Description

What is Ozempic (semaglutide)?

The drug Ozempic (semaglutide) was first prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. It is a member of the class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which lower hunger and cravings while also assisting in blood sugar regulation. Many Ozempic users consequently see notable weight loss. Wegovy includes the same component and can be obtained for weight reduction treatment, however Ozempic is  available for purchase in the UK.

What are the benefits of Ozempic?

Ozempic may be a more effective treatment than diet and exercise alone for people with type 2 diabetes who want to reduce their body weight. When used in conjunction with an effective behavioral treatment, injectable semaglutide—the same substance found in the trade name Ozempic—has been demonstrated to result in a 15% reduction in body weight at one year. [1] Because of its physiological benefits, which include reducing hunger, prolonging feelings of fullness, and seemingly lessening the reward associated with food, Ozempic can be beneficial in any weight loss endeavor. Semaglutide, according to our patients, helps to lessen the “food chatter” they usually encounter, particularly when following a diet. If you’ve had trouble sticking to a diet, you know that these advantages could be crucial to reaching your objectives and losing weight.

How do I take Ozempic?

Ozempic is an injectable drug that is administered once every seven days. The injection can be administered in the upper arm, belly, or thigh, and the little needle is essentially painless. Because the drug is self-administered, it can be taken at home. Select a day of the week that you can consistently take it because it should be taken on the same day.

How does Ozempic (semaglutide) work?

The body naturally produces the hormone GLP-1, which aids in controlling blood glucose (sugar) levels. It functions by reducing the absorption of glucose from the stomach and encouraging the pancreas to create more insulin, a hormone that aids the body in using glucose for energy.

In order to replicate the effects of GLP-1, Ozempic binds to the pancreatic GLP-1 receptors, which causes the pancreas to produce more insulin and slows down the stomach’s absorption of glucose. This improves glycemic control by assisting in lowering blood glucose levels.

Furthermore, Ozempic reduces hunger by attaching itself to brain receptors, which can also result in weight loss.

To get the best effects, Ozempic should be used in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Who can use Ozempic for weight loss?

Since Ozempic’s licensed indication is for type 2 diabetes, it has become common practice in some countries to prescribe it off-label for weight loss. However, in the UK, Ozempic is in short supply, and utilizing it for patients other than those with type 2 diabetes is not advised. Wegovy, on the other hand, is available in the UK and has a weight loss license.

What are the side effects?

As with most medications, there are some side effects of Ozempic that it’s important to be aware of before signing up to a plan or starting to take the medication.

‍The most commonly reported side effects include:
– Nausea
– Diarrhoea
– Constipation
– Indigestion
– Reflux or heartburn
– Stomach pain and bloating of the stomach

It’s critical to notify your provider and maybe discontinue therapy if your adverse effects become intolerable. Even though Ozempic is thought to be extremely safe, everyone’s reaction is different.

Ozempic’s side effects usually get worse as the dosage is increased (for example, when you take a new concentration for the first time) and go away in a few days. Please get in touch with your doctor so they can decide on the best course of action if you are suffering unanticipated or uncontrollable side effects.

Who should not take Ozempic?

Ozempic is not suitable for:

– Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
– Those outside of the suitable BMI range
– Those on certain medications
– Those with a history of certain conditions such as pancreatitis
– Those with type 1 diabetes
– Those who have previously discontinued GLP-1 treatment due to side effects

Will I gain the weight back if I stop taking Ozempic?

Unfortunately the research does seem to suggest that many people will regain weight if they stop taking semaglutide.[2] Obesity is increasingly accepted to be a chronic disease, and one that therefore requires long-term management. Part of this long-term plan could include medication, but the importance of a healthy, balanced diet and exercise cannot be stressed enough. It’s important to note that it’s not a foregone conclusion that everyone will put weight on if they come off Ozempic, but rather that it’s critical to make lasting lifestyle change in order to maintain weight loss.

What dosages of Ozempic are available?

Ozempic is available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg.