Ozempic For Weight Loss: What Is It & More In 2024

Dr. Nicolette Natale, DO
Dr. Maya Frankfurt, PhD
Interested in trying Ozempic for weight loss? Learn about how the medication works, whether it is safe, and its effectiveness here.
ozempic for weight loss
Ozempic helps curb appetite and may result in weight loss. Photo: Ba Le Ho

Obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 39.8% of U.S. adults[1] are obese. Obesity is linked to increased rates of cardiovascular disease,[2] diabetes, and cancer.[3]

Researchers have been working to identify an intervention to help people lose weight safely and ditch diet pills. Ozempic, a drug primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, has garnered recent attention as a potential weight loss drug.

Although Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss, research[4] has demonstrated promising results linking the power of this medication to shed unwanted pounds. Doctors have been prescribing Ozempic off-label in patients without diabetes and have seen impressive weight loss results.[5]

This article will review the buzz behind the Ozempic injection for weight loss and answer the question, “Does Ozempic work for weight loss?” We will also discuss safety, Ozempic dosing, and how long it takes to lose weight.

What Is Ozempic For Weight Loss?

Ozempic is originally a type 2 diabetes drug with the unintended side effect of weight loss. This side effect has caused physicians to prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. Ozempic reduces appetite, slows gastric motility, and potentially increases energy expenditure. It has been proven safe in most individuals but is known to cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects, primarily upon drug initiation.

What Is Ozempic For Weight Loss?

Ozempic, or Semaglutide, is an injectable prescription medication used off-label for weight loss. If you are wondering how to lose weight quickly and easily, Ozempic might be the answer you have been searching for. 

Originally developed to lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic later underwent research[6] that demonstrated weight loss as an unintended side effect.

So, can Ozempic be used for weight loss in individuals without diabetes? Yes. The discovery of this beneficial side effect led to the off-label prescription of Ozempic for weight loss[7] in obese and overweight individuals without diabetes. 

Although Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss, another medication with the same active ingredient, Semaglutide, has recently been approved for treating obesity and overweight at a higher dosage. This medication is sold under the brand name Wegovy by the same company and has demonstrated[8] astounding weight loss results.

Featured Partner Offer

phenq

PhenQ

  • Helps to burn fat
  • Crushes food cravings
  • Boosts energy and balances mood
  • High-quality formula

See PhenQ Review

Money Back Guarantee and Free US Shipping

CHECK PRICE

How Does Ozempic Work For Weight Loss?

ozempic for weight loss
GLP-1 is key in how Ozempic works for weight loss. Photo: Natalia Varlei/Shutterstock

The weight loss effects of Ozempicall revolve around the ability to mimic a critical hormone in the body, glucagon-like peptide 1 or GLP-1. GLP-1 is a hormone[9] released by the gut that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels, curbing appetite, and increasing metabolism.

Regulating Blood Sugar Levels

The central role[10] of GLP-1 is to stimulate the secretion of insulin, the hormone that lowers blood sugar levels, and prevent the secretion of glucagon, which has the opposite effect. GLP-1 agonists have been shown[11] to promote weight loss by regulating blood sugar levels.

Reducing Appetite

GLP-1 has two other functions[12] that likely contribute to its weight loss effects through reducing appetite. First, It decreases gastrointestinal motility by sending satiety signals that you are full to the brain. 

When the gastrointestinal tract moves slower, stomach emptying halts. An expanded stomach will cause nerve fibers surrounding the stomach to signal to the brain that a person is full. This feeling of fullness[13] helps to curb appetite, reduce food intake, and help you lose body fat fast.

Side effects of the slowed gastric emptying caused by Ozempic including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea have also been shown to contribute to the weight loss effects of this drug.

Additionally, GLP-1 reduces appetite by directly sending signals to the brain,[14] particularly the hypothalamus. GLP-1 agonists bind to receptors in the brain, triggering a feeling of fullness, signaling to the brain that a person should stop consuming food. In this way, Ozempic helps in controlling appetite and preventing overeating.

Increasing Metabolism

Ozempic may also play a role in increasing the metabolism of individuals by increasing energy expenditure. The research on this mechanism is mixed. Animal studies[15] demonstrate GLP-1 agonists’ ability to increase energy expenditure, but these results have not been repeated in humans. Elevations in energy expenditure can lead to weight reductions in overweight or obese individuals.

So, how does Ozempic cause weight loss? The combined effects of regulating blood sugar levels, reducing appetite, and increasing metabolism contribute to weight loss in individuals taking Ozempic. These effects make Ozempic a great way to lose weight without exercise.

Ozempic Dosing

It is recommended[16] that Ozempic is started at the lowest dose and gradually increased to the highest dosage of 2.0 mg once a week subcutaneously. After reaching the highest dose, how long does it take to lose weight? Research[17] suggests anywhere from 12 to 24 weeks of Ozempic can reduce up to 10% of body weight. 

Stopping Ozempic can lead to weight gain, so how long can you take Ozempic for weight loss? Ozempic is intended to be taken long-term and has proven safe.[18] As long as it is effectively helping you manage weight, you can remain on the medication.

Is Ozempic Safe For Weight Loss?

ozempic for weight loss
Clinical trials have proven Ozempic is safe for weight loss. Photo: Natalia Varlei/Shutterstock

As with any medication, it is vital to consider the safety aspects of Ozempic. This ensures  that  it is right for you and your specific needs, given any underlying medical conditions. Before you speak to your doctor about getting Ozempic for weight loss, it is crucial to understand what populations the medication is safe for.

Ozempic has undergone extensive clinical trials and has been proven safe and effective for the FPA-approved use of blood sugar control. However, because it is not FDA-approved for weight loss, no clinical trials have proven Ozempics’ safety for weight loss alone.

Even though no clinical trials have explored its safety for weight loss specifically, Ozempic has been demonstrated to be an overall safe medication[19] with adverse events mostly linked to gastrointestinal side effects, hypoglycemia when combined with other blood sugar control medications, and injection site-allergic reactions. In particular, side effects are linked to high doses of Ozempic for weight loss. If you experience any adverse effects, this may influence how long you can stay on Ozempic for weight loss.

Research[20] has also demonstrated that Ozempic causes mild-to-moderate and gastrointestinal motility disturbances and increases the risk of biliary disease. If you suffer from issues with gastric motility or a history of gallbladder disease, this might not be the medication for you. Discussing your options with your physician to determine if Ozempic is safe for you is always best.

Featured Partner Offer

phenq

PhenQ

Enjoy 10% Off & Free Shipping Code: “FIRST10“

Applied at checkout

Check Price

Ozempic Weight Loss Side Effects

Due to Ozempic’s effects on gastric motility, gastrointestinal symptoms are a common side effect of this medication. The most common Ozempic for weight loss side effects to be aware of include:[21]

  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Constipation.
  • Abdominal pain.

Clinical trials[22] of Ozempic have also demonstrated more severe and rare side effects, which may make this medication inappropriate for specific individuals. The more serious side effects[23] include:

  • Thyroid cancer: Individuals with a personal or family history[24] of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2, should not take this medication.
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Individuals taking Ozempic[25] with other blood sugar medications may experience extremely low blood sugar.
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): Clinical trials[26] demonstrated an increased risk of pancreatitis.
  • Complications of diabetes-related retina disease (diabetic retinopathy): Ozempic can cause an increased risk[27] of diabetic retinopathy complications such as vitreous hemorrhage or blindness.
  • Allergic reactions: Ozempic[28] has been shown to cause allergic reactions, such as hives, rashes, shortness of breath, or anaphylaxis in specific individuals.
  • Acute kidney failure: Research[29] has shown that kidney failure may occur in individuals after starting Ozempic, even without a history of kidney issues. 

Although these side effects are rare, taking Ozempic under the supervision of a physician who can monitor your response and ensure your safety is essential.

Conclusion

Ozempic is a prescription weight loss medication that can help users lose body weight fast. By mimicking the gut hormone GLP-1, Ozempic can regulate blood sugar, reduce hunger, and increase metabolism. All these contribute to weight loss.

Therefore, it is crucial to take Ozempic as prescribed and under the supervision of a licensed medical professional to avoid side effects. Although it might not be the right option for everyone, discuss your weight loss goals and medical history with a healthcare provider who can determine if Ozempic is a safe and appropriate treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly does Ozempic work for weight loss?

Healthy weight loss is gradual and can vary. Research[30] has demonstrated increased weight loss as time continues on Ozempic, with users losing approximately 5.9% of their total body weight at 12 weeks and 10.9% by 24 weeks.

How much weight can you lose on Ozempic?

Research[31] has shown individuals can lose a substantial amount of weight on Ozempic, with an average 3 of 10% by 24 weeks. Individual results may vary based on lifestyle interventions and medication dosing, among other factors.

Is Ozempic covered by insurance for weight loss?

Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss and is, therefore, unlikely to be approved by insurance. It is best to check with specific insurance plans for exact insurance coverage details.

Does Ozempic help you lose belly fat?

Ozempic has been shown[32] to result in an overall reduction in body weight, which may include belly fat. Research[33] has demonstrated that Semaglutide can effectively reduce waist circumference.

Resources

  1. Anon, (2023). Products – Health E Stats – Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity, and Extreme Obesity Among Adults Aged 20 and Over: United States, 1960–1962 Through 2013–2014. [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_adult_15_16/obesity_adult_15_16.htm [Accessed 9 Oct. 2023].
  2. Bastien, M., Poirier, P., Lemieux, I. and Jean‐Pierre Després (2014). Overview of Epidemiology and Contribution of Obesity to Cardiovascular Disease. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, [online] 56(4), pp.369–381. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2013.10.016.
  3. Garg, S.K., Maurer, H.M., Reed, K. and Rajendranath Selagamsetty (2013). Diabetes and cancer: two diseases with obesity as a common risk factor. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, [online] 16(2), pp.97–110. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.12124.
  4. Wissam Ghusn, De, A., Sacoto, D., Cifuentes, L., Campos, A., Feris, F., Hurtado, M.D. and Acosta, A. (2022). Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA network open, [online] 5(9), pp.e2231982–e2231982. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982.
  5. Arastu, N., Cummins, O., Uribe, W. and Nemec, E.C. (2022). Efficacy of subcutaneous semaglutide compared to placebo for weight loss in obese, non-diabetic adults: a systematic review & meta-analysis. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, [online] 44(4), pp.852–859. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-022-01428-1.
  6. Williams, D.M., Aliya Mohd Ruslan, Khan, R., Daneeshanan Vijayasingam, Iqbal, F., Shaikh, A., Jia Yin Lim, Chudleigh, R., Peter, R., Maneesh Udiawar, Bain, S.C., Stephens, J.W. and Min, T. (2021). Real-World Clinical Experience of Semaglutide in Secondary Care Diabetes: A Retrospective Observational Study. Diabetes Therapy, [online] 12(3), pp.801–811. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-021-01015-z.
  7. Arastu, N., Cummins, O., Uribe, W. and Nemec, E.C. (2022). Efficacy of subcutaneous semaglutide compared to placebo for weight loss in obese, non-diabetic adults: a systematic review & meta-analysis. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, [online] 44(4), pp.852–859. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-022-01428-1.
  8. Krauthamer, M. (2022). Wegovy (Semaglutide): A New Weight Loss Drug for Chronic Weight Management – Gurdeep Singh, Matthew Krauthamer, Meghan Bjalme-Evans, 2022. [online] Journal of Investigative Medicine. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1136/jim-2021-001952 [Accessed 9 Oct. 2023].
  9. Drucker, D.J. (2022). GLP-1 physiology informs the pharmacotherapy of obesity. Molecular Metabolism, [online] 57, pp.101351–101351. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101351.
  10. Drucker, D.J. (2022). GLP-1 physiology informs the pharmacotherapy of obesity. Molecular Metabolism, [online] 57, pp.101351–101351. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101351.
  11. Ishola, A.F., Gerstein, H.C., Engert, J.C., Mohan, V., Dı́azR., Anand, S.S. and Meyre, D. (2016). Longitudinal relationships between glycemic status and body mass index in a multiethnic study: evidence from observational and genetic epidemiology. Scientific Reports, [online] 6(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/srep30744.
  12. Drucker, D.J. (2022). GLP-1 physiology informs the pharmacotherapy of obesity. Molecular Metabolism, [online] 57, pp.101351–101351. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101351.
