Lucy Payton 
Due to an endless number of scientific studies, we now know the positive effects that Ozempic has on medical weight loss. This is a major win for individuals who have been struggling with weight loss for many years. Not only can Ozempic help people achieve their weight goals, but it can positively impact their overall health.
If you’ve been considering using Ozempic for your weight loss efforts, you may question how it helps people lose their desired weight.
Here’s everything you need to know about Ozempic medication and how it results in weight loss:
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic is an FDA-approved medication used in conjunction with exercise and dieting to treat Type 2 Diabetes in adults. While Ozempic is often taken as a weekly injection to improve blood sugar and lower hemoglobin A1C, Semaglutide also helps people lose weight.
Is Ozempic Insulin?
Ozempic is not insulin. What Ozempic does is help your pancreas when your blood sugar is too high and is used primarily by diabetics. However, you may wonder, “Can a non-diabetic take Ozempic for weight loss?” The answer is no. The FDA has only approved the use of Ozempic to treat Type 2 Diabetes. It isn’t recommended that you take Ozempic unless you have Type 2 Diabetes and your doctor has prescribed it.
How Does Ozempic Help With Weight Loss?
As mentioned, semaglutide is an active compound in Ozempic that helps people lose weight. But how? Overall, Ozempic assists with blood sugar levels, but it also mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which slows down the emptying of the stomach into the digestive system.
In general, the GLP-1 hormone affects the hunger center in the brain by telling your stomach that you’re full. It also slows the rate of stomach emptying, prolonging the feeling of fullness after a meal. The result? Decreased hunger, which also means a reduced risk of overeating. If you’re using Ozempic, you may likely find that you aren’t nearly as hungry as you once were, which can help you shed weight rather than put it on.
While Ozempic was designed for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes, it has shown promise in the world of weight loss treatment as well. If you’re still confused, think of it this way: When you inject yourself with Ozempic, it acts like your natural GLP-1 hormone and enhances how your body regulates blood sugar levels and fat storage, which can help in weight loss. Many clinical trials have shown that Ozempic is a safe and effective drug for adults struggling with diabetes and obesity.
How Do You Use Ozempic?
Most patients will start with a low dose of 0.25 mg and increase the dosage over 8 weeks until they reach 1 mg. This prolonged dosage helps the human body adjust to the medication and reduces the onset of side effects, such as nausea.
You will receive an Ozempic pen with pre-filled injections, along with some single-use needles. All you need to do is put a new needle in your pen, select the correct dosage, hold the pen against your stomach, upper arm, or upper thigh, and hold down the injection button.
How Long Will It Take To Lose Weight?
Everyone’s weight loss journey is different. Once you begin using Ozempic, you might notice differences within the first 6-7 weeks, while some other people may notice weight loss during the first 2 weeks of using. The key is to be patient when using this medication, as notable differences in weight loss will look different for anyone.
While everyone is different, you can expect to lose up to 10-15% of your body weight when using Ozempic for the first time.
Is Ozempic Safe?
Ozempic is FDA-approved for patients with Type 2 Diabetes and can help obese individuals garner positive weight loss results. However, it should only be prescribed by a doctor or health care provider.
It’s important to note that Ozempic isn’t safe for everyone. Some people should avoid Ozempic if they’re living with the following conditions:
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Pancreatitis
- Diabetic retinopathy
- A family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome types 2
In addition, individuals under 18 or those who are pregnant/breastfeeding are to avoid using Ozempic.
Are There Symptoms?
The common side effects associated with Ozempic include the following:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
While these side effects are mainly gastrointestinal, they’re usually short-term and can be expected to go away in 2-3 days.
As with many prescribed medications, it’s paramount that you talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about whether Ozempic is safe for you to use. While it generally provides many benefits, you may find yourself experiencing severe symptoms that could have been avoided. We hope we’ve answered many of your questions regarding how Ozempic can help with weight loss.
