If you’ve been considering starting Ozempic, then one of the first things you’ll be wondering is how quickly it may take to see positive changes in your body.
While the answer may be different for everyone, depending on personal circumstances and dosage, you may be surprised to learn that you could be seeing results in a few weeks!
In this article we’ll cover:
- Everything you need to understand about Ozempic for weight management
- Information about clinical trials and weight management results
- Side effects to be aware of
- Eligibility for the drug in Canada
- The potential benefits and risks of the drug
- How long it may take to see results
- Other information you should be aware of with Ozempic
- Information on lifestyle changes you should implement while on Ozempic (and after!)
- Frequently asked questions.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get into it!
Understanding Ozempic for Weight Loss
Ozempic is a popular choice for individuals who want to lose weight — but what exactly is Ozempic and how does it work?
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic is the brand-name of the drug semaglutide, marketed by Novo Nordisk. They also produce other drugs containing semaglutide, including Wegovy and Rybelsus.
Primarily used as a drug to assist with the management of blood glucose levels in adults with type-2 diabetes, one of its positive side effects is it has been found to have significant effect as a treatment for people with a BMI of 27 or higher.
The drug is taken in once weekly doses via subcutaneous injection (ie, beneath the top layer of skin into the fatty layer of tissue) that are self-administered by the patient at home.
How Ozempic Works for Weight Loss
Ozempic’s main ingredient is semaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This means that it mimics the role of the hormone GLP-1 in your body. This hormone is responsible for a few main actions: promoting insulin production, affecting the hunger receptors in the brain, and slowing down the rate of stomach emptying.
Because gastric emptying is slowed, this helps suppress patients’ appetite and keep them feeling full for longer. The patient’s blood sugar is also kept stable, which results in fewer blood sugar peaks and crashes, and also helps to reduce cravings.
Thanks to these appetite-suppressing qualities, patients are less likely to overeat and take in too many calorie-rich foods, which then positively affects weight management.
Understanding Weight Loss with Ozempic
Ozempic’s efficacy as a tool for weight management has been backed up by a number of clinical trials and studies.
While anecdotal evidence can be helpful, scientific evidence is much more reliable and rigorous, especially when investigating new-to-the-market drug efficacy.
Weight Loss Results in Clinical Trials
A 2021 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Ozempic had a clinically significant effect on body mass loss in obese adults without diabetes.
The 1,961 participants in the trial were divided into two groups, one of which was given a 2.4 mg dose of Ozempic weekly, and the other a placebo. Both groups were also given lifestyle intervention, including a healthy diet and regular exercise.
The difference was stark — in the Ozempic group, participants lost a significantly higher amount of body mass than those in the placebo group, 14.9% of their starting body mass, vs. 2.4%.
After 68 weeks of the clinical trial, participants taking Ozempic had lost on average 15.3 kg (33 lbs), while the placebo group on average lost 2.6 kg (5.7 lbs).
Common Side Effects of Ozempic
Like any medication, Ozempic has some side effects. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and relate to the way Ozempic slows down gastric emptying.
These common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation.
The above side effects are more commonly noticed when beginning the drug or increasing dosage, but dissipate over time. However, if you’re concerned about your side effects or duration of them, contact your medical team for advice.
Less common but more serious side effects are also possible. These include:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Hypoglycemia
- Kidney problems
- Gallbladder problems
- Changes in vision
- Allergic reactions.
If you experience any of the above more serious side effects, discontinue your use of Ozempic immediately and contact your medical team, or go directly to your local ER.
Who Is Eligible to Take Ozempic?
Although Ozempic is primarily designed to help those with type-2 diabetes manage their blood sugar, it is frequently used to assist with weight management.
In Canada, doctors may prescribe Ozempic for weight management assistance to patients with a BMI of 27 or higher. You may also need to have at least one weight-related health condition to be approved for treatment.
Ozempic is designed only for adults, and should not be used by under 18s, or women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or intending on conceiving in the next couple of months.
It’s also contraindicated for those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
There are also a number of known contraindications with other medications, including supplements, so be sure to disclose your full medical history and any current prescription medications to your medical team before beginning this drug.
