If you’re on Ozempic, Mounjaro or Wegovy (all of which are medications in a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists) and want to get pregnant, experts say it’s important to discontinue treatment at least two months before you plan to conceive.
Animal studies show that these weight loss drugs can negatively impact a fetus’s development and can result in small fetuses or birth defects. But these effects are not well studied in humans.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
Ozempic is a drug used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It’s in a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which include liraglutide (Victoza), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and exenatide (Bydureon).
Your doctor will start you on a low dose of 0.5 mg once a week for at least 4 weeks, then increase it to 1 or 2 mg once a week. The injection should be given on the same day each week, with or without meals.
Your doctor will monitor your blood glucose levels to make sure they’re controlled, and check you for side effects like stomach pain or burping. If you experience them, call your doctor right away.
2. Change Your Diet
Ozempic is part of a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists that act on these receptors in your pancreas to help increase insulin secretion and reduce glucagon secretion, a hormone that raises your blood sugar levels.
These GLP-1 receptor agonists also make you feel fuller for longer, which helps control your appetite and prevents overeating. To maximize the weight loss benefit of Ozempic, you’ll need to develop a healthy eating plan that includes lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and protein.
You’ll want to avoid foods that are high in fat, like fried food, and sugary foods. Both of these can lead to gastrointestinal side effects when you’re taking Ozempic, including nausea and stomach upset.
3. Exercise
Semaglutide (also known as Ozempic) works by mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood glucose levels. By binding to and activating the GLP-1 receptor, Ozempic stimulates insulin secretion and lowers glucagon secretion when blood sugar is high.
Like other drugs in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, Ozempic may be used along with diet and exercise to control blood sugar. You’ll need to use this medication as directed by your doctor.
There are also some side effects to be aware of while on ozempic, such as nausea, bloating, and gas. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of these side effects get worse or last longer than expected.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Ozempic (semaglutide) is used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome. It also works as a treatment for type 2 diabetes when metformin is not effective.
The side effects associated with ozempic are generally mild and go away on their own as your body adjusts to the drug. Some of the more common digestive system side effects include gas, burping and nausea.
If you experience these symptoms, talk to your prescriber. They may suggest changes in your diet or over-the-counter medications to help reduce them.
Another side effect of ozempic is increased fatigue and drowsiness. This is a common symptom of many types of medications, but it typically goes away as your body gets used to the new drug.
5. Stay Active
Ozempic, like other drugs in the GLP-1 class (such as Saxenda and Wegovy), helps you lose weight by acting on the brain’s appetite control centers. It delays the emptying of your stomach and makes you feel full longer, which reduces calorie intake and increases your energy expenditure.
It also keeps your blood sugar levels more stable and reduces your risk of serious health problems. This can help prevent diabetes, heart disease, and strokes.
It can also lower your risk of developing high cholesterol and triglycerides. To maximize the benefits of ozempic, it’s important to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly.