Ozempic (semaglutide) is a drug used to manage blood sugar in people with diabetes. It also helps some patients with obesity to lose weight.
It has gained attention as celebrities, a tech mogul and TikTok influencers claim to have lost massive amounts of weight using it. But it’s not for everyone.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a long-acting injectable medicine that’s used once weekly to help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It contains semaglutide, which works with a chemical called glucagon to lower blood sugar levels.
However, doctors warn that Ozempic is not approved for weight loss. And they say that the demand for the drug from people who don’t need it to control their diabetes is creating shortages.
Doctors also say that Ozempic can cause side effects, including heartburn and nausea. And it can interfere with how well certain medications you take by mouth work.
But, most people who use Ozempic do not experience these side effects. They usually go away with continued treatment or decrease over time. It’s important to take the medication exactly as directed by your healthcare professional. Your dosage may change based on how you respond and what your weight loss goals are.
How does Ozempic work?
Ozempic is a medication that helps control your blood sugar. It works by stimulating your pancreas to release insulin when your blood sugar is high, such as after a meal.
Ozempic doesn’t cause low blood sugar like other drugs for managing diabetes, so it can help prevent and treat diabetes over the long term. It also can lower your risk of developing complications from diabetes later in life.
People who have type 2 diabetes may take Ozempic to help manage their blood sugar and reduce their risk of developing serious health problems. However, Ozempic should not be used by patients who do not need it to manage their blood sugar.
Ozempic comes as a liquid solution inside prefilled disposable pens, which you inject yourself. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will teach you how to use the pen.
Why is Ozempic not an approved weight loss supplement?
We’re all familiar with the latest weight loss trend, from TikTok influencers to Hollywood celebrities worrying about their “Ozempic face.” But what does it really mean when a drug that helps people manage their diabetes also promotes fat loss?
Ozempic, also known generically as semaglutide, is an injection-based medicine that lowers glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. It’s also used to help people control their diabetes and reduce their risk of heart disease.
But the drug isn’t approved for weight loss, which means it’s not covered by Medicare [PDF] and is often not covered by insurance. That’s because it’s not an obesity drug, but a diabetes drug.
Medications like Ozempic work well in conjunction with diet and exercise, but the combination may not be for everyone. Dietary changes often have less risk for side effects, but they take more time and effort to implement.
What are the possible side effects of Ozempic?
If you have type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is a medication that may help you control your blood sugar. It’s given by subcutaneous injection (an injection under your skin).
Semaglutide works by stimulating the pancreas to produce insulin and also stopping your liver from making glucagon, which increases your insulin sensitivity and reduces your insulin resistance.
Nausea is a common side effect of Ozempic, but it usually goes away after a few days or weeks. If you have nausea while taking Ozempic, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about ways to treat it.
Gas and burping are other possible side effects of Ozempic. They can cause discomfort or interfere with your daily life.
Dizziness is a rare side effect of Ozempic. It can occur while you’re taking the drug or after you stop using it.
You should not use Ozempic if you have a history of thyroid cancer or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Thyroid tumors or MTC can cause life-threatening symptoms, including a lump or swelling in your neck.