Weighing the Potential Benefits and Risks of Ozempic
Ozempic is a drug that’s been shown to be an effective tool for weight management, but it isn’t without risk.
Potential Benefits of Taking Ozempic for Weight Loss
The potential benefits of taking Ozempic are reflected in the clinical trials — it is far more effective for those who need weight management assistance than taking a placebo.
Patients taking Ozempic experience less hunger and cravings, thanks to delayed gastric emptying. This means that they may find it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan and reduce their caloric intake, thus positively affecting their weight management goals.
Obesity is associated with several negative health outcomes, such as developing type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and increasing your risk of heart disease. Thanks to Ozempic’s ability to assist with weight management, on this drug you could reduce all of these risks, leading to increased quality of life.
Risks Associated with Taking Ozempic for Weight Loss
Although Ozempic is relatively low risk, you are at risk of a number of common side effects, including diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and stomach pain.
There are also more worrying risks, which include kidney issues, pancreatitis, and changes in vision.
In addition, there are some suggestions that Ozempic can cause an increased risk in thyroid tumors — this was shown in animal studies, but it is not yet known if it applies to humans.
If you have a personal or family history of thyroid tumors, ensure you disclose this to your medical team before beginning this drug.
Ozempic was introduced to the Canadian market in 2018 by Novo Nordisk, designed to manage blood sugar levels in type-2 diabetics. Novo Nordisk is the only manufacturer of approved forms of semaglutide, which include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.
Ozempic offers many benefits, including blood sugar control, weight management assistance, blood pressure control, and reduction in cardiovascular risk. Recent interest in the medication has been particularly thanks to its role in weight management.
Ozempic has certain contraindications, including for those with a personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2, for patients with reduced renal function, and those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or intending on conceiving. It may also be contraindicated for a number of other drugs and supplements, so you should be sure to fully disclose any current medications you’re taking to your medical team.
Most Ozempic side effects are gastrointestinal, for example, nausea or constipation. These effects are usually experienced upon commencing the drug or increasing your dosage, and usually subside with time.
Ozempic is a prescription-only medication and can be purchased from any Canadian pharmacy, though your insurance coverage may vary.
What Is the Time Frame for Weight Loss on Semaglutide?
How long it will take for you to achieve your weight management goals on Ozempic can vary hugely depending on a large number of factors.
In the clinic trial of obese adults, it was found that the average participant taking Ozempic lost just over 15 kg over a period of 68 weeks.
It is possible to achieve your weight management goals faster or slower depending on how well you adhere to your diet plan, how much exercise you do, and a number of other considerations.
Although Ozempic amplifies the weight decrease, what you do is still important.
Other Considerations About Ozempic and Weight Loss
As with any weight management program, there are several factors that can influence how fast you achieve your goals.
It’s important to bear these in mind when embarking on your own journey, as it’s just as much to do with your individual biology as external factors.
Impact on Blood Sugar Levels and Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Ozempic was first developed to assist type-2 diabetics in controlling their blood sugar levels, and it is very effective. When blood sugar levels are high, it stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, which helps to keep blood sugar levels steady, and reduces the risk of hypoglycemia.
Delayed stomach emptying has a favorable effect on blood sugar since it means that glucose is absorbed more gradually into the bloodstream. This avoids blood sugar spikes and decreases that can occur after eating.
Impact on Blood Pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Body Weight
Studies have shown that Ozempic has a positive effect on blood pressure, with patients who were taking Ozempic showing improved blood pressure results.
This is an excellent outcome, as high blood pressure is associated with a number of serious health implications.
Ozempic also motivates body mass loss, which may help you achieve your weight management goals faster. Trials found patients taking Ozempic lost significantly more body mass than those taking a placebo, which resulted in a lower BMI and healthier overall body weight.
Interaction with Other Medications or Medical Conditions
Ozempic is known to interact with insulin and other diabetes drugs, such as sulfonylureas. Taking these together can lead to hypoglycemia, so it’s essential you discuss this with your medical team before taking Ozempic.
It’s also important to let your doctor know if you’re taking other diabetes medications such as metformin, or GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Trulicity or Saxenda. This may affect the dosage prescribed to you.
Ozempic is contraindicated for patients with a history of pancreatitis, as well as those with renal failure, and a personal or family history of thyroid tumors.
Additionally, if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or intending on conceiving in the next two months, you should discuss this with your medical team, as it may affect your treatment plan.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Weight Loss with Ozempic
Ozempic isn’t an instant fix — patients need to ensure they maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan in order to effectively manage their weight.
Additionally, weight management is very often affected by psychology. If you have underlying issues with your relationship with food, consider talking to a therapist or counselor. Addressing these issues will help you consider your body image, food triggers, and overall mental health.
Importance of Eating a Healthy Diet
When you’re on Ozempic, you need to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Choose foods that are low in sugar and fat, and high in fiber and protein to keep you satisfied. It is also critical to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
While there is no specific Ozempic diet, the foods you eat can have a great impact on maximizing the positive weight management effects of the drug, as well as help you manage any undesirable gastrointestinal side effects.
Role of Regular Exercise in Enhancing Weight Loss
Physical activity, including both aerobic and strength-training exercises, is an important component of any weight management programme. Exercise aids in the burning of calories, the improvement of insulin sensitivity, and the promotion of cardiovascular health. It also aids in fat burning and muscle retention, resulting in better body composition.
Combining Ozempic with regular physical activity will help you accomplish and maintain your weight loss goals more efficiently, which is especially important if you do not plan to stay on the drug indefinitely.
Caution When Drinking Alcohol
While there is no direct contraindication when it comes to drinking alcohol while taking Ozempic, reducing alcohol consumption is a good idea for both health and weight management reasons.
Alcohol is not only high in calories, it is also associated with a number of negative health outcomes, including liver damage. Additionally, it may affect your body’s absorption of the drug, and affect your blood sugar levels.
Moderation is key!
Importance of Reviewing All Medications with a Healthcare Professional
Before you start taking Ozempic, it’s essential that you talk to your medical team about any prescription medications, supplements, and vitamins you’re currently taking, so they can be sure there are no interactions.
As stated above, some diabetes and weight loss medications can interact with Ozempic, leading to hypoglycemia. There is also some potential interaction with the supplement chromium.
Be sure to disclose everything you’re taking, including supplements and vitamins.
Key Takeaways
Ozempic is a drug made by the manufacturer Novo Nordisk. It was initially designed as a drug for the treatment of type-2 diabetes, but has been found to have significant potential as a weight management tool. Clinic trials showed an average body mass loss of over 15 kgs over a period of 69 weeks.
Benefits of Ozempic include:
- Less hunger after meals
- Fewer cravings
- Reduced risk of obesity-related illnesses.
There are some side effects, although not everyone will experience them. These include gastrointestinal issues as well as serious side effects, such as pancreatitis and kidney issues.
The rate at which you reach your weight management goals will vary based on the individual, but can be helped by adhering to lifestyle intervention, including a healthy diet and exercise program.
Although Ozempic may stimulate rapid fat loss due to appetite suppression, lifestyle factors are equally important, especially if you’re not planning on staying on Ozempic indefinitely.
It’s essential to talk to your medical team about any medications you’re taking before starting Ozempic, so they can assess any risks of interaction and continue to monitor your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How consistent must Ozempic usage be for optimal weight loss?
Consistent use of Ozempic is essential for optimal weight management. Studies suggest that cravings do come back when patients stop taking Ozempic, which can lead to weight regain.
Are there any long-term effects of using Ozempic for weight loss?
There are no known long-term side effects for weight management while on Ozempic, but it’s important to bear in mind that it is still quite a new drug.
Some scientists are concerned that there may be long-term effects that come to light in the future, as well as the possibility of plateau with long-term use as the body gets used to the drug.
How do individual variations impact the speed of weight loss with Ozempic?
Your lifestyle habits will have a big impact on your weight management response when taking Ozempic.
Ozempic helps you to feel fuller for longer and encourages accelerated fat burning, but it won’t help you lose weight unless you achieve a calorie deficit.
Those who exercise regularly and eat a healthy, lower calorie diet will achieve their weight management goals faster than others who don’t.
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