Ozempic has become very popular in the last few years. Famous personalities like Oprah and Elon Musk are endorsing it, social media influencers are raving about it, and doctors saying injecting Ozempic is a research-backed breakthrough that could have a significant impact on people’s lives.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 41.9% of adult Americans are living with obesity. By definition, a person who has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher is considered obese. For these individuals, Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications, including tirzepatide are being considered a major breakthrough. And it’s easy to see why.
Recent studies on new anti-obesity medications Zepbound have shown benefits far more than just weight loss and diabetes management. These medications can also improve conditions like kidney disease, heart disease, sleep apnea and fatty liver disease. These drugs not only assist in weight loss but also enhance one’s overall health.
What are the Benefits of Injecting Ozempic?
When you first start using Ozempic, you may notice weight loss within the first week or two. Research has demonstrated that higher doses of Ozempic — specifically 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide — are highly effective for weight loss in individuals with obesity. In one study, participants with obesity who used the medication alongside lifestyle changes lost about 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks (average of 34 lbs).
But weight loss isn’t the only advantage. When paired with regular exercise and proper diet, Ozempic and other new GLP-1 medications can:
- Improve cholesterol levels
- Help control blood sugar levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Decrease the risk of cardiovascular events
Is There a Risk to Injecting Ozempic?
As Ozempic slows down digestion, you might encounter some side effects and gastrointestinal issues, such as:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Increased gas
Injecting Ozempic Step-by-Step Instructions
Ozempic® should be injected under your skin, specifically on your abdomen, upper arm or thigh. It shouldn’t be injected into a muscle or vein. The goal is to reach the subcutaneous tissue, which has fewer blood vessels, so the drug will be released gradually and consistently until your next dose.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Ozempic®:
- Wash your hands. Use soap and water to thoroughly wash your hands, then dry them before handling the pen.
- Prepare your pen. First, check the label to ensure the pen contains Ozempic®, and that the medication is clear and colorless.
- Attach a new needle to the pen by pushing and twisting it until secure, then remove both needle caps.
- Check the medication flow by turning the dose selector until the flow check symbol appears. Hold the pen with the needle pointing up, press and hold the dose button until the dose counter shows 0. A droplet should appear at the needle tip. If not, repeat up to six times or change the needle.
- Administer Ozempic. Turn the dose counter to the required dose—0.25 mg if you’re in the first four weeks. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and then let it dry. Insert the needle into the skin, press, and hold the dose button until the dose counter reaches zero. Count to six slowly, then remove the needle.
- Once done, remove the needle carefully and place it in a sharps container. Replace the pen cap.
Use Ozempic® weekly on the same day each week, at any time during the day, with or without food.
Is There a Best Place to Inject Ozempic?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a weekly injection for Type 2 diabetes in adults. Whether you’re new to Ozempic or a seasoned user, it’s crucial to know the basics of injection as well as the right injection sites.
There are three recommended areas for Ozempic injections: the stomach, upper arm or thigh.
Does the injection site matter? Not really. So no, there’s no “best” place to inject Ozempic. Just make sure to avoid damaged, scarred areas or swollen areas and again, do not inject into muscle or veins.
Some prefer using the same injection area (e.g., abdomen), while others rotate. Whichever you choose, vary the exact spot each time to minimize injection site reactions.
If you also inject insulin, use the same body area for both injections but not the same spot.
What is the Ozempic Face?
“Ozempic face” refers to common side effects of the diabetes medication semaglutide (Ozempic), which can lead to sagging and aging of facial skin. While Ozempic is safe with a doctor’s recommendation, it can cause rapid weight loss and this effect is often more pronounced in the face.
Facial fat plays a protective role and impacts facial aesthetics and elasticity. Weight loss can lead to skin changes as the fat that stretches and cushions the skin decreases. The skin also loses its ability to retract due to reduced elastin and collagen levels. People injecting Ozempic may notice:
- Increased signs of aging
- Loss of fat which result in sagging skin
- A hollowed-out appearance
- Lipodystrophy
How to Prevent Ozempic Face?
If you have been prescribed with Ozempic, doctors suggest you do the following in order to avoid the Ozempic face:
Lower your dosage (with doctor’s approval!)
