Ozempic is one of a group of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, which includes liraglutide (Victoza), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and exenatide (Bydureon).
Like any medication, it can produce slightly different results from person to person. That’s because no two people are the same and their genetics and health history are unique.
1. You are not taking it as prescribed
Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable drug that’s FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. But in recent months, people have been using it to lose weight as well — from celebrities like Elon Musk and Chelsea Handler to everyday people like Jessica Carter-Williams.
Ozempic works by mimicking the hormones that your body naturally makes when you eat food. These hormones help your brain, endocrine system, and gastrointestinal system communicate the idea that you’ve eaten enough, so you don’t feel hungry or overeat.
It also helps control blood sugar levels by decreasing the amount of glucose in your blood, which lowers your risk for serious health problems.
But it can cause some side effects, including low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and swelling of your feet or hands. If you have these symptoms, call your doctor right away.
The side effects may lessen with continued use. And remember, it’s important to take the medication as directed by your doctor.
2. You are not exercising enough
There are many reasons why you might not be getting as much exercise as you’d like, including a busy lifestyle or simply not having the time. But if you want to lose weight and get healthy, exercise is key.
If you are not exercising, you’re likely not taking advantage of the many benefits of being active, including improved mental health and energy levels. To make the most of your exercise routine, try mixing it up with different types of workouts to keep things interesting and avoid getting bored.
A great way to find the time to exercise is to schedule your sessions around your work schedule or family obligations, and find a way to make it fun and enjoyable. This might include scheduling a weekly massage or getting a new set of running shoes, or even joining a group exercise class or gym. Then you’ll be sure to stick with your routine and get results!
3. You are not eating right
Eating a well-rounded diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and a healthy amount of fats is the most important thing you can do to lose weight. These foods provide the nutrients your body needs to function properly and help control hunger so you don’t overeat.
Another big step in weight management is ensuring you’re getting enough fiber. Fiber helps regulate your appetite, keeps you feeling fuller for longer, and supports digestive health.
Increasing your intake of fiber is simple: Just add more fruits, veggies, and whole grains to your plate. And remember to include a variety of colors, too!
You can also try a high-protein breakfast like eggs and sausage. This helps keep you feeling fuller throughout the day, and may even lead to less snacking later in the day.
4. You are not getting enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do to help maintain your weight after starting ozempic. Not getting enough rest may cause your body to produce more of the hormone ghrelin, which can lead to overeating and other health problems.
You may feel fatigued during the first few weeks of taking Ozempic because your body is trying to get used to the new medication. However, this is a common side effect of Ozempic and usually gets better with time.
If you are feeling fatigued, it is essential to discuss this with your doctor so that he or she can determine the cause of the problem and prescribe an effective treatment solution. The good news is that many of the underlying causes for this type of fatigue can be addressed through simple lifestyle changes. Keeping a regular sleep schedule and making sure you are getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night should help minimize this fatigue and promote overall health and well-being.