Why losing weight with Ozempic is so popular (and the risks)

In 2017, the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk launchesOzempicon the market. The medicine is intended for patients with type 2 diabetes, but is soon also prescribed off-label for overweight. With off-label use, a medicine that has been approved for a certain condition is prescribed for a different condition.

The reason Ozempic also works forweight lossis as follows: if you have type 2 diabetes, your body struggles to keep your blood sugar under control, because insulin production is disrupted. Ozempic contains semaglutide, a substance that mimics the gut hormone GLP-1. This hormone regulates blood sugar levels.

In addition, the hormone suppresses appetite, partly by slowing down stomach emptying and making you feel full for longer. Less hunger, less eating, fewer kilos.

So weight loss is a side effect of semaglutide, but this side effect leads to the medicine’s breakthrough. Partly thanks to the influence of popular social media channels, Ozempic becomes hugely popular as a weight-loss medicine in 2023.

Under the hashtag #MyOzempicJourney it becomes a real craze on TikTok. Other platforms such as Instagram are also full of videos about Ozempic experiences, in which users say they have lost a lot of weight quickly.

Various celebrities also speak openly about their use of Ozempic or similar medicines for weight loss, including Rebel Wilson, Amy Schumer and Elon Musk.

As obesity is becoming an ever-growing problem worldwide, the renowned journal Science names the medicine the scientific breakthrough of 2023.

Important to mention here: Ozempic is suitable for people with a BMI above 30, or of 27 with related health problems. So you can’t use it if, for example, you want to lose a few kilos to look toned for the summer.

Losing weight with Ozempic is very much in the spotlight thanks to its impressive results. But how exactly does it work?

The power of GLP-1 (and what it has to do with your hunger)

Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide. This substance closely resembles a natural hormone in your body: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone is normally released in your gut as soon as you have eaten.

A semaglutide injection actually does three things at once [1-3]:

1. It affects your brain
   Especially the parts that control your appetite. As a result, you feel full sooner and for longer.

2. It slows down your stomach emptying
   This means your food is digested more slowly, so you feel satisfied and are less likely to get (sweet) cravings.

3. It keeps your blood sugar levels stable
   This also affects your feeling of hunger.

Less hunger = more results

Research shows that this mechanism works. In large-scale, controlled studies, people who injected 2.4 mg of semaglutide weekly lost on average 10% to 16% of their body weight in 68 weeks [4]. The placebo group (without the active ingredient) lost only 2% to 6%.

An important point: the participants also received guidance on nutrition, exercise and behaviour. That is essential for the medicine to work, and for achieving the results you want. Ozempic helps you lose weight, but it is not a magic solution. You can see it as a powerful tool if you want to work on your health.

So: is Ozempic the solution for losing weight?

Are you severely overweight or living with obesity? Then Ozempic can help you lose weight. But it is not a quick fix. First of all, you can assume that you will need to use the medicine for at least a year.

Furthermore, how well it works depends on your lifestyle. Think of:

• Eating healthily

• Enough exercise

• A good night’s sleep

• As little stress as possible

That is also the big advantage of losing weight with Ozempic: it helps you start living healthily. When you no longer have constant cravings, it becomes much more achievable to create new healthy habits. That is where the real gain lies.

Finally: Ozempicdoes not work for everyone. As with all medicines, Ozempic may not have the desired effect. Around 86% of people lose weight with it, but that also means that 14% of people do not [4].

Giving yourself an Ozempicinjectionmay sound like something that needs to happen in a hospital. Fortunately, using an Ozempic pen is surprisingly easy.

One injection per week

Ozempic comes in a pre-filled pen with four doses. You use the Ozempic injection once a week, always on the same day, at around the same time. The dosage depends on your treatment plan, and is usually 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg or 1 mg.

Where do you inject?

You administer Ozempic via a subcutaneous injection. That means: just under the skin. So not into a vein or muscle. The most commonly used sites are:

• Your belly (easy to reach, so a favourite)

• The outside of your thighs

• The upper part of your buttocks

‍Does it hurt?

Short answer: no. The pen has a super-thin needle that you can barely feel. Many users even say: “I didn’t feel a thing.” You get clear instructions when you first use it, and if you have questions you can always contact your healthcare provider.

How to prepare your injection

Giving your weekly injection only takes a few minutes. These are the steps:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.

2. Get your things ready (the pen, a new needle and an alcohol wipe).

3. Always use a clean needle. Replace it after every injection.

4. Check the liquid. It should be clear and colourless.

5. Set the correct dose on the pen (as prescribed by your doctor).

6. Inject under the skin.

7. Note down the date of use.

Please note: an opened pen can be kept for 6 weeks. Set a reminder in your phone or diary for when you need to throw it away.

And very important: never share your pen with anyone else, even if you think it is ‘probably safe’.

Many people think you canstoptaking Ozempic once you have reached your target weight. It is slightly more complicated than that. If you stop abruptly, there is a good chance you will regain weight, and that would be a shame.

Ozempic treats your overweight, but it does not cure it. You only cure it by tackling the root cause, which often has to do with eating healthily and getting enough exercise. You can use Ozempic as a tool to create a healthy lifestyle. If you don’t learn healthy habits and suddenly stop the medicine, there is a good chance you will regain weight.

Once you have reached your target weight, there are two options:

1. You use a maintenance dose

2. You slowly taper off your medication

Choosing option 2? Then our advice is to stay at a stable weight for at least six months with the help of Ozempic, and to use that period to learn healthy lifestyle habits. This helps you minimise the risk of relapse. Always discuss with your healthcare provider how best to taper off.

