Ozempic, a medication primarily used for Type 2 diabetes, has gained attention for its weight loss benefits. The medication reduces appetite and keeps the stomach full for longer, leading to less eating. It also affects gut bacteria, which contributes to weight loss. Trials have shown that Ozempic can help users shed 10% to 15% of their total body weight.
It is a once-weekly injection that patients can self-administer. While Ozempic is approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, its weight loss benefits have also made it appealing to non-diabetics. A higher dose of the same compound, semaglutide, called Wegovy, is used for obesity management. According to U.S. News & World Report, doctors advise discussing the medication options with a healthcare professional.
While Ozempic and other semaglutide medications work for many people, results may differ for everyone. The National Institutes of Health supports ongoing work at Mayo Clinic to develop real-world evidence for identifying the best responders to each obesity intervention.
Phenomix Sciences, a Mayo Clinic spinout company, is working on a hungry gut response test that tells providers whether a patient will respond to a given intervention. Patients’ health has improved dramatically because of their weight loss, improved blood pressure, cholesterol, energy, and other benefits.
While these medications have been approved by the FDA and are generally safe, every medical intervention carries some risk. The most common side effects of semaglutide medications include nausea, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. To minimize these effects, it is recommended that patients start with a lower dose and gradually increase their dosage over time.
Patients should also shift to eating two or three smaller meals daily and opt for lower-carb, higher-protein meals. Less commonly, some patients who are taking other diabetes medications may experience hypoglycemia or deficient blood sugar levels. Patients should monitor their progress closely and check in with their doctor regularly.
Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasias 2, or chronic pancreatitis should not take semaglutide medications. Some patients may experience muscle loss as part of their overall weight loss on Ozempic, so it is essential to consume adequate amounts of protein and engage in weight-bearing exercise regularly to maintain muscle mass.
While “Ozempic face” (a loss of fat in the face that can lead to a worn appearance, sagging skin, and more apparent wrinkles) is not officially listed as a side effect, some users have reported experiencing this phenomenon. This is a natural consequence of losing fat all over the body, not just in specific areas. Patients should be aware of the potential cosmetic effects of the medication and make an informed decision about whether or not to take it.
Patients considering semaglutide medications should discuss their options with their doctor and carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks before starting treatment. The FDA has approved Ozempic, a semaglutide medication, for use in people with Type 2 diabetes. While weight loss is a secondary effect of the medication, it is sometimes prescribed off-label to manage obesity. However, patients should not plan to be on Ozempic for the rest of their lives unless they have diabetes.
According to experts, Ozempic should not be viewed as a stand-alone solution for weight loss but should be part of a multidisciplinary lifestyle program that includes diet, exercise, and physical activity. To ensure that GLP-1 agonist medications are only prescribed to patients who need them, K Health has strict criteria that patients must meet before being prescribed Ozempic.
Patients must have a BMI over 30 or a BMI over 27 with one associated condition like hypertension or Type 2 diabetes and have been unable to lose and keep off weight with lifestyle changes alone. Finally, experts note that weight loss medication is not cheating and obesity is a chronic condition that should be treated.
