Ozempic has rocketed in popularity recently, with influencers and celebrities discussing the effects of this medication.
Although it’s a medication to control blood sugar levels, one of the most sought-after effects is its ability to aid in weight loss.
But how does Ozempic work for weight loss? And how long does it take for Ozempic to show results? That’s what we’ll be exploring in this blog post.
Read on to learn more about Ozempic, how it can help you lose weight, who it’s for, and how to get it.
Ozempic is a medication prescribed to help manage type-2 diabetes. However, more and more people have begun noticing its signature “side effect” or as most clinicians treating type 2 diabetes would say, “benefit” - weight loss.
Ozempic and Wegovy both contain the active ingredient Semaglutide. This is one of several drugs that mimic GLP-1, essentially boosting a process that our bodies perform naturally.
This medication is safe, effective and easy to use - it comes in the form of an injection pen. You simply inject the medication under your skin once a week, following the doctor’s instructions on how and when to take it.
Although it is safe, just like with any prescription medication, there is a risk of experiencing side effects. Some common side effects of Ozempic include stomach pain, vomiting, nausea and constipation. To reduce the risk of side effects, ensure you follow your doctor’s instructions.
Ozempic is for those living with type 2 diabetes - specifically for adults who need help controlling their blood sugar levels.
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body will not produce enough insulin, or will not use the insulin efficiently. This can lead to high blood sugar levels - which Ozempic can help to treat.
This medication is ideal for those who have been unable to control their diabetes through diet and exercise alone. Doctors will often suggest the Ozempic pen if other diabetes medications have been ineffective in managing blood sugar levels.
Currently, it is not suitable for children - not enough studies have been completed to determine the safety of Ozempic for those under 12 years of age. However, this could change. A trial is being conducted by pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk that could see children as young as six trying the medication.
In this trial, 200+ children will be given semaglutide. The company will then assess the results, comparing the results from a placebo group and the group of children who took semaglutide. It will also assess any potential side effects.
Ozempic can help you lose weight by mimicking glucagon-like peptide 1, or GLP-1 - a hormone that naturally occurs in the body.
As the levels of this hormone rise, it essentially tells your brain that you are full and helps control hunger, appetite and cravings. This medication also helps to prolong digestion and delay the speed at which food travels through your body.
This means that you are likely to feel satiated after smaller meals, reducing feelings of hunger throughout the day.
The main ingredient, Semaglutide, has been proven to aid weight loss. However, it’s important that when taking Ozempic, you maintain a healthy diet and exercise to improve blood sugar.
So, ultimately, Ozempic helps you lose weight by:
Mounjaro
£205.00
£129.00/month
Ozempic doesn’t have immediate effects. Instead, it may take a few days to a few weeks to start working after you start your one-weekly injection. Many people will see improvements in their blood sugar levels after one month of taking Ozempic.
When you take your initial injection, it takes time for the medication to build up in your body and have its full effect. However, everybody is different - so it may work quicker for some and slower for others. This is dependent on the individual and some people need higher doses than the starting dose to see the effect.
When taking semaglutide for weight loss, you can expect to lose on average up to 10% of your body weight within the first six months, but for certain individuals it can be even more dramatic.
Even if you don’t notice the effects straight away, be sure to continue taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor. Consistency and appropriate dose escalation by your doctor or specialist nurse is key when it comes to weekly medications.
If you have any concerns about how long it’s taking Ozempic to work, speak to your healthcare provider. They can give you advice and potentially adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Ozempic is only available through a prescription in the UK. This means that you have two options:
You can only get Ozempic through the NHS if you meet the eligibility criteria - for example, if you have type-2 diabetes and it is not under control, despite being on three different tablets for treating type-2 diabetes. You can not get Ozempic through the NHS for weight loss alone.
You can, however, receive Ozempic privately for treating type 2 diabetes if you choose not use the usual tablets initially recommended by the NHS. You can also be treated with Wegovy. Wegovy contains the same active ingredient - semaglutide. It is approved as a form of treatment for obesity in the UK.
If you’re looking for weight loss medication or medication for type 2 diabetes that also helps you lose weight, you’re in the right place. We offer semaglutide medication for type 2 diabetes as well as specifically for weight loss.
We won’t just give you the weekly injections and send you on your way. We will work with you to change your lifestyle for good. Our team of dieticians, coaches and clinicians can provide you with the advice and support you need along your weight loss journey. We can support you with binge eating, managing stress, and improving sleep and nutrition.
Begin an assessment with Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic today to determine the best treatment plan for you.
Susan lost 5 Stone in just 12 months
“For the first time, losing weight has been both easy and successful in my life.”
Cadi lost 3 Stone in just 12 months
“If you're aiming to lose weight or manage polycystic ovaries, go for this program. It's undoubtedly the best decision.”
Ethan lost 5 Stone in just 5 months
“I’ve never felt so comfortable in my own skin. It's a newfound sense of confidence and well-being that has positively impacted every aspect of my life.”
Dimitra lost 4 Stone in just 8 months
“I cannot recommend this programme enough; it truly works! It's the sole solution that has been effective after my long struggle.”
Lauren lost 5 Stone in just 8 months
“I would advise anyone considering this programme that it's a transformative experience. It has allowed me to embrace life and fully enjoy my twenties.”
Susan lost 5 Stone in just 12 months
“For the first time, losing weight has been both easy and successful in my life.”
Cadi lost 3 Stone in just 12 months
“If you're aiming to lose weight or manage polycystic ovaries, go for this program. It's undoubtedly the best decision.”
Ethan lost 5 Stone in just 5 months
“I’ve never felt so comfortable in my own skin. It's a newfound sense of confidence and well-being that has positively impacted every aspect of my life.”
Dimitra lost 4 Stone in just 8 months
“I cannot recommend this programme enough; it truly works! It's the sole solution that has been effective after my long struggle.”
Lauren lost 5 Stone in just 8 months
“I would advise anyone considering this programme that it's a transformative experience. It has allowed me to embrace life and fully enjoy my twenties.”
Susan lost 5 Stone in just 12 months
“For the first time, losing weight has been both easy and successful in my life.”
Cadi lost 3 Stone in just 12 months
“If you're aiming to lose weight or manage polycystic ovaries, go for this program. It's undoubtedly the best decision.”
Ethan lost 5 Stone in just 5 months
“I’ve never felt so comfortable in my own skin. It's a newfound sense of confidence and well-being that has positively impacted every aspect of my life.”
Dimitra lost 4 Stone in just 8 months
“I cannot recommend this programme enough; it truly works! It's the sole solution that has been effective after my long struggle.”
Lauren lost 5 Stone in just 8 months
“I would advise anyone considering this programme that it's a transformative experience. It has allowed me to embrace life and fully enjoy my twenties.”