All in all, you can expect to use this medication for at least a year. But if you succeed in creating a healthy lifestyle, you will then enjoy lasting weight loss and good health.

Are you considering Ozempic to lose weight? Then there are a number of factors to think about, including your current health situation, side effects and risks.

Your health

Discuss your overall health with your doctor. Among other things, your doctor will ask whether you:

• Have a family history of thyroid cancer

• Have problems with your pancreas or kidneys

• Have diabetic retinopathy (diabetes-related eye damage)

• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant

• Are breastfeeding

Side effects of Ozempic

As is the case with most medicines, Ozempic can cause side effects.

Mild side effects include:

• Constipation

• Diarrhoea

• Stomach pain

• Vomiting

• Nausea

Mild side effects usually disappear within a few days or a few weeks. If they persist or become bothersome, contact your healthcare provider.

Serious side effects include:

• Gallbladder problems (such as gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder)

• Nausea

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

• Hypoglycaemia (only if other diabetes medication is being used)

Serious side effects are rare. If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

See this article for more details on the side effects + solutions.

If you search online for ‘buy Ozempic weight loss’ you will come across countless results, but not everything you read is reliable.

Ozempic is a prescription-only medicine. So you always need a valid Ozempic prescription from a doctor. Products offered without a prescription are often illegal, unreliable or even dangerous.

Don’t be tempted by quick online offers, and check that you are buying from a registered pharmacy. You can verify this via the official website of the Dutch government:

Dutch government website

Ozempic is not suitable for everyone and carries risks.

Interaction with medicines or supplements

Ozempic is not suitable in combination with certain medicines or supplements, including:

• Insulin (specific types, such as fast-acting insulin)

• Oral antihyperglycaemic agents (for example sulfonylureas)

Also make sure your pharmacy and healthcare provider are well informed about your use of supplements. Then the pharmacy or doctor will be able to give you the right advice.

Alcohol and Ozempic

Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol can affect your blood sugar levels and cause liver problems, dehydration and blood sugar fluctuations.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

You cannot use Ozempic if you:

• Gave birth less than six months ago

• Want to become pregnant

• Are breastfeeding

Ozempic is originally a medicine for patients with type 2 diabetes. One side effect is weight loss.

The medicine is hugely popular because of its successful results. On social media channels, countless people share their experiences and describe how quickly and how much weight they have lost with Ozempic.

It is important to realise that this is a medicine, not a supplement. That means it can cause side effects and that you will most likely need to use it for a longer period (at least a year).

If you create a healthy lifestyle, you can then enjoy lasting weight loss.

Curious whether Ozempic is suitable for you?Fill in our short questionnaireand find out straight away.

How does Ozempic® work?

Ozempic® mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone, which your body produces after a meal. It slows down stomach emptying, reduces appetite and helps you stay full for longer. It also supports insulin production, which helps keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Is Ozempic safe and effective for weight loss?

Yes, research shows that Ozempic is effective for weight loss, especially in combination with healthy eating and exercise. But: it is a medicine, not a miracle cure. Ozempic is not suitable for everyone, can cause side effects and the results depend on, among other things, your lifestyle.

How much weight can I lose with Ozempic?

That varies from person to person. On average, people lose 10% to 15% of their body weight in 1.5 years. You often see the best results after 6 to 12 months, in combination with lifestyle changes.

Why is Ozempic so popular as a weight-loss medicine?

Simple: because it works. Users experience less appetite and lose weight. Growing attention in the media and on social media platforms has put the medicine even more in the spotlight. As a result, Ozempic is now a much-discussed medicine, also outside the medical world.

What are the risks and side effects of Ozempic?

The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and stomach complaints. In rare cases it can lead to inflammation of the pancreas or gallbladder problems. So it is important to always use this medicine under medical supervision.

What happens if you stop taking Ozempic?

Many people notice that their appetite returns as soon as they stop. As a result, your weight can also increase again. That is why it is important to adjust your lifestyle while using Ozempic and, once you have reached your target weight, to slowly taper off the medicine or use a maintenance dose.

How quickly does Ozempic work?

You may notice a difference in your appetite within a few weeks. Actual weight loss often comes after a month or two, but it can take up to sixteen weeks before you see the effect on the scales. Ozempic works slowly but steadily, and that is exactly what is good for lasting results.

Is Ozempic available without a prescription?

No. You can only get Ozempic on prescription. It is dangerous to buy this medicine without medical supervision or through unreliable channels. Self-medicating with Ozempic can carry serious health risks, such as unwanted side effects or incorrect dosing. So only use this medicine in consultation with a doctor.

Can you get Ozempic in the Netherlands?

Yes, Ozempic is available in the Netherlands through your GP or specialist. But please note: it is officially prescribed for type 2 diabetes. For weight loss it can only be prescribed if you have a BMI above 30, or of 27 with related health problems.

How much does Ozempic cost per month?

That varies by provider and depends on whether your health insurance covers it.

Is there a shortage of Ozempic?

Yes, unfortunately. Due to increased demand worldwide, there are regular shortages. However, there are more and more alternatives, such as Wegovy.

Is it safe to buy Ozempic online?

Yes, as long as you buy it through a registered pharmacy. Avoid dubious webshops or social media accounts that send it to you without a prescription. This is unsafe.

Will I have to use Ozempic long-term?

Probably yes, if you want to maintain the effect. As with other medicines: if you stop, the effect disappears. If you adjust your lifestyle and slowly taper off the medication, stopping may be an option. Together with a doctor, you can look at whether and when you can taper off.

What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?

Both medicines contain semaglutide, but Ozempic is officially intended for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy was developed specifically for weight loss and can be used at a higher dose.