Ozempic is a drug used to help control blood sugar in people with diabetes. It works by stimulating a protein in your body called GLP-1.
This slows how fast your stomach empties, so you feel fuller for longer and eat less food. It also helps your body regulate insulin secretion, which helps with blood sugar control.
1. You are not taking the medication as prescribed
Taking medications as prescribed is a must for anyone managing a medical condition. Not doing so can wreak havoc on your health, and increase your risk of developing serious health problems down the road. In the US, non-adherence is a leading cause of chronic disease treatment failures, thousands of annual deaths, and at least 10% of hospitalizations.
The best way to tackle this is to get your doctor to review your medication list, especially for those who are taking multiple medications. Your doctor will likely recommend a more manageable number of prescriptions that won’t cost you the earth, and may even recommend alternatives if your condition warrants it. While you are at it, make sure to take your medications on time and in the right order. This will improve your chances of a speedy recovery from any medical crisis, and keep you on the path to good health. It’s also a smart way to save money, which can be applied toward paying for health insurance premiums. If you are a senior, ask your doctor for some tips on getting the most out of your aging process.
2. You are not following a healthy diet
When you take Ozempic, it is important to eat healthy foods and follow a low-calorie diet. This is a way to help prevent side effects and improve the effectiveness of the medication, as well as your overall health.
A healthy diet should include a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats. These foods can help reduce your risk of heart disease and keep your blood sugar levels stable.
You should also eat a lot of whole grains, like oatmeal, brown rice, and wheat bread. These are high in fiber, which can help to lower your blood sugar. They can also add to your energy level, and they are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Protein is another important part of your diet when you are on Ozempic. Protein does not raise your blood sugar, and it helps to boost your satiety between meals. You should aim to have at least one protein-rich meal each day.
If you are eating a lot of carbohydrates, such as starchy vegetables and breads, make sure to balance it out with a source of protein. This can be done by including beans, nuts, and lentils in your diet.
Carbohydrates can also affect your blood sugar, so try to limit them and instead eat more healthy alternatives like fruits and veggies. You should also drink plenty of water while taking this medication to avoid dehydration, which can increase your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Your doctor will probably give you a diet plan for you to follow while on Ozempic. This should be based on your goals and medical history. It should be easy to stick to and will help you lose weight while on the medication.
It is important to stick with this diet while you are on Ozempic, as it will help you manage your weight and blood sugar. It will also help you reduce your risk of developing diabetes in the future.
If you are having trouble losing weight on Ozempic, it may be time to speak with your doctor about other options. You might be able to find other medications that can help you control your weight and reduce your risk of diabetes.
3. You are not exercising
While it is no secret that exercise is good for your overall health, it can be challenging to find the time to get it done. A busy schedule, heavy class load or family commitments can make it hard to fit in a workout even if it is just a few short minutes.
The best way to combat this challenge is to set realistic goals that you can easily achieve. This includes setting an intention to start, a time frame for achieving those goals and a plan of action to keep you on track once you get there.
One of the most effective ways to do this is to create a schedule that incorporates exercise into your daily routine. This may be as simple as waking up 15 minutes earlier or committing to walking or jogging during lunch and after work.
A small number of people will have no problem fitting in a workout, but this is not always the case. If you’re among the many who have a difficult time sticking with an exercise plan, consider finding a friend or family member to help you out. This will give you some accountability and ensure that you actually follow through on your exercise plans.
4. You are not following a healthy lifestyle
Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 agonist) medication that improves blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It also helps certain people with weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.
In clinical trials, semaglutide 2.4 mg has been shown to help people lose up to 15% of their body weight in combination with lifestyle changes. In a 68-week clinical trial, those taking semaglutide lost 15.3 kg (32 pounds) more than the placebo group.
The reason for this is that the GLP-1 agonist slows down the emptying of your stomach into other parts of your digestive system and keeps you fuller longer. As a result, you may feel less hungry and be more satisfied with the food you eat.
It also makes your pancreas more responsive to increases in blood sugar, which can help lower and control blood sugar levels over time. This can prevent or delay the development of diabetes and its related health complications.
This effect is important for people with diabetes because it can help to avoid the onset of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). However, because this type of GLP-1 agonist does not have a significant blood sugar-lowering effect on its own, it is usually prescribed with other glucose-lowering medications, such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin.
If you are taking any other glucose-lowering medicines, including sulfonylureas or insulin, your risk of getting low blood sugar is higher when you take Ozempic(r). Signs and symptoms include: confusion or drowsiness; sweating; difficulty concentrating; dizziness or lightheadedness; hunger; headache; fast heartbeat; or feeling jittery.
Another common side effect is gallbladder problems in some people. If you have these or any other side effects when you take Ozempic(r), stop using it and tell your doctor right away.
You should also talk to your doctor if you have any of these health conditions: kidney problems, such as kidney failure; liver disease; or a history of hepatitis B or C. These diseases can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting that may lead to a loss of fluids (dehydration).
It is important to note that although semaglutide is an effective tool for some people to use to reach their weight loss goals, it is not a miracle drug. It requires lifestyle changes and a commitment to healthy eating and exercise.