Did you know? Ozempic, a semaglutide drug, while primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes, has shown some potential for weight loss. However, it’s not an FDA-approved medication for weight loss. So, why should you take it anyway? Does Ozempic really have any evidence-based studies that prove that it could be used as a weight loss drug? To learn more about these and much more, keep reading this. Or you can book a consultation with us at Hormone Replacement Therapy LA.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injection that is approved by the FDA for treating type 2 diabetes. In recent years, Ozempic has gained attention as an effective weight loss drug for obese and overweight adults due to its appetite-suppressing effects.

Ozempic comes from a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It mimics a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) intestinal hormone that regulates appetite and food intake. Ozempic helps promote weight loss by:

Reducing appetite
Increasing feelings of fullness after eating
Slowing digestion to stabilize blood sugar

In clinical trials, patients taking a higher dose of Ozempic specifically for weight loss were able to lose up to 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks [1].

How Does Ozempic Work?

Ozempic mainly mimics the effects of GLP-1, an intestinal hormone that controls appetite and food intake.

Ozempic activates GLP-1 receptors found in the pancreas, stomach, and brain. This stimulates the pancreatic release of insulin. Insulin is a hormone responsible for allowing cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.

By boosting insulin release, Ozempic injection is able to lower high blood sugar to healthier levels. Ozempic then targets GLP-1 receptors in the stomach and brain that control feelings of hunger and fullness.

This makes patients take fewer calories throughout the day due to a decrease in appetite. A good diet and balanced blood sugar levels help in healthy weight loss. Ozempic has also been shown to decrease body fat mass while not affecting the body’s muscle mass.

Does Ozempic for Weight Loss Work?

A large-scale 68-week study published in 2021 examined the weight loss efficacy of the highest 2.4mg dose of semaglutide in nearly 2,000 non-diabetic, overweight, or obese adults.

Participants were randomly assigned to either receive once-weekly injections of semaglutide or a placebo, along with standardized lifestyle counseling on diet and exercise. Remarkably, those administered semaglutide lost an average of 14.9% of their original body weight, compared to just 2.4% in the placebo group [2].

Is Ozempic injection safe for weight loss?

Ozempic is generally considered safe for its intended use in managing blood sugar levels. Regarding weight loss, it’s essential to recognize that Ozempic is not specifically FDA-approved for weight management. Clinical trials have demonstrated weight loss effects, but this is an off-label use.

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How much weight can you lose in a month with Ozempic?

According to data from randomized controlled trials, Ozempic supports weight loss of approximately 1 kg (around 2.2 lbs) or about 1.1% of body weight after one month of use.

After two months, the weight loss increases to around 2 kg (about 4.4 lbs) or approximately 2.2% of body weight [3].

How much Ozempic should I inject for weight loss?

For weight loss, the recommended dose of Ozempic (semaglutide) typically starts low and gradually increases. Here are the general guidelines:

Starting Dose:

Begin with 0.25 mg once a week.
Administer the injection subcutaneously (under the skin) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Choose a consistent day each week for your injection.

Titration:

After one week at the starting dose, increase to 0.5 mg once a week.
Continue this dose for another week.

Maintenance Dose:

The maintenance dose for weight loss is 1 mg once a week.
This is the effective dose for most individuals seeking weight reduction.

Does Ozempic help you lose belly fat?

While Ozempic can help with weight loss, it’s essential to understand that spot reduction (targeting fat loss in specific areas) is challenging. Belly fat tends to be stubborn, and lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise) play a crucial role. Although not originally approved for weight loss, studies from Novo Nordisk demonstrate that the active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, can effectively promote weight reduction [4].

Side Effects of Ozempic

According to the company, Ozempic may cause some side effects. These are:

Allergic reactions
Pancreatitis
Vision problems
Kidney problems
Low Blood Sugar
Thyroid tumors or cancer
Gallbladder problems

How Much Does Ozempic Cost?

According to Novo Nordisk’s website, a single monthly dose of Ozempic retails for around $935.7 at the 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg strengths without insurance coverage. However, the vast majority of commercially insured patients can utilize their existing prescription drug benefits to access reduced copay pricing down to $25 per refill. Costs depend on the dosage, individual insurance provisions, availability of coupons or rebates, etc.