What is Ozempic Used For?
Introduction
Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, is an FDA-approved medication for managing type-2 diabetes. The drug helps people with the condition control their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events. Ozempic entered the market in 2017, providing safe and effective treatment for many patients.
As often occurs, doctors discovered additional uses for the medication once it became more commonly prescribed. As many news reports have discussed, doctors now use Ozempic as a weight loss treatment for overweight and obese patients.
This article discusses what doctors prescribe Ozempic for its weight-loss applications, as well as its uses for non-diabetics. Learning as much as possible about Ozempic will clarify many common assumptions and misconceptions about the medication. This knowledge will help you talk with a qualified doctor to determine if the treatment is right for you.
What is Ozempic Prescribed For?
Doctors typically prescribe Ozempic to patients with type-2 diabetes, a medical condition in which the body experiences high blood sugar and insulin resistance. Unmanaged diabetes can lead to kidney, eye, and nerve damage. Patients with diabetes are more susceptible to sexual dysfunction and carry an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Ozempic mimics the effects of incretin, a naturally produced hormone that stimulates insulin production. The medication helps people with diabetes regulate their blood sugar. In addition, Ozempic reduces how much sugar the liver produces.
The medication also stimulates the release of glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), a hormone that controls appetite and impacts how the body responds to digested food. As a result, patients often experience weight loss and better control of their diabetic symptoms.
Patients self-administer the medication in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen with an injector pen. The dose and frequency vary by patient, but most patients make weekly injections. Doctors typically begin with a low level and modify it based on your response to the medication.
Can a Non-Diabetic Take Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Non-diabetics can indeed take Ozempic to help with weight loss. The medication does not contain insulin, making it safe for non-diabetic patients. Still, it's vital to consult a qualified doctor before using Ozempic. They can ensure the medication is appropriate and rule out contraindications.
One study showed that a 2.4 mg dose of semaglutide helped patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more lose 15% of their body weight when combining the medication with lifestyle changes.
How Does Ozempic Cause Weight Loss?
Ozempic helps patients lose weight in two ways. While multiple factors influence body composition, the underlying principle of weight loss is to create a caloric deficit. By suppressing intake, Ozempic helps you burn more calories than you consume. Combining the medication with a balanced diet and exercise program enhances the results.
Ozempic also effectively treats obesity because caloric deficits are not always enough to fuel weight loss. GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone, influences how the body absorbs and stores food. Ozempic increases how much GLP-1 your digestive tract secretes, helping reshape your body when diet and exercise alone are ineffective.
Ozempic Side Effects
All medications carry side effects. Some patients experience a few or none, while others experience multiple. The occurrence varies based on individual biochemistry. The most common side effects of Ozempic are swelling or redness at the injection site, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. In some cases, side effects fade the longer you take the medication.
Serious side effects include low blood sugar, urinary changes that may signal kidney damage, and blurred or diminished vision. If these occur, it is critical to speak to your doctor immediately.
Is Ozempic Safe for Weight Loss?
Yes–Ozempic is a safe and FDA-approved diabetes medication. Researchers have not yet conducted high-quality clinical trials of semaglutide as a weight loss treatment to obtain FDA approval, but doctors are comfortable prescribing it off-label due to the rigorous investigations into the safety and effectiveness of the medication.
An experienced healthcare provider can evaluate the extent of your potential weight loss and your medical history to determine if Ozempic is appropriate for you. If they deem it is, your physician will then monitor you for changes in weight and side effects to continually assess the effectiveness and safety of the medication.
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July 13, 2023
Written By
Jake Peter
Fact-checked By
Dr. Avidon Appel
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