Can Ozempic Help With Weight Loss?...

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Medically reviewed by Sameena Zahoor, MDMedically reviewed by Sameena Zahoor, MDOzempic (semaglutide) is a medication that helps lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Ozempic is also used to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in people with type 2 diabetes and a known heart or blood vessel condition.Though not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss, Ozempic has become a popular off-label option for weight management.
Off-Label UseOff-label use means a healthcare provider prescribes a medication for a purpose other than what the drug is FDA-approved for.
How Does Ozempic Work?Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1 agonists work similarly to the GLP-1 hormone (which is already in your body) by telling your body to create insulin, which naturally helps lower blood sugar levels.GLP-1 also helps control the amount of glucose (blood sugar) your liver makes by decreasing glucagon, a hormone made in your pancreas.The U.S. FDA approved Ozempic to:Control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetesLower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart diseaseThough not FDA-approved for weight loss, Ozempic may be prescribed off-label to help with weight management. Ozempic is a prescription-only medication that you inject subcutaneously (under the skin) once a week. The medication is available as a pre-filled pen containing the drug.If your provider thinks Ozempic is right for you, you will start on the lowest dose first and then adjust your dosage over time based on your treatment goals, side effects, and outcomes.Benefits of Using OzempicIn people with obesity, GLP-1 levels in the body are lower than normal. Ozempic is believed to help with weight loss by providing the body with more GLP-1 may help with blood sugar control and weight loss. Ozempic is believed to help with weight loss in the following ways:Increases the amount of insulin available in the bodyHelps to move sugar from the blood to be used for energySlows the movement of food through the stomach, which makes you feel full quickerTells your brain you are full, leading to a lowered appetite and consumption of fewer caloriesOzempic will not cure high blood sugar or obesity on its own. If you begin taking Ozempic, you should also incorporate other lifestyle changes, such as increasing your activity levels and eating nutritious meals in a calorie deficit.Alternatives to OzempicOther GLP-1 agonists or related medications can help with weight loss. While they are similar to Ozempic in numerous ways, some key differences exist between these drugs.RybelsusRybelsus (semaglutide) is known as the oral tablet version of Ozempic. Both Ozempic and Rybelsus are made of the active drug semaglutide. (The active drug is what makes a medication work.) Rybelsus is FDA-approved to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. However, researchers are still studying the drug to see if it can also help with weight management.WegovyWegovy (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved injection that treats obesity in adults and children 12 years and older. Ozempic and Wegovy also contain the same active drug, semaglutide. Wegovy is the only GLP-1 agonist FDA-approved specifically for weight loss in adults and children 12 years and older.In March 2024, Wegovy was also FDA-approved to help reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and death in adults with heart disease or obesity.Mounjaro and ZepboundMounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are injectable GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonists. Like GLP-1, GIP is a hormone that gets released in your stomach after you eat food, helping to control insulin release. These medications also slow the movement of food through the stomach, which helps decrease your appetite.Mounjaro is FDA-approved to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Though not FDA-approved for weight loss, studies have found that the medication may help people with obesity manage weight. One study found that Mounjaro doses of 10-15 milligrams (mg) once a week helped to lower the body weight of participants by at least 20%.Zepbound, on the other hand, is FDA-approved for weight management in adults with obesity and one other related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and heart or blood vessel disease.SaxendaSaxenda (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist approved to aid in weight management in adults with obesity and one other weight-related condition, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or type 2 diabetes. It is also approved to help with weight management in children with obesity who are 12 years or older.Unlike Ozempic, Saxenda injections are given subcutaneously once a day.TrulicityTrulicity (dulaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist that helps regulate insulin, reduces stomach emptying, and lowers appetite. Trulicity is FDA-approved to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in people with a history of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Like Ozempic, it is not currently FDA-approved to help with weight loss.Is There an Off-Brand Version?As of August 2024, there are no generic versions of Ozempic available. Due to increased demands and reduced supply of Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists, websites and companies may sell compounded versions of Ozempic. However, these compounded products are likely not evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, and quality.Compounded versions of Ozempic may not contain the same ingredients as name-brand Ozempic and may cause harm once you inject the drug into your body. Therefore, it is best to avoid any products you have not purchased from a trusted manufacturer or pharmacy. This includes fake or unapproved products marketed as Ozempic online. These products may include too little or too much active drug or contain harmful ingredients.It is important that you only obtain prescription drugs from licensed pharmacies within the United States, where the FDA can assure the quality of a drug. If you have any questions about your medications, talk with your healthcare provider to learn more about their safety and effectiveness.Safety and Side EffectsLike all drugs, there are risks and side effects associated with Ozempic. Common side effects of Ozempic include:Abdominal painBelching or burpingConstipation or diarrheaFatigueNausea and vomitingHeadacheWhile less common, Ozempic can increase your risk of the following symptoms and conditions:Dizziness or faintingElevated heart rateGallstones or gallbladder diseasePancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or pancreatic cancerVision changesA Quick ReviewOzempic is an injection medication that helps lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes or hyperglycemia. Ozempic is also used to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in people with type 2 diabetes and a known heart or blood vessel condition.Though not FDA-approved, Ozempic has become a popular off-label option for weight loss, as it can help reduce appetite and keep you full longer, leading to a reduction of caloric intake. If you want to take Ozempic for weight loss, talk with your healthcare provider to see if the medication is right for your body's needs and well-being. For more Health.com news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Health.com.

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