Ozempic for weight loss: Does it work, and what do experts recommend?

Hey there! So, like, around 42% of American adults are dealing with obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People have been trying out all kinds of methods and pills for ages, hoping to find that perfect weight loss solution.

Now, there's this new thing that's been getting a ton of buzz: folks using the diabetes drug Ozempic to shed some pounds.

But, like, what's the deal with using this drug for weight loss? Do the experts think it's a good idea to use Ozempic for dropping those extra pounds? Our experts have all the deets for you.

So, What's the Deal with Ozempic?

Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, got the thumbs up from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in 2017 for treating adults with type 2 diabetes.

Basically, Ozempic is a weekly shot that helps lower blood sugar by getting the pancreas to crank out more insulin. It wasn't originally meant for weight loss, but some doctors do prescribe it for shedding those pounds.

How Does Ozempic Work Its Magic?

Ozempic does its thing by mimicking a natural hormone in your body. When those hormone levels go up, they send a message to your brain that you're full. Plus, it slows down digestion, making food hang around in your body longer. It's kinda like having bariatric surgery.

When Ozempic is used to treat diabetes, weight loss often comes along as a bonus. And it's meant to be taken long-term.

Does Ozempic Actually Help with Weight Loss?

Research shows that the main ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, does help with weight loss. But remember, it's still super important to make lifestyle changes like eating healthy and staying active to see the best results.

Even though Ozempic isn't officially approved for weight loss, semaglutide is given the green light for weight loss under the name Wegovy. Wegovy packs a bigger semaglutide punch compared to Ozempic.

Just a heads up, if you start taking these drugs for weight loss, your body might get used to it, leading to a weight plateau. And if you stop taking Ozempic or Wegovy, you could end up gaining back the weight you lost.

What Makes Ozempic Different from Wegovy?

Wegovy is a once-a-week shot that got FDA approval in 2021 for managing weight long-term. It's actually the first drug okayed for this purpose since 2014.

Ozempic and Wegovy are both made by the same company and contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. The main difference is that Wegovy has higher doses of semaglutide and is specifically designed for weight loss, while Ozempic was created for folks with type 2 diabetes.

Another thing to note is that Ozempic is usually covered by insurance, while Wegovy might not be.

Are There Any Upsides to Using Ozempic for Weight Loss?

Ozempic can help you lose weight, which can lower your risk of serious health issues like heart problems. Some obese patients might even consider semaglutide treatments as an alternative to bariatric surgery. But remember, surgery usually leads to more weight loss that lasts longer compared to using medications.

Experts still suggest avoiding Ozempic for weight loss unless you have type 2 diabetes. Instead, chat with your healthcare provider about starting Wegovy for weight loss.

Is There a Generic Version of Ozempic Out There?

The FDA is warning peeps about the risks of using "generic" Ozempic and Wegovy since there are no approved generic versions of these drugs.

However, there have been sightings of an off-brand version of the drug at compounding pharmacies across the U.S. The FDA has received reports of bad reactions after patients used these "generic" semaglutide versions, which are the active ingredients in Ozempic and Wegovy.

As of July 2023, there have been reports of a drug shortage involving Ozempic and Wegovy. So, if folks start using Ozempic off-label for weight loss, it might be tough for type 2 diabetes patients who rely on Ozempic to get their hands on the medication.