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What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a simple, weekly injection that contains the weight loss drug semaglutide, which can help you lose weight. It's a pharmaceutical drug initially developed to help people with diabetes control and lower blood sugar levels.
However, clinical trials have shown that Ozempic is also a safe and effective treatment for obese patients to aid in weight loss.
How does Ozempic work in your body?
Ozempic mimics a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1 . This hormone is produced by your digestive system in response to eating food and it acts on both the brain and the digestive system to regulate how full you feel after a meal. It also slows down the emptying of your stomach into the rest of your digestive system. GLP-1 regulates insulin secretion in response to eating meals so that your blood sugar is better controlled — even lowering blood sugar levels and reducing your appetite by signalling your brain that you've eaten a meal. The injectable medication acts just like this natural hormone to make you feel fuller for longer and reduces your cravings for more food. Enhancing the way your body regulates blood sugar levels and the storage of fat can help patients lose weight.
How long does it take to loose weight?
Everyone is different. Once you begin using Ozempic, some people can find it takes several weeks to see any weight loss, yet others may see some weight loss within a week or 2. While it can be difficult, try to remain patient — change looks different for everyone. How much weight will I loose?
About a third of people who take Ozempic for weight loss will lose 10% or more of their body weight. Most people should expect to lose at least 5% of their starting body weight when using Ozempic for weight loss.
We know that people lose weight differently, but those who see the highest weight reductions are those who are supported by healthcare professionals — making the lifestyle changes required for sustainable change much easier.
This includes addressing diet, exercise and using behavioural sciences to adapt your food habits.
Ozempic starting dose Ozempic treatment for weight loss starts at 0.25mg once per week. You stay at that low dose for at least the first 4 weeks of treatment whilst your body gets used to the drug.
Ozempic maintenance dose After starting on Ozempic low dose, you will increase to 0.5mg for a further 4 weeks and then move onto the 1mg weekly maintenance dose for the rest of your treatment plan — provided everything is going according to plan.
Who shouldn't use Ozempic for weight loss?
Most people can take Ozempic for weight loss safely, but there are some medicines and medical conditions that might make it unsuitable for you due to increased safety risks .
Some of the reasons you shouldn't use Ozempic for weight loss (or we may need to give you special advice) are:
An allergy to any of the ingredients;
Diabetes and taking insulin or certain other medicines;
Kidney problems;
Certain digestive system problems;
History of an eating disorder;
Pregnancy, breastfeeding or trying to have a baby.
History of pancreatitis, gall bladder issues'
Family history of any thyroid cancer
References
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9840447/
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/medicines-and-healthcare-products-regulatory-agency
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