Ozempic is a relatively new medication but is being used more and more to aid with the treatment of type 2 diabetes and as a tool for weight management.
But what exactly is Ozempic and how effective is it when it comes to weight management?
In this article we’ll cover:
- What Ozempic is
- The weight management benefits of the drug
- The clinical evidence associated with it
- Side effects and contraindications you should be aware of
- The dosage guide for Ozempic
- How long you should use Ozempic for
- Frequently asked questions.
Let’s get into it!
Ozempic, also known by the brand names Wegovy or Rybelsus, is a medication that was developed in 2012 by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. You may have also heard of another drug option called Saxenda, but the active ingredient in this is liraglutide, not semaglutide.
The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, which is in the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class. It is able to aid in the treatments of type-2 diabetes, chronic obesity, and other weight-related conditions.
Ozempic is used primarily for people with type-2 diabetes, but it has also been approved by Health Canada for the treatment of those with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher. When used for weight management, it should be used alongside lifestyle changes, which include implementation of a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Additionally, Ozempic can provide a range of benefits, such as blood glucose control, increased insulin production, and improved cardiovascular health. The GLP-1 hormone is in charge of a whole range of functions within the body, such as increasing insulin production in the pancreas, controlling blood glucose levels in the liver, and aiding in satiety and appetite suppression in the brain, among many others.
By replicating the effects of this hormone, semaglutide is able to provide all of these benefits at an increased rate.
How Does Ozempic Work?
Semaglutide, the active ingredient and GLP-1 receptor agonist in Ozempic, is able to mimic the GLP-1 hormone. This is the hormone that is generally released in the gut after food has been consumed.
The GLP-1 hormone is in charge of a whole range of functions within the body, such as increasing insulin production in the pancreas, controlling blood glucose levels in the liver, and aiding in satiety and appetite suppression in the brain, among many others. By replicating the effects of this hormone, semaglutide is able to provide all of these benefits at an increased rate.
Ozempic is a medication that is used to treat chronic conditions, meaning it is suitable for long-term use and can be taken indefinitely. In fact, Ozempic needs to be taken consistently in order for it to work correctly.
Coming off this medication suddenly may result in spikes in blood sugar levels or weight gain, and should be done with caution.
That being said, Ozempic is still a relatively new medication and not all of the details on long-term efficacy and side effects are known for certain.
While most studies show that participants using Ozempic were able to use it effectively as a tool for weight management for at least two years, research and clinical trials beyond this are still being conducted.
If you have any concerns about your use of Ozempic, consult with your medical team for more advice and to discuss your suitability for the drug.
Ozempic is increasingly being used for weight management due to the range of effects that it has on the body.
Being a GLP-1 receptor agonist means that Ozempic is able to activate several pathways that assist greatly with weight management, especially when paired with exercise and a balanced diet.
Ozempic Delays Gastric Emptying
One of the effects that Ozempic can have on the body is a slight delay in gastric emptying. This is able to reduce the rate at which glucose appears in circulations and causes food to linger in your stomach for longer.
Delayed gastric emptying is often viewed negatively due to the fact that it can cause unintentional weight loss, but for those aiming to improve their weight management, this may be a great help in their journey.
Ozempic Reduces Hunger and Appetite
An extremely noticeable effect that Ozempic can have when it comes to weight loss is a reduction in hunger and appetite. It does this by targeting the hunger receptors in the brain and meaning that those taking the drug may feel more full after meals.
This is one of the roles of the GLP-1 hormone that Ozempic is able to mimic. By doing so, those taking the medication may notice that their appetite has decreased significantly, leading to a caloric deficit.
By reducing hunger, Ozempic can often lead to a change in diet and a decrease in emotional eating, snacking, and binge eating.
Ozempic Increases Satiety and Prevents Overeating
Overeating is another issue that contributes to weight gain that Ozempic is able to assist with. The medication is able to increase satiety, or the sensation of being satisfied, which can in turn prevent overeating. This can often enable patients to stick to diet plans without feeling hungry or deprived of food during the process, and can also eliminate subconscious snacking and overeating.
Understanding the Clinical Evidence
Research has been done in a variety of different areas regarding the way that Ozempic functions, such as the health risks, the benefits, and how effective this drug is in aiding different conditions.
Although no research from an extensive, long-term clinical study of Ozempic has been published yet, this drug is still being examined, and new information released.
That being said, the information we have from clinical trials that have already been conducted shed some light on how effective Ozempic can be.
Results of the SUSTAIN 6 Clinical Trial
The SUSTAIN 6 clinical trial of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, was a trial that selected 3,297 type-2 diabetes patients to be put on a weekly injection that contained either semaglutide or a placebo.
What the results of this trial indicated is that semaglutide was successful in significantly reducing the risk of cardiovascular health problems.
Eventually, Ozempic was approved as a medication that is able to reduce cardiovascular related incidents in patients who suffer from type 2-diabetes and heart disease.
Studies Showing Long-term Effectiveness of Ozempic
Although the research of long-term clinical trials have not yet become publicly available due to the fact that Ozempic is still a relatively new medication, there are still some trials that span a significant length of time that suggest Ozempic is effective in the long-term.
The aforementioned SUSTAIN 6 trial spanned two years and displayed significant reduction in the risk of cardiovascular incidents in the long-term.
In another two year long trial, it was observed that Ozempic was able to result in significant weight loss in the long-term, with an average weight loss of >20% being observed at week 104 of the trial.
Both of these clinical trials indicate that Ozempic is able to remain effective during testing periods of at least two years, though it is likely that more extensive trials will become available in the future.
What Are the Side Effects and Contraindications?
Along with any medication comes some side effects and contraindications to watch out for, and Ozempic is no exception.
While the side effects that do come along with Ozempic are not known to be particularly harsh or long lasting, it is still important to be aware of them and consult your medical team if necessary.
It is also extremely important to be aware of the contraindications of Ozempic, as ignoring these guidelines could result in severe health complications.
Common Side Effects of Ozempic
Some commonly reported side effects of Ozempic upon starting the medication are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Gas.
While there are no strict guidelines for a diet to follow while taking Ozempic, you may find that these side effects are lessened by avoiding certain foods, especially those with high fat or sugar content.
While everyone is different, these side effects are most commonly reported when starting the drug or increasing your doses, and they often dissipate over time.
These side effects are normal, but as with everything, if you have concerns regarding the intensity or duration of your side effects, be sure to consult with your medical team.
Rare Side Effects of Ozempic
In specific instances, Ozempic may cause an allergic reaction that can bring along with it a variety of symptoms such as:
- Swelling of the face, hands and feet
- Swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat
- Difficulty breathing.
Aside from an allergic reaction, there are other rarer, more severe side effects of Ozempic to look out for. Some of these include:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallbladder problems
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Kidney damage
- Thyroid cancer.
Although these side effects were not commonly reported in clinical trials of the medication, they are still a risk that come along with taking Ozempic.
If you believe that you may be experiencing any of these side effects, discontinue your use of the drug and contact your medical team immediately, or go to your local ER.
Drug Interactions with Ozempic
There are a variety of drugs that may interact with Ozempic, meaning you may not be able to take this drug in conjunction with other medications.
This is most common when it comes to other diabetes drugs, which when taken alongside Ozempic, can lead to hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include:
- Drowsiness
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Headaches.
It is important to consult with your medical team before starting this medication so that they are able to determine if Ozempic is safe for you.
Contraindications for Use with Ozempic
There are several contraindications for Ozempic use that you need to be aware of before starting this medication. What this means is that you may not be able to take this drug if you have a certain medical history.
This medication is contraindicated in:
- Those who have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
It is extremely important that you do not take Ozempic if you meet this criteria, as it could have dangerous negative impacts on your health if you do so.
Additionally, if you’re pregnant, planning on conceiving in the next couple of months, or breastfeeding, consult with your medical team before starting Ozempic.
Dosage Guidance for Taking Ozempic
If you are just starting off on Ozempic, it is likely that you will be prescribed a lower dose of the medication to begin with, and receive a maintenance dosage increase over time.
