What Is Ozempic And How Does It Work? What Is Its Primary Use?
Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is a medication used mainly to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. It comes as a weekly injection and works by copying a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone helps your body make more insulin when your blood sugar is high, slows down how fast food leaves your stomach, and helps reduce hunger.
And therefore, because of these effects, Ozempic not only helps control blood sugar but can also support weight loss in some people. She adds that many doctors are now also using it (Ozempic) to help with weight management, even in people without diabetes. ” However, it’s important to remember that Ozempic works best when used along with healthy eating and regular exercise. Like any medicine, it can have side effects, so it’s always good to talk to a doctor before starting it.
How Does Ozempic Help With Weight Loss? Is It Safe To Take Ozempic If You Don’t Have Diabetes?
As discussed, Ozempic is primarily used to treat people with type 2 diabetes. However, in recent times, it is being popularised as a weight loss drug. This is because Ozempic makes you feel full for longer and reduces appetite.
According to Dr Pillai, it slows down how fast food moves through your stomach, so you eat less without feeling too hungry. It also affects certain brain signals that control hunger, helping you eat smaller portions naturally. Though Ozempic was made for people with type 2 diabetes, doctors now sometimes prescribe it to people without diabetes who are struggling with obesity or being overweight.
A 2022 study published in the JAMA Network showed that people taking semaglutide, known by brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy, experienced significant weight loss even outside clinical trials. The study followed 175 individuals with overweight or obesity and found that participants lost an average of nearly 6% of their body weight in three months and about 11% in six months. Interestingly, those without type 2 diabetes lost more weight than those with the condition.
However, Ozempic is not a magic solution, highlights Dr Pillai, adding that it works best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. As with any medicine, there can be side effects, which is why it’s very important to use it only under a doctor’s guidance.
Also Read: Ozempic Side Effects: Gastrointestinal Symptoms To Watch Out For
How Is Ozempic Taken Or Administered?
Ozempic is given as a once-a-week injection under the skin. You don’t need to take it every day, just one shot every week, on the same day. It comes in a small pen-like device that’s easy to use at home. You or your caregiver can inject it into your belly (stomach), thigh, or upper arm. The pen has clear instructions, and your doctor or nurse will show you how to use it the first time. It’s not a painful injection; most people say it feels like a small pinch.
You can take Ozempic with or without food, but it’s best to take it on the same day each week to stay on track. If you miss a dose, don’t panic; just follow your doctor’s advice on when to take it next. Always store the pen properly and never share it with anyone. Regular check-ups help ensure you’re using it safely.
How Long Does It Take For Ozempic To Show Results?
As it is with any other medication, Ozempic doesn’t work overnight. However, according to Dr Pillai, many people start noticing changes within a few weeks. “Some may see lower blood sugar levels or reduced appetite in the first 1–2 weeks. However, it often takes 8-12 weeks to see real weight loss or steady blood sugar control.
“Your doctor usually starts you on a low dose and slowly increases it, which helps your body adjust and lowers the risk of side effects. Everyone’s body is different, so results may vary. Staying consistent and following a healthy lifestyle can help you get the best results,” shares Dr Pillai.
What Are The Most Common Side Effects Of Ozempic?
As per the official website of Ozempic®, the most common side effects of using Ozempic may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation.
In more serious cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of thyroid tumours, including a type of thyroid cancer called Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC). Though this link has been seen in animal studies, it’s not yet confirmed in humans. Watch for symptoms like a lump in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath, and inform your doctor immediately if any appear.
Pancreatitis is also a serious side effect reported in Ozempic users. A 2024 casestudy published in the journal Cureus reported the death of a 74-year-old man with diabetes and heart disease due to severe pancreatitis, which developed after four years of using semaglutide.
Dr Pillai reassures that these side effects are not common, but it’s important to know about them. Always talk to your doctor before starting Ozempic and report any unusual symptoms right away.
What Happens If You Stop Taking Ozempic Suddenly?
There are a couple of things to consider if you have been taking Ozempic for a long time and suddenly decide to stop.
Dr Pillai warns, “If you stop taking Ozempic suddenly, your blood sugar levels may rise again if you have diabetes. If you were using it for weight loss, you might start feeling hungrier, and it could become harder to manage your weight. Some people may slowly gain back the weight they lost.”
So, stopping Ozempic won’t usually cause withdrawal symptoms, but it’s always better to stop under a doctor’s guidance. Your doctor can help you switch to another treatment or adjust your diet and exercise plan. Don’t stop Ozempic without discussing it with your healthcare provider first.
Can Ozempic Be Used With Other Diabetes Or Weight Loss Medications?
The answer is yes. Ozempic can sometimes be used with other diabetes or weight loss medicines, but only if your doctor says it’s safe.
For people with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is often used along with medicines like metformin or insulin to better control blood sugar. However, combining Ozempic with other weight loss drugs isn’t always safe and may increase the risk of side effects like low blood sugar or stomach issues. Always tell your doctor about all the medicines you’re taking. They will decide the best and safest plan for your health needs.
Also Read: Ozempic For PCOS: What A Doctor Wants You To Know About Its Effectiveness
What Is The Status Of Ozempic Or Other Weight Loss Drugs In India?
“In India, the injectable form of Ozempic is not widely available yet, though a related oral medicine for diabetes is already on the market. The injectable version, used for both diabetes and weight loss, has received approval but is facing delays due to supply issues,” notes Dr Pillai.
Generic versions are expected in the next couple of years, and Indian pharmaceutical companies are preparing for wider availability.
Currently, semaglutide is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under three different brand names—Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus®—eachwith specific uses and dosage forms.
Conclusion
Ozempic has changed the way many people think about managing weight and type 2 diabetes. It’s helped thousands lose weight and control their blood sugar, but at some cost. Like any medicine, it works best when paired with healthy habits like eating well and staying active. And because it can come with side effects, it’s really important to have a doctor guide you through the process. If you’re considering Ozempic, make sure you’re doing it safely, with the right support and information every step of the way.