Ozempic for Weight Loss: How it Works, Side Effects, Risks, & More

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic is the injectable version of the medication semaglutide. An oral version of the medication also exists under the name Rybelsus, as well as another injectable brand name, Wegovy. Both are only available as brand-name medications, with no generics currently available. Ozempic is FDA-approved to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular adverse events in adults who have type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Ozempic is not FDA-approved as a treatment for weight loss and is considered an off-label use.¹

Ozempic, or semaglutide, is a newer medication in a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists that work to regulate appetite. Ozempic works to reduce blood glucose and glucagon secretion. Semaglutide also works in the brain to cause a feeling of fullness earlier than normal. This leads to a lower calorie intake and, ultimately, weight loss.^1,2

How Does Ozempic Work for Weight Loss?

Ozempic causes weight loss by causing a person to feel full after eating a small or moderate amount. It is a combination of the medication affecting the brain and how it senses fullness and how the medication affects the stomach by slowing down how food is processed. This combination of effects causes a person to consume less food over time, leading to weight loss. This is known as a calorie deficit.^1,2

How Long Does it Take to Lose Weight on Ozempic?

Weight loss with semaglutide begins soon after starting treatment. According to a large study, weight loss starts happening by week 4 or treatment and can continue for up to a year. ³ This can vary based on your body and the specific dose you are taking. It is recommended to start at a low dose of Ozempic and slowly increase the dose each month. This can mean that losing weight may be delayed.^1,2

Is Ozempic Effective for Weight Loss?

Studies have shown that injectable semaglutide is effective when used as a weight loss medication. When compared to those not taking Ozempic, patients taking Ozempic lost significantly more weight.^2,3 It is important to remember that studies had patients who took injectable semaglutide also adhering to a calorie-deficient diet and engaging in regular exercise. This means that without a change in diet and exercise, Ozempic may not be as effective.

Is Ozempic Safe for Weight Loss?

While Ozempic, and other injectable semaglutide medications, can be very effective for weight loss, it is important to utilize the medication safely. It may not be safe for everyone, especially if you have underlying health issues or take the medication incorrectly. Ozempic can cause low blood sugar emergencies, especially when taken with other diabetic drugs. Additionally, taking Ozempic can cause dangerous pancreas, thyroid, kidney, or eyesight complications. These risks can be serious and require medical attention. It is important to review your medical history with your physician before starting Ozempic.¹

Avoid taking Ozempic for weight loss if you are at increased risk for: 

• Risk of thyroid c-cell tumors: Taking Ozempic can increase the risk of thyroid carcinoma based on postmarketing reports. If you have a familial history of MTC or MEN, you should not take Ozempic.
• Pancreatitis: Ozempic has been reported to cause pancreatitis. You should monitor yourself for severe abdominal pain and seek care right away.
• Diabetic retinopathy: Taking Ozempic can worsen already present diabetic retinopathy (damaged to the retina). If you suffer from diabetic retinopathy, you should be monitored closely for worsening symptoms.
• Acute kidney injury: There have been reports of Ozempic causing acute kidney injury and worsening renal failure. If you have renal disease, you should not take Ozempic.
• Hypoglycemia: The risk of dangerously low blood sugar is especially high in patients who also take sulfonylureas or insulin. If you take these medications, alert your physician and be prepared for a low blood sugar emergency.

Will Doctors Prescribe Ozempic for Weight Loss?

This question can only be answered by your doctor and may vary. Since Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss, it may not be the first choice by physicians. However, with high demand and drug shortages with Wegovy, Ozempic can be an effective alternative. Getting an Ozempic prescription for weight loss should be a conversation with your physician. They should always provide reasoning for their decision either way. It is important to remember that Ozempic may not be covered by insurance if it is used off-label.

Side Effects of Ozempic

Side effects of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, can range from mild to severe and life-threatening. The most common side effects of Ozempic are gastrointestinal (GI)-related, like nausea and abdominal pain. Studies and trials have shown that these GI-related symptoms are more likely to happen with dose increases or starting the medication.¹ It is important to work with your doctor closely, especially throughout the beginning of your treatment, and discuss any side effects that are severe or do not go away on their own.

Also, be aware of the risk of low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. The risk of this side effect increases if a person is taking other specific diabetes medications. Hypoglycemia can be severe and require medical assistance immediately. You should review your risk of low blood sugar with your doctor and have a plan to deal with an episode of low blood sugar.¹

Common Side Effects of Ozempic

The common side effects of Ozempic are generally related to the GI tract. Nausea is the most commonly reported side effect experienced when taking Ozempic. Other common side effects of taking Ozempic include vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. It is important to remember that while these are common, if untreated, they can become life-threatening. Be sure to seek medical care if symptoms become severe or do not stop.¹

Common side effects of Ozempic include:*

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Injection site reactions
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

*All medications, including Ozempic, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Serious Side Effects of Ozempic

Taking Ozempic carries the risk of certain serious side effects. It is important to discuss these potential side effects with your doctor before starting Ozempic. Understanding the risk of serious side effects and what to do if they occur is an important part of safe medication use. If you experience any of the following side effects, you should seek medical attention, as they can lead to serious injury or death if not treated.¹

Serious side effects of Ozempic include:*

• Hypoglycemia
• Acute gallbladder disease
• Acute kidney injury
• Thyroid C cell tumors
• Pancreatitis
• Diabetic retinopathy worsening or complications
• Hypersensitivity

*All medications, including Ozempic, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Allergic Reactions to Ozempic

Allergic reactions to any medication are a serious medical emergency, and it is important to be aware of the risk of allergy to Ozempic. If you experience an allergic reaction, you should seek medical attention right away. It is important to let your doctor know of any other allergies you may have, especially if you are allergic to other semaglutide-containing medications.

