Ozempic and other weight-loss medications have become household names in the last 2 years. But let’s clarify something upfront: Ozempic isn’t officially approved for weight loss – its primary purpose is to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
However, shedding pounds is a widely noted side effect of Ozempic. Wegovy which also contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide) and is produced by the same company (Novo Nordisk) is approved specifically for weight loss but it can only be prescribed to individuals who have obesity or are overweight with a health condition that can be attributed to excess weight.
How much weight can I lose with Ozempic in a month?
The results can vary. A study published in 2022 has shown that people who took semaglutide injections weekly for six months lost an average of 27 pounds. Another study which focused on tirzepatide found that participants lost about 15% of their body weight over 72 weeks.
What foods should I avoid when taking Ozempic?
There’s no strict “Ozempic diet.” You can eat anything but portion control is a must when it comes to losing weight. But when you’re taking Ozempic and you find certain foods make you feel unwell, it’s best to avoid them. Remember that everyone reacts to food differently. Some people have reported that greasy and fatty foods tend to worsen the gastrointestinal side effects of Ozempic.
How does Ozempic work for weight loss?
The key ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, which works by making you feel full. This sensation of fullness reduces your appetite, so you lose weight.
But aside from this, semaglutide also helps the pancreas produce insulin, which is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes. Your body needs insulin to move glucose (or blood sugar) from your food into cells, where it’s used for energy.
The nutrients that trigger GLP-1 release are macronutrients simple sugars (monosaccharides), amino acids and peptides and short-chain fatty acids. These nutrients are plentiful in energy-dense foods, which are often high in sugar or fat with low water content. Research suggests that choosing foods rich in these nutrients can boost GLP-1 levels.
This means a diet rich in GLP-1-boosting nutrients can increase these levels. Foods like nuts and avocado, which contain healthy fats, or eggs which is rich in lean protein, and foods high in fermentable fibers, like whole grains and vegetables, feed your gut bacteria. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids which trigger GLP-1 release.
However, it’s not always straightforward for everyone. Oftentimes when you cut calories, you might feel hungrier. And for some, the “set point” for weight and hunger might differ.
Some studies suggest that GLP-1 levels especially after meals are lower in people with obesity. This could be due to reduced GLP-1 production, increased breakdown or less sensitive receptors. There may also be genetic differences that affect GLP-1 and these genetic factors are beyond our control.
So, are Ozempic injections the simpler solution? While both diet and medications can be effective, they each have challenges. Medications like Ozempic can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other organ issues. Plus, once you stop taking it, your suppressed appetite will return to normal and you might feel even hungrier, especially if you’ve lost a significant amount of weight quickly.
Remember, weight is just one part of the overall health picture. Even if you suppress your appetite, if your diet is still high in ultra-processed foods low in essential nutrients, you might lose weight without improving your overall health.
Ozempic Weight Loss Success Stories
I’ve taken it and had good success with my blood sugar control and weight loss. For some folks the GI side effects are pretty significant. I was off for a couple of months because my pharmacy couldn’t get it and so picked up some weight as my appetite came back with a vengeance but I’m about a month back into treatment and weight is coming off again.
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.
I started using Ozempic a few months ago, mainly to help with my blood sugar levels, but I was pleasantly surprised by the weight loss side effect.
After about 6 weeks, I noticed a significant reduction in belly fat, which had always been a problem area for me. It wasn’t a dramatic overnight transformation, but rather a gradual and steady progress.
Combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, Ozempic really helped me shed those extra pounds, especially around my waist.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s body reacts differently, so what works for me might not have the same effect on someone else.
However, based on my experience, I’d say it’s definitely worth a try if you’re looking to lose belly fat.
Ozempic Weight Loss Before and After Experiences
There are tens of thousands of people who have found success with Ozempic and other similar weight loss injections. One of them is Laurice Flintwood, a 32 year old realtor who lives in Los Angeles, CA. She shares how she had always felt insecure about her weight since she was a young girl. But after taking Ozempic for a year, she has lost 40 lbs and at least 8 inches off her waistline.
Husband and wife Darion and Marissa have also lost weight with Ozempic. They started taking it in January 2023 when a life-changing experience motivated them to start an active lifestyle. They used to weigh 290 lbs and 244 lbs respectively but have since lost about 15% of their weight with Ozempic and regular exercise.
“It’s amazing how well this weight loss drug works,” says Marissa. “I’ve been trying to lose weight for the past 10 years and never had any success. But now I’m seeing great progress and will continue to take Ozempic until I reach my target weight.”
Why Isn’t Ozempic Helping Me Lose Weight?
WebMD shares the story of Mariele Hoffman, a 54-year-old real estate agent from Tampa, FL, who gained 20 pounds after menopause. She turned to her OB/GYN who prescribed weekly injections of semaglutide and vitamin B12 to help her shed the extra weight. However, Hoffman noticed no weight loss—or any changes at all—despite following her doctor’s advice to be patient. After six weeks on the injections, she had actually gained weight and eventually decided to stop the medication altogether.
“I carefully analyzed my diet over these six weeks to figure out why I was gaining weight,” Hoffman explained. “Even though I was eating the same foods in the same amounts, I couldn’t find any reason for the weight gain other than the medication.”
Although some people may not see immediate results with these medications, there are a few reasons why this might happen. First, it’s important to give the medication enough time to work. Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose to let your body get used to it before increasing to a more effective dose. Once you’re on the correct dose, you should aim to lose around 5% of your body weight within the first three months. Three to six months is a good timeframe to evaluate whether the medication is effective for you.
What’s the Price of Ozempic and Wegovy?
These drugs come with a high price tag. If your insurance doesn’t cover it, you might end up paying around $1,200 per month out of pocket. Although significant improvements have been made in getting companies (employers) to cover these medications not all include them in the insurance benefits they provide to employees. This is also the case with certain insurance plans, like Medicare, which do not cover weight loss medications. The combination of limited coverage and high demand has caused a nationwide shortage of Wegovy and Zepbound.
But the high price is not the only issue with Ozempic. With so many Ozempic weight loss before and after pictures being shared online, there is now a very high demand for these drugs. This explains why many pharmacies do not have Ozempic in stock.
The shortage has led to some clinics, pharmacies, and online weight loss programs offering compounded versions of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. But you need to be wary of which online pharmacy or telehealth you go to as not all of them are trustworthy. Do your research and find out if these companies are working with regulated and licensed US pharmacies before you get your weight loss medication from them.
Final Thoughts on Ozempic for Weight Loss
Many individuals have achieved weight loss success with semaglutide drugs like Ozempic. However, doctors emphasize the need for caution: While it can be effective, these medications aren’t without risks.
Common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, constipation, stomach pain, and diarrhea. However, one of the biggest challenges comes after you stop taking the medication: a significant hunger rebound.
There are no current guidelines on how long you should stay on semaglutide, so long-term use might be necessary. If you stop the medication, you may experience intense hunger and this makes you more likely to regain the weight you lost.
To combat this, doctors recommend continuing with lifestyle changes like healthy eating, smaller portions, and regular exercise to help maintain your weight loss.
Lifestyle changes are the foundation of any weight loss plan and whether you’re considering medication or bariatric surgery, your long-term success depends on how well you can maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If you’re thinking about weight loss options, it’s important to talk to your doctor to find out what’s best for you.