Ozempic is a medication approved to control blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking a gut hormone called GLP-1 to lower blood sugar and decrease appetite.
It has also been shown to help with weight loss. But it’s important to understand that it’s only effective when combined with diet and exercise.
1. You Are Not Taking It as Perscribed
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 that your body produces after you eat. It prompts your pancreas to produce more insulin when blood sugar is high, which lowers your overall weight and helps you feel fuller and eat less food.
The drug is also a good choice for people with insulin resistance, but it should be used under close supervision by a physician to ensure you’re taking the right dose and are not experiencing any side effects.
Many patients start on a low dose of 0.25mg once weekly. They may increase their doses to 0.5mg once a week if they tolerate it well. They stay on this dose for a month, or longer if needed to help control their blood sugar levels.
2. You Are Not Taking It With Food
Ozempic is an injectable diabetes medication, which lowers blood sugar and stimulates insulin production. It also slows the rate at which food travels from your stomach to your intestines, making you feel fuller for longer.
It also increases satiety, which can help reduce cravings and make healthy eating more manageable. It’s part of a class of drugs called GLP-1 medications, which mimic key hunger hormones.
The drugs work by triggering the body’s natural repugnance to foods. So when someone is injected with Ozempic, they can’t think of anything that smells or tastes like a chocolate bar, or a half-pound bacon cheeseburger from Wendy’s.
3. You Are Not Taking It With Exercise
Weight loss is a process and it takes time, effort, and commitment. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re eating the right foods and exercising regularly to ensure long-term success.
Ozempic(r) mimics the incretin hormones your body naturally produces when you eat food, promoting feelings of satiety and decreasing hunger pains. This can help you feel fuller, which can help you eat less and lose weight.
But be careful not to eat too many sweets or other high-calorie foods while you’re taking Ozempic. These foods can easily spike your blood sugar and counteract the medication’s effects.
If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s best to focus on healthy, whole foods that are filling and nutritious. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats will keep your energy levels up and your hunger pains at bay.
4. You Are Not Taking It With Other Medication
Taking other medications with Ozempic may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This can be serious.
Having your doctor tell you about any other medications you’re taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbs, is important to keep your treatment safe.
A medication list is a detailed record of all the drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take. This information helps your doctor and pharmacist find any potential drug interactions.
If you’re new to self-injections, ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use the pens and needles properly. They can also show you how to monitor your blood sugar levels.
5. You Are Not Taking It With Other Supplements
Ozempic is an insulin-releasing drug that works by imitating the effects of a hormone called GLP-1. This hormone helps control blood sugar levels by making you feel full after eating.
It also stimulates your body’s production of insulin, a hormone that regulates your blood sugar and reduces hunger. It is often prescribed to people with diabetes or prediabetes.
If you take Ozempic along with a sulfonylurea or insulin, it can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which is dangerous for people with diabetes.
It can also increase the risk of kidney problems or pancreas issues. Tell your doctor about any of these conditions before starting Ozempic.