A prescription drug only, marketed by Novo Nordisk in Canada, Ozempic is the brand name of semaglutide. The drug has proven to be highly effective in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes, as well as a tool for weight management in those with a BMI of 27 or over.
However, information about how the drug actually works is important to know, regardless of its benefits.
In this article we’ll cover:
- What Ozempic is and how it works
- The mechanisms of action associated with Ozempic
- What the administration guidelines and recommended dosage of the drug are
- Four types of people who should not take Ozempic
- How long it may take for you to see results
- Frequently asked questions.
Let’s get into this topic together and cover how Ozempic works!
What Is Ozempic and How Does It Work?
Ozempic — or semaglutide — is a drug used by those with type 2 diabetes to lower their blood sugars and A1C. In addition to helping to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart disease, stroke, heart attack, or death, semaglutide is also approved as a tool for weight management in those with a BMI of 27 or higher.
The active compound in Ozempic is semaglutide. While in Canada it’s marketed by Novo Nordisk as Ozempic, you may also see it under brand names such as Wegovy and Rybelsus. These other brands may also come in different doses to Ozempic.
Semaglutide is usually administered by subcutaneous injection via an Ozempic Pen (similar to an EpiPen), once weekly. You should make sure that the injection site is rotated each time.
It works by “inhibiting gastric and pancreatic lipase enzymes that break down fat in the digestive system”, according to Dr Duane Mellor, a registered dietician from Aston University Medical School. They were quoted in this study on Ozempic’s effectiveness as a weight management assistant.
Mellor continued to explain that, “by preventing these enzymes from working properly, some of the undigested fat is eliminated from the body in stools”.
When used to assist with weight management, the drug is typically used over the course of 12 weeks.
Ozempic — Mechanism of Action
While use of Ozempic may assist significantly with weight management, thanks to its mechanism of action, it’s important to make sure that you complement the drug with healthy lifestyle changes in order to maximize the benefits. This includes implementing a healthy diet and regular exercise into your daily routine.
GLP-1 Receptors
Ozempic enhances the effects of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone. GLP-1 impacts weight by affecting the hunger center in the brain, reducing appetite and cravings for certain foods.
This hormone can also prolong the feeling of fullness, meaning that a person taking it won’t feel the need or urge to eat as often. This may put you into a calorie deficit, which will positively affect your body weight over time.
Signalling Process Involved in Ozempic
Because Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it helps send signals to the brain to let it know that it’s time to stop eating.
When it comes to weight management and control, this can create a more healthy and managed appetite, meaning that the person taking it won’t overeat.
Effects on Glucose Metabolism
Several studies have found that semaglutide improves glucose metabolism. Glucose metabolism is the process of a person’s cells receiving nourishment, and the body producing insulin.
When a person eats carbohydrates (especially simple carbohydrates, such as white bread and rice), these will be broken down into simple sugars such as fructose, glucose, and galactose. Once the blood glucose has built up enough around a cell, the pancreas gets a signal to produce insulin.
In those with type 2 diabetes, overproduction of glucose can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, which then result in hypoglycemia. This can be very dangerous, and even lead to death.
Semaglutide helps to regulate the blood sugars in the blood, leading to less glucose reactions, and better metabolic control.
Possible Side Effects
Semaglutide has several potential side effects and symptoms. More common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headaches.
More serious side effects include:
- Changes in vision
- Hypoglycemia
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Kidney damage or failure
- Thyroid cancer.
If you experience any symptoms of the more severe side effects listed above, stop your use of Ozempic immediately and contact your medical team, or go to the ER at your local hospital.
It’s important to remember that no medications or treatments are without risk, and you should always speak to your medical team before beginning new drugs.
Recommended Dosage & Administration Guidelines
Minimum Dosage Requirements
Ozempic is typically taken through weekly injections, usually starting at 0.25mg and increasing to 0.5mg around 5 weeks, where the dose will be maintained for the duration of treatment.
In some cases, your medical team may necessitate increasing your dose to 1mg or 2mg, but this will be in consultation with you after seeing your response to the drug.
Who Should Not Take Ozempic?
People with Certain Medical Conditions
Those with the following medical condition are not advised to take Ozempic:
- Pancreatitis
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
- Kidney disease
- Diabetic retinopathy.
This is due to the potential risks involved with the drug.
People With a Family History of Certain Health Issues
If you have a family or personal history of the following, you should avoid Ozempic:
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Semaglutide has not been approved for use in adults with type 1 diabetes.
However, there has been some discussion about whether semaglutide could be used by those with type 1 diabetes, and many medical professionals believe the risks would outweigh the benefits.
Pregnant or Nursing Women
If you are pregnant, it is strongly advised that you do not take Ozempic, as studies have shown that Ozempic may harm the fetus.
If you become pregnant while taking Ozempic, you should stop taking it immediately.
If you’re already using Ozempic and are planning on conceiving, talk to your medical team for more details, as it’s likely you’ll need to adjust your treatment plan.
How Long Does It Take for Ozempic to Work?
Though it will vary from person to person, generally speaking, within a week on Ozempic your blood sugar levels should have declined significantly. The full effects may take eight weeks or longer for you to notice a significant improvement.
When using Ozempic to assist weight management, it will be several months before the drug is used at full dosage. However, it’s likely you’ll see the effects after a few weeks.
Key Takeaways
The official purpose of Ozempic is to help those with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. This drug is not to be mistaken for insulin, nor is it a replacement of insulin.
However, thanks to its side effects which may positively assist weight management, it is also approved by Health Canada for use by those with a BMI over 27.
Be aware of the risks involved with starting Ozempic, and ensure that you consult with your medical team if you’re considering starting the drug.
How Does Ozempic Work? FAQs
How does Ozempic help you lose weight?
It works by “inhibiting gastric and pancreatic lipase enzymes that break down fat in the digestive system”, according to Dr Duane Mellor, a registered dietician from Aston University Medical School. They were quoted in this study on Ozempic’s effectiveness as a weight management assistant.
Mellor continued to explain that, “by preventing these enzymes from working properly, some of the undigested fat is eliminated from the body in stools”.
When used to assist with weight management, the drug is typically used over the course of 12 weeks.
Ozempic can help with weight management by accessing the hunger center of your brain, and reducing your feelings of hunger or appetite. It also can slow down the process of the stomach emptying, meaning you’ll feel full for longer after eating. When using Ozempic to assist weight management, it will be several months before the drug is used at full dosage. However, it’s likely you’ll see the effects after a few weeks.
Will Ozempic help reduce belly fat?
No medication can target and reduce fat on certain areas of the body. However, Ozempic can help to manage your total body mass, which includes belly fat.
(US)