Switch medications
Drink as much as 2 liters of water daily
Increase your protein intake
Make some lifestyle changes
Consider getting dermal fillers
If you decide to stop taking Ozempic, it can take about five weeks for the drug to clear from your system.
Who Shouldn’t Take Ozempic?
Ozempic isn’t suitable for everyone and if you fall into any of these categories, you should avoid using it weight loss:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- History of pancreatitis
- History of any pancreatic issues
- Kidney disease
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Under 18 years old
- Personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)
- Personal or family history of Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or thyroid problems
If you’re considering Ozempic for weight loss and have any of these conditions, discuss alternative options with your healthcare provider.
Is Ozempic Right for You?
Obesity medicine specialist W. Scott Butsch, MD, MSc notes that anti-obesity medications, like Ozempic, are recognized as safe and effective treatments for obesity and yet their usage remains low.
“Forty-two percent of Americans have obesity, but only 2% are being treated with anti-obesity medications,” he says. By comparison, 88% of people with diabetes use medication to manage their condition.
Despite the effectiveness of anti-obesity medications, there are several factors that limit their accessibility including:
Cost of Ozempic Treatment
A major barrier is the lack of insurance coverage. Dr. Butsch explains, “If insurance companies don’t recognize obesity as a disease, they won’t cover the medications, leaving patients to pay out of pocket, which can exceed $1,000 per month.”
Stigmas and Outdated Beliefs
A lot of healthcare providers do not consider obesity as a medical condition that requires treatment and those who have obesity often feel they are responsible for their condition and thus do not seek treatment.
These days however attitudes are shifting with the rising popularity of Ozempic and new GLP-1 medications.
“Obesity is a chronic disease,” Dr. Butsch adds. “We prescribe medications for obesity just like we do for high blood pressure or high cholesterol.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Injecting Ozempic
1. Does it hurt to inject Ozempic®?
Pain is a personal experience, especially if needles make you uncomfortable. However, many Ozempic® users report little to no pain during the injection. In a clinical trial, 54 out of 104 participants (52%) stated they felt no pain, and another 39% described the pain as “very mild.”
This may be due to the thin needle and the small volume of medication being injected—just 1.5-3ml, depending on the dose.
2. How should I store Ozempic®?
Before using your Ozempic® pen for the first time, store it in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2-8 degrees Celsius. Keep it away from the cooling element, light and heat. It’s very important that you do not freeze it. Once opened, you can store the pen at room temperature (below 30 degrees Celsius) or in the refrigerator, away from the cooling element. It can be stored under these conditions for 56 days after first use.
3. Can I use Ozempic® if it isn’t refrigerated?
If you leave your Ozempic® out overnight and the pen has already been used, you can continue using it if it was at room temperature. If the pen hasn’t been used yet, you need to consult your pharmacist or doctor for advice as they might suggest starting with a new pen.
4. What happens if I miss a dose of Ozempic®?
If you miss a dose and realize it within five days, take the missed dose as soon as possible and then continue with your regular schedule. For example, if you were supposed to take it on Sunday but forgot until Tuesday, take the missed dose and then resume your usual Sunday schedule.
If more than five days have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next one on your regular day. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
5. What happens if I use expired Ozempic®?
It’s not recommended to use medication past its expiration date. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated next to “EXP” on the packaging. If you accidentally take expired Ozempic®, contact your healthcare provider right away.
6. Can I use an Ozempic® needle twice?
No, Ozempic® needles are designed for single use only. Reusing needles can increase the risk of pain due to a dull or distorted tip and pose other risks.
Ozempic Reviews from Real Users
Dana
Started taking this medication off label for weight loss only. I am not diabetic. Started on Aug 30, 2020. First 2 weeks I had some mild nausea, nothing terrible, and some mild dizziness. The past 2 weeks, I have had no symptoms. I definitely cannot eat what I used to, or you will feel sick. I am doing the weekly injection at 0.25 along with Weight Watchers, and in the past 26 days, I have lost 10.5 lbs :). My sweet tooth cravings are pretty much gone. Really happy so far. I am increasing to 0.50mg next week. I’ll keep you all posted!
