were reported by patients during patients’ visits or communications with their physicians and therefore may not be exact. This possibility might be one explanation for our relatively lower rate of medication discontinuation compared with the 7% reported in the STEP 1 trial.18 As described in previous studies, no unexpected safety issues were recorded for our cohort of patients.34 In a multicenter clinical experience assessing the outcome of FDA-approved AOMs (eg, phentermine-topiramate, liraglutide, orlistat, and naltrexone-bupropion), weight loss of 5.0% was achieved at 3 months compared with 5.9% in the present study, and weight loss of 6.8% was achieved at 6 months compared with 10.9% in the present study. Considering the scarcity of AOMs, choosing the most suitable and individualized therapy is important.6 Retrospective studies comparing high doses of semaglutide (ie, 1.7 and 2.4 mg) with other AOMs are limited. In our cohort, patients lost approximately 6.7 kg at 3 months and 12.3 kg at 6 months, equivalent to 5.9% of weight lost at 3 months and 10.9% of weight lost at 6 months. People who have a BMI between 25 and 30 are considered to be overweight. They’re powerful tools to support, but not replace, healthy habits. More serious (but rare) risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder issues. Most doctors recommend that candidates have already tried other weight management approaches, including dietary changes and increased physical activity. Hernias can occur in several different areas of the body and do not resolve on their own with most cases requiring surgical repair.However, in recent times, it is being popularised as a weight loss drug.If you are taking or considering a GLP-1, discuss these risks with your doctor.“We don’t view obesity as a problem that only needs a drug.Symptoms of an overdose may include intense nausea, vomiting, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).Orforglipron, an oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist for obesity treatment. People taking weight loss jabs such as Ozempic have been complaining of another unfortunate side effect. "Treatment decisions should be made together with a healthcare provider who can evaluate the appropriateness of using a GLP-1 based on assessment of a patient’s individual medical profile. Others emphasise getting ahead of Ozempic neck prevention if you can, recommending slower weight loss where appropriate, sufficient dietary protein, and resistance training to help preserve muscle mass. Nausea is the most common semaglutide side effect. Imagine you’ve just started semaglutide, sold as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. Your trusted health companion, delivering personalized and precise answers in real-time. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider to determine whether Ozempic is appropriate for your individual health needs. As weight loss drugs continue transforming lives and bodies, understanding both benefits and potential cosmetic consequences becomes increasingly crucial for informed decision-making and realistic expectations. Weekly doses of these blockbuster weight loss medicines typically help individuals shed 15 to 20 percent of their body weight on average. Normal people with diabetes (or obesity) have to take other (diabetes)medication because the Ozempic is out of stock.That is so wrong!