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Ozempic Semaglutide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, but it has recently been approved by the FDA for use in weight loss. This drug works by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and increasing feelings of fullness, leading to weight loss. However, like all medications, Ozempic Semaglutide can cause both short-term and long-term side effects. In this article, we will explore the potential short-term and long-term side effects of Ozempic Semaglutide for weight loss, so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this drug is right for you.
Can taking Ozempic help you lose weight?
The short answer is yes, Ozempic can help you lose weight in theory. It is a sister drug to Wegovy, a Semaglutide drug developed for use as a weight-loss medication. Whereas Wegovy has the sole intent for use as an anti-obesity drug, weight loss is touted as a “side-effect” of Ozempic, with the main goal being to treat type 2 diabetes. Despite this difference in main treatment, there is considerable overlap between the two Semaglutide drugs, meaning Ozempic is a perfectly viable option for use as a weight loss medication.
How does Ozempic work for weight loss?
Ozempic can be obtained as a medication to help with obesity after a consultation with a medical professional. Assuming you are eligible, you can obtain a number of doses over the counter at your local pharmacy. One dose should be administered per week via an injection into your upper arm, abdomen, or thigh. Your doctor should specify where you should administer the injection.
The Ozempic weight loss dosage depends on how far into your weight management treatment you are. At first, each dose of Ozempic will be 0.25 mg once per week, lasting for a total of four weeks. After four weeks, the dose should increase to 0.5 mg per week, which can be increased further if necessary. Any further increases beyond this point should be discussed with a medical professional.
Once injected, the medication releases a batch of GLP-1 hormones into your blood. Essentially this drug mimics the hormones your body produces to signal when you should eat, or when to stop. In this case, GLP-1 hormones, or Glucagon-like Peptides, mimic the hormone your body releases to make you feel full. This is done by lowering your body’s blood sugar level. This effect makes it much easier to tackle obesity and reach a healthy weight.
How to get Ozempic for weight loss
Although Wegovy was created for the sole purpose of helping people tackle obesity, the drug’s popularity has caused it to be in short supply. Ozempic is going much the same way, and it can be tough to obtain in some circumstances. That said, it is possible to get a prescription for Ozempic for weight loss.
First, you should pay a visit to your doctor or a health clinic. There, you can discuss your situation and whether the drug is right for you in the first place. Your doctor will be looking for certain eligibility criteria, such as whether you have type 2 diabetes, suffer from cardiovascular disease, or have a high likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. If you meet any of these criteria, you may be prescribed Ozempic to help with your condition. However, it is important to know the Ozempic weight loss side effects before taking the drug.
Short-Term Side Effects of Ozempic Semaglutide
Some of the most common short-term side effects of Ozempic Semaglutide include:
Nausea:
This is the most common side effect of Ozempic Semaglutide, and it usually decreases over time. If you experience nausea, it may help to take the medication with a meal or at bedtime.
Diarrhea:
This is another common side effect of Ozempic Semaglutide, and it can be uncomfortable and disruptive. If you experience diarrhea, it is important to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Constipation:
Some people may experience constipation while taking Ozempic Semaglutide, which can be uncomfortable and difficult to manage. If you experience constipation, it is important to drink plenty of water and consume fiber-rich foods to help promote regular bowel movements.
Headaches:
Some people may experience headaches while taking Ozempic Semaglutide, which can be mild to severe in intensity. If you experience headaches, it is important to drink plenty of water and take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
Dizziness:
Some people may experience dizziness while taking Ozempic Semaglutide, which can be disruptive and unsettling. If you experience dizziness, it is important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until the symptoms have subsided.
Also Read: The Untold Truth About Calories & Weight Loss
Long-Term Side Effects of Ozempic Semaglutide
While the short-term side effects of Ozempic Semaglutide tend to be mild and manageable, there are also some long-term side effects to be aware of. These include:
Hypoglycemia:
Ozempic Semaglutide can cause low blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous and require immediate medical attention. If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as confusion, dizziness, sweating, or shakiness, it is important to eat or drink something that contains sugar immediately.
Pancreatitis:
Some people taking Ozempic Semaglutide may develop pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can be severe and life-threatening, and it requires immediate medical attention.
Thyroid cancer:
There have been reports of thyroid cancer in some people taking Ozempic Semaglutide, although the link between the two is not yet clear. If you experience symptoms of thyroid cancer, such as a lump in your neck or changes in your voice, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Allergic reactions:
Some people may experience allergic reactions to Ozempic Semaglutide, which can be severe and life-threatening. If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face or tongue, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Also Read: The Newcastle Diet – A Path To Remission For Type 2 Diabetes
Ozempic Semaglutide Alternatives
A protein-sparing modified fast is considered safer than the drug Ozempic Semaglutide for weight loss because it does not involve the use of medication. A protein-sparing modified fast is a low-calorie diet that is designed to promote weight loss while preserving muscle mass. This type of diet involves eating a limited amount of protein and carbohydrates, but it allows for unlimited amounts of low-calorie vegetables.
In comparison, Ozempic Semaglutide is a medication that comes with potential short-term and long-term side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, and even life-threatening conditions like pancreatitis and thyroid cancer. While Ozempic Semaglutide can be effective for weight loss, it may not be the best choice for everyone, especially for those who prefer to avoid medication or who have a history of medication-related side effects.
Additionally, a protein-sparing modified fast can be customized to meet individual needs and goals, allowing people to make changes and adjust their diets as needed. With the right guidance and support, a protein-sparing modified fast can be a safe and effective way to lose weight and achieve long-term health benefits.
Alternative weight loss drugs to Ozempic
Although it can be effective in some cases, Ozempic Semaglutide is not a good fit for everyone. As we have mentioned, it is mostly used as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, given its effects on blood sugar level, and isn’t always ideal for people without this disease. When Ozempic Semaglutide isn’t suitable, it might be best to consider alternative weight loss medications, ones that have a broader audience and might be able to help you with your weight management.
Also Read: 6 Reasons To Lose 3 Stone
Wegovy
Ozempic has gained much of its popularity from being a more accessible alternative to Wegovy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hope to get your hands on it. Wegovy was designed to help combat obesity, and works quite similarly to Ozempic as a weight management drug. A dose of Wegovy comes in a pen, which must be injected into your upper arm, abdomen, or thigh once per week. The drug will release the same hormones that influence feelings of hunger into your body, helping you stave off cravings and make weight management easier, bringing a healthy weight within reach.
While Wegovy is a good alternative to Ozempic, working in much the same way as it does, it also bears many of the same side effects as Ozempic. Taking Wegovy could cause a range of light symptoms, including nausea, fluttering in your chest, light-headedness, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Wegovy could also cause more severe side effects, including symptoms of pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, and thyroid tumors.
It has been observed in rodents that these thyroid tumors can be cancerous, as detailed in Novo Med’s clinical trial research results, although it is not yet confirmed whether there is a substantial risk to humans. Wegovy is also not to be taken if you are pregnant, or planning on getting pregnant within two months of taking the drug. Given the side effects of this drug, it is vital you speak to a medical professional before taking Wegovy.
Saxenda
Saxenda is a weight loss drug intended to help tackle obesity in both adults and children between 12 and 17. It works in a similar fashion to Ozempic and Wegovy. Saxenda is a weight-loss drug in an injection format, containing GLP-1 agonists that help control blood sugar levels and digestion. This results in reducing feelings of hunger, making weight management easier, and making a healthy weight more attainable. Take note that Saxenda is intended for use in conjunction with exercise and a healthy diet, and may not bring great results when used on its own.
Saxenda is quite similar in function to the previous two Semaglutide drugs, and this rings true for side effects, too. Common side effects of Saxenda include nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and stomach cramps, to name a few. Like the other two drugs, clinical trial research has raised concerns that Saxenda may cause thyroid tumors and possibly thyroid cancer, but there isn’t yet a clear link. It is strongly recommended that, if you do choose to use Saxenda, you immediately contact a doctor if you notice symptoms of thyroid tumors, such as a swollen neck or trouble swallowing.
Should I Think About Using Ozempic Semaglutide?
In conclusion, while Ozempic Semaglutide can be an effective tool for weight loss, a protein-sparing modified fast may be a safer option for people who prefer to avoid medication or who have a history of medication-related side effects. With the right support and guidance, a protein-sparing modified fast can be a safe and effective way to lose weight and achieve long-term health benefits.
It is important to remember that not everyone will experience side effects from taking Ozempic Semaglutide, and the benefits of the drug may outweigh the risks for some people. Before starting Ozempic Semaglutide, or any other weight loss drug, it is important to discuss the potential short-term and long-term side effects with your doctor and to weigh the risks and benefits of the drug. Additionally, it is important to follow all dosing instructions carefully and to report any side effects or changes in your health to your doctor immediately.
Frequently asked questions
There are quite a few questions surrounding Ozempic weight loss, so we thought we’d gather a few of the most commonly asked questions and answer them in one go.
How much weight can you lose in a month with Ozempic?
Exactly how much body weight you will lose depends partially on how much you weigh, and your body in particular. Lots of people react differently to drugs like this, even if only a little, which could lead to Ozempic being more effective on your body, or less. That said, Novo Nordisk, the makers of Ozempic, did a 68-week-long study on a sample of patients. The research showed that patients lost about 33 lbs in the end, making for a monthly weight loss of around 2 lbs.
How quickly do you lose weight on Ozempic?
You can expect to lose about 10% of your total body weight after 68 weeks of taking Ozempic. The previously mentioned clinical trial research suggests a monthly weight-loss rate of about 2 lbs, though this can vary depending on your body and its unique qualities.
Can you get Ozempic for weight loss?
Yes, you can get a prescription for Ozempic for weight loss from your doctor, though you will likely need to meet certain criteria first. Doctors tend to prescribe Ozempic only to people with type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or at high risk of heart disease. This does not mean you cannot obtain Ozempic without such conditions, so be sure to speak with your doctor for more information.
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