How much you increase depends on how you are responding to the medication and the intensity of your symptoms. This method of slowly increasing Ozempic dosage is an effective way to gauge what amount of the medication is the most beneficial for you.
Recommended Dosage Guidelines for Adults
The standard initial starting dose of Ozempic is generally a weekly injection of 0.25 mg for four weeks, and a subsequent 0.5 mg injection weekly from week 4.
After this point, the way that you are responding to the medication will be monitored, and your medical team will make a decision about increasing your dosage.
If a dosage increase is required, this will be done so gradually until the ideal dosage is met, or you hit the maximum dosage limit. As it stands, the maximum dosage of Ozempic is a weekly injection of 2 mg.
When it comes to using Ozempic for weight management, the dosage levels are generally the same as the standard dosage, with similar protocol being followed when it comes to dosage increases.
However, this may be altered by your medical team based on a range of different contributing factors. This includes your initial weight, underlying health conditions, and your response to the medication.
Duration of Ozempic Use
When taking Ozempic, you may be curious as to what the duration of the usage of this medication may look like for you.
How long are you meant to stay on Ozempic before it is time to stop taking the drug? Can you keep on taking it indefinitely?
Let’s take a look at some commonly asked questions when it comes to the duration of Ozempic use.
How Long Can You Take Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Ozempic is a medication designed to tackle chronic conditions, meaning it is suitable for long-term use. This means when it comes to weight management, Ozempic is used to treat chronic obesity.
In order for this drug to remain effective, it needs to be taken indefinitely. Coming off this medication is likely to result in you regaining the body mass you may have lost while taking the drug.
That being said, if you are concerned regarding your body mass loss while taking Ozempic, or are wanting to come off the medication, consult with your medical team who will be able to advise you of the best course of action.
How Long Are You Meant to Stay on Ozempic?
Ozempic is a drug intended for indefinite use in order to treat long-term, chronic medical conditions. As long as you continue to respond well to the medication and do not experience any detrimental side effects, you are able to remain taking Ozempic.
However, it is a good idea to attend regular check-ins with your medical team to gauge how well you are responding to the drug.
What Happens When You Go off Ozempic?
If you stop taking Ozempic, there are a few different side effects that may occur.
If you are taking this medication for weight management purposes, it is extremely likely that you will end up regaining some of the lost body weight.
Studies have shown that after stopping the medication, patients often regain up to two-thirds of the weight that they had lost while taking Ozempic. This is why indefinite use of Ozempic is recommended, in order to ensure long-term effectiveness.
Another notable effect of stopping Ozempic is spikes in blood glucose levels, which is why it is important to consult your medical team before quitting this medication, so you can be weaned off gradually.
Key Takeaways
Ozempic, while still relatively new as a weight loss medication, can be an effective tool for weight management in a variety of ways.
By mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, this drug is able to access a range of different pathways that will aid patients in their weight management journey.
That being said, starting this medication comes with its fair share of health risks and side effects, and it is important to consult extensively with your medical team before starting this medication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Ozempic lead to permanent weight loss?
As long as you are taking Ozempic, any positive weight management that you are able to achieve while taking this medication should remain.
If you stop taking this medication, it is extremely likely that you will regain a large portion of the body mass you lost while on the medication, though studies show that it is unlikely that you will regain everything.
Nevertheless, it is recommended that you remain on this drug for long-term weight management, so long as you are responding well to it.
Are there any risks associated with long-term use of Ozempic?
While research is still being done on the long-term effects of Ozempic, there are a few severe risks that come along with long-term use of this medication that researchers are already aware of.
These risks and long-term side effects include:
- Thyroid tumors
- Vision problems
- Gallbladder problems
- Hypoglycemia
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney problems.
If you believe you are experiencing any of these side effects, it is recommended that you discontinue your use of the drug and contact your medical team immediately or go directly to your local ER.
Is there a limit to how much weight you can lose on Ozempic?
Research has shown that after two years of taking Ozempic, patients in the clinical trial were still continuing to lose body mass.
What this indicates is that there is no cut-off point while taking this medication. As long as you remain on Ozempic, it is likely that you will continue to lose body mass.
If you are concerned with the amount of body mass you’re losing, contact your medical team for advice.
