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How Does Ozempic Work for Weight Loss?
What is Ozempic? This is a very versatile medication that’s prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is a prescription that’s in liquid form. It comes as a pre-filled pen. Those taking Ozempic medication will take it once a week and can inject the medication under the skin, in either the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
You may have heard it can help you lose weight. While it’s not a weight-loss drug, it can assist a diet and exercise routine. Continue reading to learn more information about the Ozempic prescription, how it works, and if it can help you lose weight.
What Is Ozempic?
First things first, what is Ozempic? And what is Ozempic used for? Is Ozempic a weight loss medication or something else?
Ozempic is prescribed to those who have type 2 diabetes. This injectable contains semaglutide, a compound that mimics the naturally-occurring hormone GLP-1. This causes blood sugar regulation in addition to controlling insulin levels and digestion. If a patient has existing heart disease, Ozempic can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular problems such as stroke and heart attack.
Ozempic is available as a pre-filled and disposable injectable. It’s a single-use pen that you only administer once a week. Most doctors will prescribe Ozempic if you didn’t find other diabetes medication successful. Keep in mind that this medication is not used for type 1 diabetes.
Does Ozempic Help With Weight Loss?
A common question that patients have is whether or not Ozempic can assist with weight loss. While it’s not prescribed for weight loss, studies do show that patients reported body weight changes after taking the injectable. One study shows that patients experienced nearly 15% less body weight after taking Ozempic for 68 weeks.
Ozempic has also been linked to appetite changes, which is likely why patients reported weight loss success. GLP-1, in particular, lowers hunger and appetite. It also enhances fullness during meals. Since semaglutide imitates GLP-1, patients might be able to achieve weight loss success.
Keep in mind that the way you use Ozempic depends on your weight loss success. You should always be dieting and exercising when taking Ozempic. Always inject Ozempic under the skin — never in a vein or muscle. When you inject Ozempic in a vein or muscle, your body absorbs the medication too quickly, which can impact the effects you experience.
You can inject Ozempic in the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm. It’s recommended you rotate these injection sites.
Is Ozempic Safe to Use for Weight Loss?
As long as you use Ozempic as directed, it’s safe to use — including for weight loss. However, you won’t be prescribed Ozempic for weight loss. That’s because it’s not a weight loss medication; rather, it’s a medication that controls blood sugar and insulin levels. Ozempic isn’t approved as a standalone weight loss medication.
Some patients shouldn’t take Ozempic. For example, if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndrome, you shouldn’t use Ozempic. In addition, you shouldn’t take Ozempic if you or a family member have medullary thyroid cancer. There’s a chance that Ozempic will cause thyroid tumors.
Ozempic does cause some side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, stomach discomfort, vomiting, and constipation. These side effects are usually mild to moderate in severity. Over time, it’s predicted these side effects will diminish. If Ozempic is causing severe gastrointestinal problems, talk to your doctor about stopping Ozempic.
How to Decrease Your Risk of Side Effects When Taking Ozempic
First, limit alcohol intake. Alcohol causes a decrease in blood pressure. Drinking excessively while taking Ozempic may cause hypoglycemia.
Long-term alcohol consumption can also cause pancreatitis, which is the swelling of the pancreas. Drinking alcohol while taking Ozempic can increase your risk of developing pancreatitis. Plus, alcohol causes a variety of gastrointestinal problems. This can increase the risk of side effects you’ll experience.
Since Ozempic causes gastral emptying, it may interfere with other prescription medications. Always inform your doctor about the prescriptions you’re taking. Do not take Ozempic with any other medications containing semaglutide. You should also avoid taking Ozempic with other weight-loss medications, herbal weight-loss products, and OTC weight-loss medications.
How Do I Take Ozempic for Weight Loss?
If you’re overweight or obese and have type 2 diabetes, the 2.4 mg dose is most effective for weight loss. Your weight should be over 27 BMI if you have a weight-related disease or over 30 BMI.
However, your doctor likely won’t prescribe this amount immediately. After 16 to 20 weeks, your doctor will gradually increase your dosage until you reach 2.4 mg. Take Ozempic as prescribed. If not, you increase your risk of developing side effects.
You should perform physical activity and eat a low-calorie diet while taking Ozempic for best results.
Ozempic FAQs
Do you still have questions about Ozempic and weight loss? Here are common Ozempic FAQs.
Should I Use Wegovy Instead?
Wegovy is another semaglutide injectable. But unlike Ozempic, Wegovy is prescribed to adults who need weight loss assistance. It’s prescribed to those with a BMI of over 30 or a BMI of over 27 with a weight condition. You should still engage in physical activity and eat a calorie-restricting diet while taking Wegovy.
If you don’t have type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems, then talk to your doctor about taking Wegovy. Otherwise, Ozempic can tackle type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems in addition to assisting weight loss.
How Long Does It Take Ozempic to Work?
If you’re using Ozempic to control your insulin and blood sugar, expect to see a difference in the first week. However, some patients don’t report any changes until after eight weeks. If you’re taking Ozempic to lose weight, it may take up to 20 weeks to notice results.
Are You Looking for Affordable Ozempic?
What is Ozempic? Ozempic is an injectable prescription medication that can control blood sugar and insulin. It can also assist with weight loss.
If your doctor prescribed Ozempic, you may be wondering if you can get this medication at a lower price. We help patients get affordable medication without visiting a brick-and-mortar pharmacy.
Are you ready to order Ozempic online? Start by filling out essential information about your prescription. Click here to get an Ozempic coupon.
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