Approximately 41.9% of American adults are struggling with obesity, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Over the years, many have tried different methods and medications to find the best way to lose weight. Recently, a new trend has emerged: people using the diabetes medication Ozempic to shed excess weight.
But what does research reveal about this use of the drug? Are health experts recommending Ozempic for weight loss? Is it really as effective as others are saying? Moreover, for those who are interested to try Ozempic learning how to inject correctly is a must.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic, also known by its generic name semaglutide, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for adults with type 2 diabetes. It’s a weekly injection that helps reduce blood sugar levels by encouraging the pancreas to produce more insulin. Though it isn’t officially approved for weight loss, some doctors do prescribe it for this purpose.
How does Ozempic work for weight loss?
Ozempic mimics a hormone (GLP-1) that naturally occurs in your body. When levels of this hormone increase, it signals your brain that you’re full and slows down digestion. This process is somewhat similar to the effects of bariatric surgery. Weight loss is a common side effect when Ozempic is used to treat diabetes, and it’s intended for long-term use.
Research indicates that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, can aid in weight loss. However, it’s crucial to maintain lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and regular exercise in order to support your weight loss journey.
Ozempic itself isn’t approved for weight loss, but a higher dose of semaglutide is marketed as Wegovy for this purpose. If you begin using either drug for weight loss, your body might adjust, leading to a weight loss plateau. Studies have shown that discontinuing Ozempic (or Wegovy) could result in regaining the lost weight.
How does Ozempic lead to weight loss?
Ozempic may help with weight loss by:
- Slowing down stomach emptying, which prolongs digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
- Mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which enhances feelings of satiety (feeling full after eating).
Is Ozempic safe and effective for weight loss? How much weight could I lose with Ozempic?
When used as prescribed by your doctor, Ozempic should be safe for weight loss. However, remember that it is not FDA-approved specifically for this purpose. As for how much weight you may lose with Ozempic, it varies based on factors like the duration of use, your diet, exercise routine, and your body’s response to the drug.
For more information on Ozempic’s effectiveness for weight loss, consult your doctor. They can provide detailed insights from Ozempic’s studies and discuss how your lifestyle may influence your weight management treatment.
What’s the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Wegovy is a weekly injection approved by the FDA in 2021 for chronic weight management. It’s the first drug approved for this purpose since 2014. Both Ozempic and Wegovy are produced by the same company and contain semaglutide. However, Wegovy has higher doses and is specifically designed for weight loss, while Ozempic, with lower doses, is meant for type 2 diabetes management. Another key difference is that Ozempic is often covered by health insurance, while Wegovy often is not.
Guide to Ozempic How to Inject
If you’ve decided to use Ozempic, follow these steps to make sure you’re doing it correctly:
1. Gather Your Supplies
- Ozempic pen
- A new disposable needle
- Alcohol swabs
- A sharps container for disposal
New and unused Ozempic pens should be stored in the fridge. If using a pen for the first time, take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before injecting to reduce discomfort from a cold injection. In-use pens can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 56 days.
2. Attach a New Needle
Wash your hands thoroughly and attach a new needle to your pen each time you inject. If it’s a new pen, prime it as per manufacturers instructions before injecting.
3. Select Your Dose
Turn the dose selector on your pen until your dose appears in the dose counter window. Ensure the dose amount aligns exactly with the dose pointer. If the dose counter stops before your dose, you should switch to a new pen.
4. Clean the Injection Site
Clean your injection site with an alcohol swab and let it dry completely. Do not blow on the area to speed up drying.
4. Inject Your Dose
Insert the needle into your skin and make sure you can see the dose counter. Push and hold down the dose button until the counter shows “0” aligned with the dose pointer. Keep the needle in your skin while counting to six slowly before removing it to ensure you get the full dose.
5. Dispose of the Needle
Carefully remove the needle from the pen and dispose of it in a sharps container. If you don’t have an FDA-approved sharps container, use a sturdy plastic container like an empty laundry detergent bottle instead.
Where Should You Inject Ozempic?
According to the manufacturer, Ozempic should be injected under the skin (subcutaneously) in areas such as your thigh, stomach or upper arm. It’s important to avoid injecting into any skin that is damaged, scarred or swollen. Also, do not inject Ozempic into your muscles or veins.
Some people prefer to stick to one area, like the upper arm, while others might rotate between different areas. Regardless of your choice, make sure to change the spot within the area each time you inject to reduce the risk of skin reactions.
If you’re also using insulin, you can inject Ozempic in the same general area, but make sure not to inject them too close to each other or in the exact same spot.
Here are some pointers to keep in mind:
- If you choose your thigh, aim for the outer side of your upper thigh and avoid the inner thigh.
- When injecting into your stomach, stay at least 2 inches away from your belly button and avoid the waistline.
- For the upper arm, target the fleshy outer surface, roughly 3 inches below your shoulder and 3 inches above your elbow. You might need help injecting here if it’s hard to reach.
Does the Ozempic Injection Site Matter?
Not really. You should see similar results no matter where you inject Ozempic. During clinical trials, researchers found minor differences in absorption between injection sites, but these weren’t significant. For instance, Ozempic absorption was slightly lower when injected into the thigh compared to the stomach, but this difference isn’t clinically meaningful.
Overall, injection sites are considered interchangeable, and these small differences shouldn’t impact your treatment. You may, however, find some sites more comfortable than others.
Factors Affecting Ozempic Absorption
Different factors can influence how your body absorbs Ozempic. For example, people without diabetes might absorb Ozempic faster than those with diabetes. Additionally, individuals with lower body weight may absorb more Ozempic than those with higher body weight.
Ozempic Injection Tips to Make Sure You Receive Your Full Dose
After you’ve injected your Ozempic dose, you might wonder if you did it correctly. Here are some tips to help you make sure you’re getting the full dose:
- Avoid areas that are damaged, swollen, or scarred, as these can affect absorption.
- Always prime a new Ozempic pen to ensure it’s working properly to deliver your medication.
- Attach a new needle each time you inject. Reusing needles can lead to blockages and increase the risk of contamination, which can prevent you from getting your full dose.
- After pressing the dose button, check to make sure the dose counter reads “0”. If it doesn’t, your needle might be damaged or blocked, meaning you didn’t receive your full dose.
- Keep the needle in your skin long enough. If you see liquid streaming out after removing the needle, you may have pulled it out too soon. Slowly count to six before removing the needle.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve injected Ozempic correctly, reach out to your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.
What If I Miss a Dose?
If you miss an Ozempic dose, take it as soon as you can within five days. Then, continue with your next dose at your regular weekly time. If more than five days have passed, just skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your usual time. Do not take double or extra doses to make up for the missed one.
Will I Need to Use Ozempic Long Term?
If you find that Ozempic is effective for you, your doctor may recommend long-term use. Discuss the benefits and risks of long-term use, including potential side effects, with your doctor.
How Long Does Ozempic Take to Work?
Ozempic starts to work shortly after injection, but it may take several weeks for your body to adjust and for you to see the full benefits. Your doctor might adjust your dose based on how you’re responding to the treatment. Just follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and administration of Ozempic to be sure.
What are the Ozempic Side Effects?
Like most medications, Ozempic can cause side effects including:
Mild Side Effects
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
These mild side effects often diminish after a few days or weeks. If they become bothersome, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects
- Allergic Reactions
- Gallbladder Disease (including gallstones and gallbladder inflammation)
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Diabetic Retinopathy (damage to the eyes caused by diabetes)
- Boxed Warning: Risk of thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately. In case of a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Ozempic FDA Boxed Warning
Ozempic comes with a boxed warning from the FDA due to its association with thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer in animal studies. It is not known if this risk applies to humans however. But it’s advised that you should not take Ozempic if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
What to Do if You Notice Symptoms
If you notice any signs of a thyroid tumor while taking Ozempic, contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Difficulty breathing
- A lump in your neck
- Persistent hoarseness
- Trouble swallowing
Does Ozempic Cause Nausea?
