Who can take Ozempic for weight loss?

In this article:

• Does Ozempic cause weight loss?
• Who can take Ozempic for weight loss?
• Safety
• Alternatives
• Other diabetic medications that may cause weight loss

In this article

• Does Ozempic cause weight loss?
• Who can take Ozempic for weight loss?
• Safety
• Alternatives
• Other diabetic medications that may cause weight loss

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, affecting more than 11% of the U.S. population. Because obesity is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, losing weight can help improve blood sugar control. Ozempic (semaglutide) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. It is also prescribed off-label for weight loss.

In this article, we’ll discuss Ozempic’s efficacy, safety, and alternatives for weight loss.

RELATED: Get Ozempic without insurance 

Does Ozempic cause weight loss?

While Ozempic lowers blood sugar, it also can help with weight loss. The FDA does not approve Ozempic for weight loss, but it is often prescribed off-label (for an indication not FDA approved) for this use. What’s more, Ozempic contains the ingredient semaglutide—as does the medication Wegovy, which is FDA approved for weight management. Average weight loss with Ozempic will vary based on individual factors. 

In the SUSTAIN clinical trials, semaglutide consistently demonstrated blood sugar control and weight loss in participants with Type 2 diabetes and obesity. 

The Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity (STEP) program was conducted to study people who were either overweight or obese but did not have diabetes. The study used once weekly semaglutide dosed at 2.4 mg. The results showed a weight loss of 14.9% from baseline after 68 weeks (about 16 months) of semaglutide and lifestyle changes. More specifically, about 70% of participants achieved a weight loss of at least 10%, and about 50% achieved a weight loss of 15% or more. 

These findings are important because weight loss of 10% to 15% (or more) is recommended in overweight and obese people with associated complications (such as prediabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea). The current study results suggest that the recommended goal of weight loss and obesity treatment can be achieved with semaglutide.

How does Ozempic help you lose weight?

Ozempic, like all GLP-1 agonists, works by:

• Helping the pancreas release insulin (to help bring blood sugar down) when blood sugar is high
• Decreasing glucagon production (glucagon increases blood sugar, so reducing its production helps limit blood sugar spikes)
• Slowing the movement of food through the stomach, which may cause appetite loss and weight loss 

Who can take Ozempic for weight loss?

After the significant results from clinical trials and despite not being approved for weight loss, some healthcare professionals have begun using Ozempic off-label. However, Ozempic should not be used for everyone. It should not be used in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer) or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.

Ozempic dosing for weight loss is generally the same as Ozempic dosing for blood sugar management. For diabetes, Ozempic is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Generally, healthcare professionals will start the patient on the lowest dose of 0.25 mg weekly for four weeks. After four weeks, the dose will increase to 0.5 mg weekly. After at least four weeks, the dose may be increased to 1 mg weekly if needed. Some patients will require another dosage increase after at least four more weeks, to 2 mg weekly. The maximum Ozempic dose is 2 mg per week. 

It is important to use Ozempic exactly as directed and only make dosage changes under the direction of your healthcare provider. Dosage changes will be based on response to treatment and how well you tolerate any side effects. Many people can stay at 0.5 mg or 1 mg weekly.

You can discuss weight loss goals and progress with your healthcare provider. Average weight loss can vary greatly, depending on many factors, including the Ozempic dosage and other lifestyle changes employed along with the medication. 

RELATED: Can I take Ozempic if I’m not diabetic?

Is Ozempic safe?

Like any medication, Ozempic has potential side effects. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Stomach pain
• Burping
• Indigestion 
• Reflux 
• Gas 

Patients with diabetic retinopathy should be closely monitored because a temporary worsening of this condition may be a side effect of taking Ozempic. 

In some cases, serious side effects may occur. In addition to the risk of thyroid cancer, serious side effects may include:

• Allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening
• Swelling 
• Kidney problems or kidney failure
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Inflammation of the gallbladder
• Gallstones
• Fainting 

This is a partial list of side effects, and others may occur. Before taking Ozempic, you can talk to your doctor about potential side effects and weigh the risks versus benefits. 

