Today we're going to talk about Ozempic. This injectable drug, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, has gained attention for its link to weight loss . With the rapid advancement in obesity therapy, many new drugs have recently entered the U.S. market, such as Saxenda, Wegovy , and the newest of all, Zepbound by Eli Lilly.
In this context, it is important to know the different options available. Today we will focus on Ozempic, how it works in our body and how it affects weight loss.
What is Ozempic?
First, a little information about Ozempic. It is not just any drug, but an injection whose main ingredient is semaglutide . It is prescribed by doctors to control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes . It works in a rather interesting way by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar.
How to use Ozempic?
The main purpose of Ozempic is to treat type 2 diabetes . Ozempic stimulates insulin production when blood sugar levels are high and reduces the amount of glucagon produced by the liver.
Ozempic is administered via a pre-filled pen that is easy to use. The subcutaneous injection (directly under the skin) is usually administered by the patient himself once a week in the abdomen, thigh or arm. The dose may vary depending on individual needs and response to treatment.
Can you use Ozempic to lose weight?
A good question. Since 2022, the Wegovy semaglutide drug has also been approved in the EU to help people with obesity and overweight people with comorbidities to control their weight.
However, since Wegovy is significantly more expensive than Ozempic in Germany, doctors often prescribe the diabetes medication Ozempic to people who want to lose weight instead of Wegovy. This then exacerbates the shortage of the medication.
Ozempic How it Works - Why Does Ozempic Help With Weight Loss?
The fact that Ozempic helps you lose weight in the treatment of type 2 diabetes is due to how semaglutide (the main ingredient) works in the body.
Semaglutide is a substance that mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide type 1). This hormone plays an important role in regulating appetite and food intake . Semaglutide acts on the GLP-1 receptors in the brain, which helps reduce the feeling of hunger and increase the feeling of satiety . As a result , diabetics who use Ozempic tend to eat less, which leads to a reduction in body weight.
Additionally, Ozempic slows down gastric emptying , meaning food stays in the stomach longer. This prolonged digestion may help people feel fuller for longer, reducing the urge to snack between meals or consume overly large portions.
How much weight can you lose with Ozempic?
The results of weight loss with Ozempic vary from person to person . Some studies show that it can be quite effective, but always in the context of a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet.
For example, in a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), patients with type 2 diabetes who took Ozempic experienced significant weight loss compared to patients who took a placebo or other diabetes medications. Participants who received semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) experienced an average weight reduction of about 5 to 10% of their initial body weight over a 68-week treatment period.
Another study, called the SUSTAIN 6 study, also found similar results regarding weight loss with semaglutide. Participants in this study lost an average of between 4% and 6% of their body weight after one year of treatment with Ozempic .
However, despite the weight loss results from Ozempic, it is important to remember that Ozempic is not specifically approved for weight loss in people without type 2 diabetes , and we remind you that using a drug outside of its official approval is not only illegal but can also be dangerous.
Ozempic or Wegovy: Semaglutide for weight loss
This is where Wegovy comes in, a close relative of Ozempic but with a focus on weight loss . Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, semaglutide, but is specifically designed and approved for weight loss.
Wegovy is indicated for adults with obesity (body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more) or overweight (BMI of 27 or more) who also have at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes or dyslipidemia.
Wegovy contains a higher dose of semaglutide than Ozempic. Scientific studies and clinical trials have shown the effectiveness of Wegovy in weight loss, with participants achieving a significant reduction in their body weight.
In summary, while Ozempic does help with weight loss , its primary function is to treat type 2 diabetes. Using Ozempic for weight loss is not an official indication and should always be done under the supervision of a doctor. If you are looking for specific weight loss medications, options like Wegovy, Saxenda, or the new Zepbound may be more suitable for you.
