Watch Video
Read Article
Ozempic is a prescription drug used to deal with conditions related to high blood sugar levels and for diabetes management. It is especially used for patients with Type 2 diabetes, which affects millions of people globally. This chronic condition accounts for approximately 90 percent of people with diabetes, according to the World Health Organization. It is clearly a global concern, which is why attempts are always made to manage or treat it. Semaglutide, a medication sold under different brand names, including Ozempic, has emerged as a way to manage the condition. It has also gained attention due to its weight loss benefits. Before taking this prescribed medication, know how it works, its benefits and potential side effects.
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a medication developed by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. “It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it mimics the action of a naturally occurring hormone in the body called GLP-1,” shares internal medicine expert Dr Sanchayan Roy. The US Food and Drug Administration approved the injectable medication for use by people with diabetes in America in 2017. It is administered via a once-weekly injection, typically in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm, using a prefilled injection pen.
It works by increasing the levels of incretins, the gut hormones produced by the stomach whenever you eat something. It helps your body to produce more insulin whenever you need it, and reduces the amount of sugar that is produced by your liver. It also slows down how quickly the food you eat gets digested. All this helps to bring down blood sugar levels.
It is started at a low dose and gradually increased to improve tolerability:
Week 1–4: 0.25 mg once a week
Week 5–8: 0.5 mg once a week
Maintenance dose: 1 mg or 2 mg once a week, depending on blood sugar control or weight goals.
Your doctor will decide the right maintenance dose based on how your body responds.
In people with type 2 diabetes, this medication may help to control blood sugar levels in the following ways:
“All this leads to a more stable and lower average blood glucose level,” says Dr Roy.
Although Ozempic was developed for diabetes, its appetite-suppressing effects have made it popular among people who want to lose weight, even those without diabetes. During a study, published in The New England Journal Of Medicine, overweight or obese participants were given 2.4 mg of semaglutide once weekly. Plus, healthy lifestyle changes were made. It was found that this combination helped in sustained reduction in body weight.
Here’s how it works as a weight loss drug:
It is a prescription medication, so you’ll need to consult a doctor to determine if it’s suitable for you. It’s most commonly prescribed for:
Once prescribed, it can be picked up at a pharmacy or ordered via mail-order pharmacies.
Like all medications, Ozempic can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. During a study, published in StatPearls, nearly one-fifth of all participants in clinical trials with Ozempic experienced nausea, the most common side effect of this medication. Here are other common side effects of Ozempic:
Less common, but serious side effects include:
“Hair loss is not a direct side effect of Ozempic, but some people may experience hair loss, especially during significant weight loss,” says the expert. Here are a few possible reasons:
If hair loss becomes noticeable after using this medication, consult a doctor or dermatologist. “A balanced diet and possibly supplements can help counteract the drug’s effects,” says the expert.
Ozempic has been found effective in diabetes and weight management. However, the once-weekly solution may come with side effects, which is why it should always be used under medical supervision.
Take a PollTake a PollThe cost of Ozempic can vary depending on your location, insurance coverage, and dosage. In the US, Ozempic without insurance can cost between $800–$1,200 per month. In India, Ozempic can cost around ₹9,000 to ₹15,000 per pen, depending on the dose and pharmacy.
The amount of weight loss varies depending on dose, duration of use, lifestyle, and individual metabolism. People taking Ozempic for 68 weeks may lose 5 to 15 percent of their body weight.
Get latest updates on health and wellness along with Preventive Care, Family Care, Reproductive Care, Self Care
Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we are committed to providing accurate, reliable, and authentic information to support your health and well-being. However, the content on this website is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised advice regarding your specific medical condition or concerns.
