Ozempic - Weight loss medication
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a medication originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but which has also proven to be very effective for weight loss. It contains the active substance semaglutide, the same as in Wegovy, but in lower doses. Ozempic helps both regulate blood sugar and reduce weight.
How does Ozempic work?
Ozempic works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone that is naturally produced in the intestine. When you take Ozempic:
- Stimulates the body to produce more insulin when blood sugar is high
- Reduces the production of glucagon, which lowers blood sugar
- Reduces appetite and increases satiety
- Slows down intestinal emptying, making you feel full longer
Who can use Ozempic?
Ozempic is primarily intended for adults with type 2 diabetes, but can also be used for weight loss in people with:
- BMI of 30 or higher (obesity)
- BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) together with weight-related diseases
- Type 2 diabetes who also need help with weight loss
The medication should be used together with a calorie-reduced diet and increased physical activity.
Results and effectiveness
In clinical studies, Ozempic has been shown to be effective for both blood sugar regulation and weight loss. After 24 months of treatment, you can expect an average weight loss of approximately 10% of body weight. For people with type 2 diabetes, the medication can also help improve blood sugar regulation.
How is Ozempic taken?
Ozempic is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) once a week. The medication is delivered in a pre-filled injection pen that is easy to use. The dosage is gradually increased during the first months to reduce the risk of side effects.
It is important to follow the doctor's instructions carefully and to inject on the same day each week.
Side effects
The most common side effects of Ozempic are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
Most side effects are mild to moderate and often disappear after a few weeks. If you experience serious side effects or signs of low blood sugar, you should contact your doctor.
Important information
Before starting treatment with Ozempic, it is important to:
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially other diabetes medications
- Inform about any allergies or medical conditions
- Tell if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding
- Monitor your blood sugar regularly if you have diabetes
- Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly