What You Should Know About Ozempic

In 2023, Ozempic became a household name and a topic that seemingly everyone was talking about. And so far in 2024, this influx of Ozempic chatter shows no signs of letting up. Now that it’s become a trendy medication, it looks like more people will be using, and talking about Ozempic, than ever before. Why? Two words: weight loss.

As is the case with many health topics and trends, people are hyper fixated on Ozempic because of its ability to cause weight loss. Originally designed and used for type 2 diabetes management, Ozempic is a medication in the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP) receptor agonist class that helps with blood sugar regulation—a key factor in one’s ability to lose weight. Ozempic has also been shown to have an impact on appetite regulation, gastric emptying (it slows down emptying of your stomach, which can result in prolonged feelings of fullness after meals), insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, fat utilization, and body composition. To many people, this sounds like a dream, and a welcomed option for people who have historically struggled to lose weight. However, there is a LOT that people don’t know about Ozempic—including the risks, side effects, costs, and long-term outcomes. Below, I’ll cover all of that. 

Who makes Ozempic?

Ozempic was developed by Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical company that manufactures products and medications for diabetes and obesity management and treatment. 

How does Ozempic work? And how do you use it?

Ozempic works by stimulating insulin production (aka the hormone that regulates our blood sugar—which people with diabetes don’t produce enough of), reducing glucose production by the liver, and slowing down the absorption of glucose in the intestines. This combination of effects allows Ozempic to regulate a person’s blood sugar much better than their body would on their own. Needless to say, this is a huge benefit for people with diabetes, who are at risk of having too much glucose in their bloodstream (aka hyperglycemia), the outcome of which can be lethal, if not treated. 

Ozempic is administered as an injection—it’s injected under the skin on your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. This is a familiar method for many people with diabetes, as insulin is also delivered subcutaneously through vials and syringes, pens, and pumps. It’s recommended that Ozempic users not use the same site for each injection, and that the injection not be into a muscle or vein. Ozempic shots are self-administered weekly at home, on the same day each week, at any time. 

Why are people obsessed with Ozempic? 

The answer to this is simple: Most people (at least, those who do not have type 2 diabetes) are talking about and using Ozempic because it’s been shown to help with weight loss. There are many celebrities who have admitted to using it, including Chelsea Handler and Oprah. It’s worth reiterating that Ozempic is not designed for weight loss—it’s intended for diabetes. And the more people who use Ozempic, the more likely that the medication will become increasingly unavailable for those who genuinely need it for their diabetes. Doctors do not recommend Ozempic for aesthetic weight loss, but naturally, that hasn’t stopped those who want (and can afford) a weight loss quick-fix/shortcut. 

How much does Ozempic cost? 

If you are using Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, most insurance companies will cover the cost. They will not cover it if it’s prescribed for just weight loss. Out-of-pocket, a month’s supply of Ozempic is about $900, sometimes more. For the celebrities and millionaires who are promoting Ozempic, the cost is no issue. But for the majority of people, the price is prohibitive. To get an exact estimate, you can call your insurance company for a quote (no one likes a surprise medical bill). 

What are the side effects and risks of Ozempic? 

All medications have side effects, Ozempic included. Most people who experience side effects will have symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal issues, like diarrhea. These usually subside over time. Other side effects may include pancreatitis, vision changes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), kidney problems, allergic reactions, thyroid tumors, and gallbladder problems. 

Can anyone use it? 

In theory, anyone can use Ozempic, but it still requires a prescription, even if you just want it for weight loss. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should refrain from using Ozempic, and the same goes for those with certain medical conditions. Again, anyone who wants to take Ozempic has to obtain a prescription from a doctor, so when you speak to yours, make sure you let them know about any medical conditions or symptoms you’re dealing with. The last thing you want is to be at risk for more health issues. 

What happens when you stop using it? 

For those with diabetes, Ozempic is considered a long-term or lifelong medication. If you use it solely for weight loss, when you stop taking it, any pounds you lost can return. Ozempic does not cause permanent changes to your body—it’s effective when used, and not effective when not used. It does not improve your body’s long-term ability to regulate blood sugar or anything else. If you want to stop taking it, you should only do so at the guidance of a healthcare professional, because if you go cold turkey you may experience severe blood sugar fluctuations. Your doctor can help you seamlessly transition off of Ozempic. 

The way I see it, Ozempic should be used for type 2 diabetes management, and not for aesthetic weight loss. I’ve worked in the health and wellness industry for decades, and it’s disturbing to me how often these sort of quick fixes are discovered and abused. For most of us, a healthy diet and exercise is the ticket to sustainable, long-term weight loss and improved health markers. If your doctor says you need to lose a lot of weight quickly for a medical-related reason, that’s a different story. Otherwise, let’s block out the noise around Ozempic.

xo

Renata