Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few years, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Ozempic and perhaps similar medications like Rybelsus and Wegovy. You’ve also probably seen some impressive weight loss transformations attributed to these drugs.
So, like most, you’re curious and want to know what all the fuss is about so you don’t miss out on a potential game-changer.
Well, you’re in luck because we are breaking down Ozemic to learn what it is, how it works, and whether you should consider it.
Also, as a reminder, we are not doctors, and you shouldn’t take our advice as such. It’s best to consult a medical professional before making such big decisions.
This article is about educating ourselves about this “miracle” drug as we have been asked more and more about this by our audience.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic (or semaglutide) is a prescription drug approved by the FDA for people with type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes (1). It is injected under the skin.
How Does Ozempic Work?
This glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist works by mimicking a hormone your body produces naturally: GLP-1 (2).
The hormone’s main actions in the body are to stimulate the production of insulin in the pancreas and to suppress the rise of glucagon (3). Together, these effects limit glucose (sugar) absorption and place a glass ceiling on blood sugar levels.
But what does this have to do with weight loss?
Despite not being approved for weight loss use by the FDA (read more about that here), Ozempic has gained a ton of popularity among people looking to shed pounds. This is because one of its ‘side effects’ (more on those in a moment) is to reduce appetite.
More specifically, the active ingredient semaglutide (which is also found in Wegovy, a drug approved by the FDA for weight loss):
- Slows gastric emptying––the rate at which your stomach empties following a meal (4)
- Mimics the function of GLP-1, which is known to directly contribute to satiety (5)
In other words, Ozempic is not a miracle fat-burning drug but rather an appetite suppressant that naturally causes people to eat less, feel fuller on fewer calories, and lose weight because it’s easier to create and maintain the necessary calorie deficit (6).
Of course, the rate of weight loss is highly individual and still relies on other factors like overall physical activity and food intake.
Ozempic Side Effects You Must Know About
So far, so good. The problem is that Ozempic comes with a long list of potential side effects, and it’s in your best interest to know about them.
First, Ozempic comes with a boxed warning. This is a warning written on the box, and it’s the FDA’s strongest form of warning, stating that the drug is more likely to cause severe adverse reactions and could be associated with long-term health complications (7).
This is because some animal studies show that Ozempic may lead to thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer (8).
We don’t know if the drug can cause cancer in humans (9). Still, it’s recommended to avoid Ozempic if you have a family history of thyroid cancer or a rare medical condition called endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Another potentially dangerous side effect of Ozempic is pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas (10). This can be acute (short term) or turn into a chronic problem that may lead to pancreatic damage in the long run.
It’s recommended to immediately call your doctor if you experience abdominal pain along with vomiting.
The third significant side effect that can occur is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) (11). Depending on the severity, it can lead to jitteriness, cold sweat, confusion, anxiety, and dizziness, and may even be life-threatening (12).
That said, hypoglycemia is more common in people who take Ozempic alongside other medications like insulin, and it’s unlikely to be too severe when the dose is controlled and administered by a doctor (13).
Additionally, Ozempic is not recommended for people who have kidney disease, a history of gallbladder disease, or eye problems as a result of diabetes.
To end on a somewhat lighter note, a few milder but more common side effects associated with Ozempic include:
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Vomiting and nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- A minor increase in resting heart rate
Interactions With Other Drugs
Tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking because Ozempic is known to interact with some compounds, particularly those aimed at increasing insulin levels, which, in turn, can lower blood sugar to dangerous levels (13).
Some such compounds include:
- Insulin degludec
- Insulin glargine
- Glipizide
- Glyburide
Is It Worth It And Should You Consider It?
Ozempic works for weight loss, mainly due to its ability to reduce hunger, making it easier to eat fewer calories, feel full, and not become food-obsessed. However, it’s not a miracle solution that works regardless of how you live, and it’s certainly not a drug to take lightly.
First, remember that the FDA doesn’t approve Ozempic for weight loss; this is still a drug for blood sugar control. If that bothers you and you’re uncomfortable with off-label prescriptions, consider Wegovy instead.
Second, consider the potential health issues and educate yourself on the topic as much as possible. Look for new research on Ozempic’s effects on the pancreas and its potential implications for thyroid cancer.
Third, calculate the ongoing cost of Ozempic injections and whether you can afford them. Currently, a monthly supply costs around $940. Certain healthcare plans cover it for patients with diabetes but not for people looking to lose weight.
Finally, consider your situation as a whole. Have you seriously tried to lose weight, or are you simply looking for an easy fix?
In our opinion as coaches who see clients who ask us about this stuff and not as professional doctors or pharmacists who know what they’re talking about when it comes to these things, you should only consider Ozempic if you’re severely overweight or obese, at risk of serious health issues, and unable to lose a meaningful amount of weight without medical or surgical assistance.
Again, that said, we are not doctors, and you shouldn’t take our advice as such. It’s best to consult a medical professional before making such big decisions.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that Ozempic works. However, given the associated side effects, potential health implications (like the fact that it’s been shown to cause thyroid cancer in animal research and that it can cause pancreatic inflammation), and ongoing cost, you should think long and hard before taking the plunge.
Building healthier habits is and will always be the best way to lose weight and keep it off in the long run. This includes controlling your calories, getting at least seven hours of sleep per night, and exercising a few times per week.
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