Allergic reactions to Ozempic may include:

• Rash
• Itchiness
• Swelling of the throat, face, or neck
• Trouble breathing

Interactions With Ozempic

As with any medication, it is important to remember that there can be harmful interactions with anything else you may eat, including food, medications, or over-the-counter supplements. Sometimes it is easy to forget that Ozempic is a medication that you take since it is only administered once each week. It is still active in your body day-to-day and can cause interactions with other medications. Always discuss your current medication regimen, including over-the-counter products, with your doctor and pharmacist each time you visit.

Substances you should avoid while taking Ozempic include:

• Insulin secretagogue: This specific diabetes medication can cause dangerously low blood sugar in the body. The dose of the medication should be lowered when taking Ozempic.
• Insulin: If you take insulin to treat type 2 diabetes, taking Ozempic as well can increase the risk of dangerously low blood sugar in the body. If you start taking Ozempic, it should be expected that your insulin dose decreases to reduce the risk.
• Slowed gastric emptying: Ozempic Can cause your stomach to slow down in how it processes contents, including food and medication. This means that other oral medications you take may work differently due to Ozempic and its effect on your GI tract.

Ozempic Dosages for Weight Loss

Ozempic is currently available as an injectable pen that delivers one dose each week. The recommended dosing schedule usually includes a slow increase in dose over weeks to months. However, this is an off-label medication for weight loss, and you and your doctor will discuss a specific plan.^1,2

Doses will vary based on your current health and treatment goals. your specific dose may be based on your weight, your blood sugar ranges, and/or other medications that you take. It is very important to follow your doctor’s prescribed dosing schedule as closely as possible to reduce your risk of dangerous side effects.

How Do I Take Ozempic?

Ozempic is an injectable medication that comes in the form of a reusable pen with single-use pen needles. The dose is intended to be injected just below the skin on your belly, outer arm, or thighs. If you have never administered an injectable medication before, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist for a demonstration before administering your dose. It is also important to know that the medication must be refrigerated before use.¹

The Ozempic pen contains all of the medication needed for one month. This means it is crucial to correctly administer the medication so as to not inject too much at one time. Following your doctor’s directions for use, including dose, is the best way to use Ozempic safely.¹

What Happens If I Miss a Dose of Ozempic?

If you miss a dose of Ozempic, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is more than halfway through the week, you should skip the dose and just take the next week’s dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have more specific questions. It is important to not double up on your dose as this can cause extreme, dangerous side effects. It is also not recommended to stop taking Ozempic unless you are directed by your doctor.¹

Tips for Maximizing Benefits of Ozempic for Weight Loss

Taking Ozempic for weight loss can be effective, and there are certain tips to maximize the benefits. These tips range from proper injection use to maintaining a healthy lifestyle while taking Ozempic.

Here are some tips for getting the most benefit from Ozempic for weight loss:

1. Watch a demonstration on how to inject your Ozempic pen before you take your first dose.
2. Always use a new, unused needle to inject.
3. Rotate injection sites on your body.
4. Mark your calendar or create a reminder on your phone to make sure you never miss a week’s dose.
5. Always be on top of your dose increase and ensure your doctor has sent a new prescription for the higher dose.
6. Ensure you have a sustainable diet and exercise plan in place.

Ozempic Alternatives for Weight Loss

Ozempic is one of three currently available semaglutide drugs available by prescription. If it’s is hard to obtain or not covered by your insurance, discuss Ozempic alternatives with your provider. Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss, and Rybelsus is FDA-approved to help treat type 2 diabetes but may be used off-label by some doctors for weight loss. Remember, an off-label use means that the FDA has not approved Rybelsus for weight loss use.²

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Ozempic for Weight Loss

Understanding your treatment is always important when it comes to taking a medication and even more important when you are prescribed a medication for off-label use. Be sure to spend time with your doctor to understand your treatment goals and what to do if things do not go as planned.

Questions to ask your care team about Ozempic for weight loss include:

• What is my treatment goal?
• How safe is Ozempic for weight loss?
• How long will it take for me to adjust to taking Ozempic for weight loss?
• Am I at risk for more serious symptoms if I am already taking other medications?
• Will Ozempic allow me to lose weight and keep it off long-term?
• What will be my maximum dose, and how often will I change?
• How do I prevent Ozempic face?
• When should I expect to stop taking Ozempic?
• I am nervous about injecting a medication – do I have other options?
• What can I do if there are back orders or stock issues?
• How much will it cost to take Ozempic each month?
• How does it compare to other weight loss medications, such as Ozempic vs Mounjaro?
• Is Ozempic an effective Wegovy alternative?
• How do the cost savings options for Ozempic compare with coupons for Trulicity and other medications?
• What are the risks of taking Ozempic during pregnancy?

In My Experience

Ozempic has shown promising results when it comes to weight loss in certain studies. While Ozempic is not approved by the FDA for weight loss, it may be right for you. Take the time to discuss risks and benefits with your doctor and determine if you may benefit from Ozempic.

For Further Reading

• Rybelsus Side Effects: What They Are & How to Manage Them
• Mounjaro Side Effects: What You Need to Know
• Wegovy Side Effects: What You Need to Know
• Mounjaro Weight Loss: Safety, Side Effects, & More
• Rybelsus Vs. Ozempic: Is One of Them Right for You?
• Ozempic & Alcohol: Is it Safe to Mix Them?