  13. Tack, J., Wout Verbeure, Mori, H., Schol, J., Van, K., Huang, I., Balsiger, L.M., Broeders, B., Colomier, E., Emidio Scarpellini and Carbone, F. (2021). The gastrointestinal tract in hunger and satiety signalling. United European gastroenterology journal, [online] 9(6), pp.727–734. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/ueg2.12097.
  14. Drucker, D.J. (2022). GLP-1 physiology informs the pharmacotherapy of obesity. Molecular Metabolism, [online] 57, pp.101351–101351. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101351.
  15. Drucker, D.J. (2022). GLP-1 physiology informs the pharmacotherapy of obesity. Molecular Metabolism, [online] 57, pp.101351–101351. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101351.
  16. Nih.gov. (2022). DailyMed – OZEMPIC- semaglutide injection, solution. [online] Available at: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=adec4fd2-6858-4c99-91d4-531f5f2a2d79 [Accessed 9 Oct. 2023].
  17. Wissam Ghusn, De, A., Sacoto, D., Cifuentes, L., Campos, A., Feris, F., Hurtado, M.D. and Acosta, A. (2022). Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA network open, [online] 5(9), pp.e2231982–e2231982. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982.
  18. W. Timothy Garvey, Batterham, R.L., Meena Bhatta, Buscemi, S., Christensen, L.N., Frías, J.P., Jódar, E., Kandler, K., Rigas, G., Wadden, T.A. and Wharton, S. (2022). Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nature Medicine, [online] 28(10), pp.2083–2091. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02026-4.
  19. Smits, M.M. and Raalte, van (2021). Safety of Semaglutide. Frontiers in Endocrinology, [online] 12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.645563.
  20. Smits, M.M. and Raalte, van (2021). Safety of Semaglutide. Frontiers in Endocrinology, [online] 12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.645563.
  21. Bergmann, N., Davies, M.J., Ildiko Lingvay and Knop, F.K. (2022). Semaglutide for the treatment of overweight and obesity: A review. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, [online] 25(1), pp.18–35. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.14863.
  22. Center (2020). Ozempic Drug Trial Snapshot. [online] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/drug-trial-snapshot-ozempic [Accessed 9 Oct. 2023].
  23. HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. (n.d.). Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/209637lbl.pdf.
  24. HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. (n.d.). Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/209637lbl.pdf.
  25. HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. (n.d.). Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/209637lbl.pdf.
  26. HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. (n.d.). Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/209637lbl.pdf.
  27. Marso, S.P., Bain, S.C., Consoli, A., Freddy Goldberg Eliaschewitz, Jódar, E., Leiter, L.A., Ildiko Lingvay, Rosenstock, J., Seufert, J., Warren, M., Woo, V., Ole Paaske Hansen, Holst, A.G., Pettersson, J. and Vilsbøll, T. (2016). Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. The New England Journal of Medicine, [online] 375(19), pp.1834–1844. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa1607141.
  28. HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. (n.d.). Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/209637lbl.pdf.
  29. Leehey, D.J., Rahman, M., Borys, E., Picken, M.M. and Clise, C.E. (2021). Acute Kidney Injury Associated With Semaglutide. Kidney Medicine, [online] 3(2), pp.282–285. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xkme.2020.10.008.
  30. Wissam Ghusn, De, A., Sacoto, D., Cifuentes, L., Campos, A., Feris, F., Hurtado, M.D. and Acosta, A. (2022). Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA network open, [online] 5(9), pp.e2231982–e2231982. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982.
  31. Wissam Ghusn, De, A., Sacoto, D., Cifuentes, L., Campos, A., Feris, F., Hurtado, M.D. and Acosta, A. (2022). Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA network open, [online] 5(9), pp.e2231982–e2231982. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982.
  32. Zhong, P., Zeng, H., Huang, M., Fu, W. and Chen, Z. (2022). Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: a meta-analysis. Endocrine, [online] 75(3), pp.718–724. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-021-02945-1.
  33. Zhong, P., Zeng, H., Huang, M., Fu, W. and Chen, Z. (2022). Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: a meta-analysis. Endocrine, [online] 75(3), pp.718–724. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-021-02945-1.

More from Weight Management