Ozempic often causes nausea, especially when you start or adjust your dose. Usually, this nausea subsides after a few days. However, it could also signal pancreatitis, which is a serious side effect of Ozempic. If your nausea doesn’t improve, gets worse, or becomes severe, contact your doctor right away.
Tips to Help You Manage Nausea
Your doctor may suggest medications to help manage nausea. Always check with your doctor before taking any new medications.
Does Ozempic Cause Pancreatitis?
Ozempic could lead to pancreatitis, which is a serious condition. Doctors typically avoid prescribing Ozempic if you’ve had pancreatitis before. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms:
- Pain, swelling or tenderness in the upper abdomen
- Vomiting
- Nausea
What to Do if You Suspect Pancreatitis
Your doctor may order tests to diagnose pancreatitis. If you have it, they will stop Ozempic and discuss alternative treatments.
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!
Smithy
I was hesitant to try Ozempic for weight loss (need to lose 30 lbs) because I have a lot of kids/responsibilities and don’t have the time to be nauseous or have debilitating diarrhea, etc. After keeping the pen in the fridge for weeks, I decided to risk an injection, and I’m so happy to say I’ve had zero side effects except a disinterest in food. I’m on week six of the 0.25 dose because it’s enough for me, and I don’t see a reason to increase the dose. My lack of interest in food is liberating! For the first time in 30 years, I don’t go to bed kicking myself for what I’ve eaten or making promises to myself to make amends for overeating. Zero sugar cravings…food isn’t a reward or pleasure anymore. I’m never ravenous, so I make good, calm choices about what I eat. This has been life-changing and a complete shift in perspective. Obviously, some people have terrible side effects, but I’ve had none (not even a headache!).
Rooster&Chick
I take the injection in my thigh and I have had no side effects. I don’t think about food and I have lost 21 pounds in 4 weeks. I will start the 0.5 on Saturday. I am not a diabetic but I am obese with CKD. My husband has lost 24 pounds in 4 weeks, and on May 28, 2024 his A1C was 9.0 and on June 30, 2024 it showed 7.1. His surgeon said it had to be 7.9 before he could have shoulder replacement surgery on July 18th. We consider this drug a miracle. Don’t be scared to try it.
dilligaf79
I started Ozempic on May 10, 2022. My weight was 367 in the office the day it was prescribed. My wife does Endocrinology, so she is very aware of the side effects I had I had to watch out for. Her biggest bit of advice was if you feel the slightest bit full, STOP eating. My first week on it, I went to lunch with a friend and I don’t feel I over ate, but I just have. I think I had a small dinner that night. The next morning, I was puking like crazy. Thankfully, that is the only time I have. I have had the nasty burps and horrible constipation. That worried me the most, because I have UC and am in remission and don’t want to mess around with that. As I went up in dosage, I would hit a point that it didn’t feel like the medicine was working. I was constantly hungry, and I wasn’t getting full. I ended up switching to Wegovy, and it’s been good. Total I have lost 68 pounds. I came off b/p medication a no feel good for the first time.
What is the Ozempic Cost?
The cost of Ozempic varies depending on your insurance, treatment plan, and pharmacy but the price usually starts around $900 per month without insurance. Here are some tips to lower your Ozempic cost:
- Check sites like Optum Perks to see if there are coupons you can avail.
- Visit the Ozempic manufacturer’s website for information on savings cards and patient assistance programs.
- Purchase semaglutide drugs from telehealth services and online pharmacies.
Getting Ozempic Through Telehealth Services Online
You can obtain Ozempic easily through telemedicine providers like Brightmeds. This service gives you a quick access to compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide for weight loss, including a telehealth appointment, medication, and ongoing support.
Brightmeds partners with compounding pharmacies that follow strict inspection protocols. However, take note that compounded medications are not FDA-approved, as they are made according to specific prescriptions for individual patients. This can make it challenging to directly compare them to FDA-approved medications due to variations in strength, dose, and other factors. The prescription of compounded medications is based on the medical judgment of a licensed clinician after a telemedicine consultation and medical history review.