Ozempic alternatives for weight loss

Ozempic is not appropriate for everyone. Some patients cannot tolerate the side effects or may not see the desired results. Others may seek an alternative due to insurance coverage or a manufacturer shortage. Regardless of the reason for seeking an Ozempic alternative, various suitable alternatives are available.

Below is a list of Ozempic alternatives:

• Wegovy: Wegovy (semaglutide) is a brand-name medication that’s FDA approved for chronic weight management in addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity in people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity) or a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. These comorbid conditions include hypertension (high blood pressure), Type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. It contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic.  
• Rybelsus: Rybelsus is the oral tablet form of semaglutide. Like Ozempic, Rybelsus currently is only approved for use in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve blood sugar control. It is not FDA approved for weight loss, but healthcare professionals may prescribe it off-label for weight management.
• Trulicity: Trulicity is another GLP-1 receptor agonist medication that’s effective at lowering blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Like Ozempic, Trulicity has been shown to cause weight loss but is not FDA-approved as a weight-loss medication. 
• Metformin: Metformin is a common oral medication used in people with Type 2 diabetes to help lower blood sugar. There is some evidence that metformin can be an effective drug to reduce weight in certain people. Like Ozempic, metformin is not approved as a weight-loss medication and is sometimes prescribed off-label by healthcare professionals for people trying to lose weight. For people not interested in using an injectable medication like Ozempic, metformin may be considered for weight loss.

RELATED: Could one of these 7 prescription weight-loss pills be right for you?

Other diabetic medications that may cause weight loss

Several other diabetic medications have been shown to cause weight loss, including:

• GLP-1 receptor agonists:
  • Byetta (exenatide)
  • Bydureon BCise (exenatide)
  • Adlyxin (lixisenatide)
  • Victoza (liraglutide)
  • Trulicity (dulaglutide)
• Amylin mimetics:
  • Symlin (pramlintide) 
• SGLT2 inhibitors: 
  • Invokana (canagliflozin)
  • Jardiance (empagliflozin)
  • Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
  • Steglatro (ertugliflozin)

How to maximize Ozempic benefits for weight loss

1. Inject Ozempic on the same day each week

Ozempic is injected into the fatty part of the skin once a week. The best spots to inject Ozempic include the top of the thigh, belly area, or upper arm. For people who have never given themselves an injection, a healthcare provider can help demonstrate and explain the best techniques. It’s best practice to rotate injection sites each week.

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. If it is less than 48 hours until the next dose, it should be skipped, and the time returned to normal.

2. Inspect the pre-filled pen before each injection

Ozempic pre-filled pens should have a clear, colorless solution. Do not use the pen if the solution looks cloudy, leaks changes color, or has particles. The prescribing information can be reviewed for more information about the appearance of Ozempic.

3. Store Ozempic in the refrigerator before using

Ozempic should be stored between 36- and 46 degrees Fahrenheit in the refrigerator before use. Do not freeze Ozempic pre-filled pens. After using the pen for the first time, it can be stored for 56 days at controlled room temperature (59 degrees to 86 degrees Fahrenheit) or in a refrigerator. Keep the pen cap on when not in use. The pens should be protected from excessive heat and sunlight.

After using Ozempic, remove and discard the needle in a sharps container. Store Ozempic without a needle attached. Do not reuse needles—use a new needle for each weekly injection. 

4. Take Ozempic with or without food

Eating food or having an empty stomach does not affect how Ozempic works. The dose can be taken at any time of day that is most convenient for the person.

5. Use caution when drinking alcohol

While Ozempic isn’t known to interact with alcohol, consuming excess amounts of alcohol can lower blood sugar. For people with diabetes, monitoring blood sugar is important to prevent symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).

Additionally, Ozempic may increase the risk of pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation). Heavy alcohol consumption can also increase the chance of pancreatitis. To help avoid pancreatitis, heavy alcohol use should be avoided while taking Ozempic.

6. Review all medications with a healthcare professional

When starting a new medication, it’s important to review all current medications with a healthcare professional, such as the prescribing doctor or a pharmacist. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and vitamins or supplements. With Ozempic, this is especially important as dose adjustments may need to occur while using it with insulin or sulfonylureas (such as glipizide or glimepiride).