MzGormo
Started on Ozempic in September 2020, starting weight 312 lbs (5’4”). I am type 2 diabetic and take 2550mg of Metformin daily. HbA1c was 79, sugar cravings, and blood sugar out of control. Started on 0.25 dose for a month. Quite bad stomach cramps and nausea for the first month. Went up to 0.5 dose in month 2, then 1.0 dose for month 3 and since. No. 1 tip – inject into your leg rather than around your belly. Once I changed to injecting in my leg, nausea and cramps disappeared overnight, and never came back. To maximize effectiveness, you can’t eat like you did before. I re-joined Weight Watchers in September. I have lost 80 lbs in 5 months, HbA1c dropped from 79 to 51 which is a normal type 2 level although the doc feels with more weight loss, it could go to normal levels. In Ireland, diabetes is classed as a long-term illness so all medications are covered by the government, so I don’t have to pay for this. Otherwise, it costs €195.
Ozempic Reviewer
It works. It reduces food noise quite a lot. However, as others have said, you need to address the issues for the obesity in the mean time.
I didn’t start mine until I’d lost 40 pounds on my own. I’m still religiously calorie counting even while taking it. I’m also adding exercise and walking into the equation.
For me, adding semaglutide was more to reduce food noise and the associated stress, because I have a lot of other behaviors I’m working on right now and I don’t want to feel so overwhelmed. I’m losing a bit faster on it, maybe an extra pound or two per month. The big thing is just that it’s assisting me and my stress levels; I’m not constantly fighting food urges.
When I go off of it, the urges will return. But I’m working diligently on mental health, establishing healthy behaviors, and in particular establishing healthy coping mechanisms.
I really think people on this drug need to be pursuing self improvement in lots of other ways OUTSIDE of the semaglutide when they’re taking it. Those healthy behaviors like walking, calorie tracking, and finding healthy coping mechanisms, will ultimately be the things that allow you to keep off the weight.
Make no mistake the drugs themselves are gamechangers, but only if you’re also willing to put in the effort outside of the semaglutide.
Lilbigman03
Took my 3rd shot yesterday. Im down 10 pounds. I started at 200 lbs now down to 189 this morning. I have been intermitt fasting for over 2 years and dropped 20 lbs from 220. So I hope to get down to 175. I’m 5’6″ male
blueyork
Ozempic was a game-changer for me. Not a miracle, because I still had to count calories, weigh and measure my food, concentrate on protein, not drink my calories. My highest weight was in 2019 at 225 lbs and I lost 30 on my own over 3 years, and couldn’t lose any more. I have various health problems. I asked my doctor if he thought I could use weight loss drugs, and he suggested Wagovy (Ozempic). If I didn’t like it or didn’t lose weight, I could always stop. I’ve lost 30 lbs in a year. I’m no longer pre-diabetic, I’m the thinnest I’ve been in 15 years, my goiter disappeared, I feel amazing! I was afraid to give myself a shot, but it was such a small thin needle, I didn’t even feel it.
Ozempic was appropriate for me, for my particular body chemistry, and commitment to my health. It’s not for everyone. It works by making the stomach empty slower, the pancreas and liver function more effectively. It’s not just an appetite suppressant. It may be expensive, but I have a side gig that I use for whatever I want. My kids are grown and I’m single, so I can selfishly spend it on weight loss drugs if I want to. I may go on a maintenance dose when I get to goal weight.
Loose skin? C’mon! Are you just looking for an excuse not to lose weight? Well, if you get down to your goal and you don’t like your loose skin, just gain it all back. /s
I think I heard that all the cells in your body regenerate over 7 years. Even if it’s “kinda true” loose skin may tighten up over time. Or maybe not. Depends on your health, genetics, age, etc. Honestly, I look so much better, younger, sexier after losing 60 pounds, I’ll take my loose skin over fatness any day.
Are There Cheaper Alternatives to Ozempic?
Ozempic contains semaglutide, which is effective for weight loss. However, the cost of semaglutide ranges from $830 to $1430 per month without insurance, making it unaffordable for many. Fortunately, telehealth services like Brightmeds offer affordable, science-backed treatments for weight loss. Their team of healthcare specialists will review your medical profile to determine your suitability for semaglutide treatments and can prescribe medication from a licensed pharmacy in the USA.