Ozempic Explained: How It Works, Side Effects, and What Comes Next
Weight loss medications like Ozempic and its newer counterpart, Wegovy, have gained significant attention in recent years, largely due to their popularity among celebrities and the public alike. Initially developed for diabetes management, these GLP-1 receptor agonists are now widely used for weight loss. But how effective are they? And what are the risks? Let’s break it down.
How Ozempic Works
Ozempic and Wegovy work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. These medications:
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Suppress appetite by affecting the brain’s hunger signals.
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Slow gastric emptying, meaning food stays in the stomach longer, keeping you fuller.
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Regulate blood sugar levels, originally intended for diabetes patients.
However, their weight loss effects have led to widespread demand, causing global shortages and concerns over their use beyond diabetes treatment.
Who Can Access Ozempic?
Ozempic and Wegovy are prescription-only medications, meaning they require a doctor’s approval. However, supply shortages have made access difficult, especially for those who need it for its primary purpose—diabetes management.
While Wegovy was designed specifically for weight loss and contains higher doses of semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic), both medications function similarly.
Side Effects: What You Need to Know
While Ozempic has been praised for its weight loss benefits, it’s not without side effects, some of which can be severe. These include:
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Nausea and vomiting – Slower digestion can lead to stomach discomfort and even vomiting.
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Stomach paralysis (gastroparesis) – Food can sit in the stomach for too long, causing bloating and discomfort.
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Loss of lean muscle mass – Studies indicate that up to 40% of the weight lost on these drugs comes from muscle, not just fat.
The Role of Nutrition and Exercise
One major concern with Ozempic and Wegovy is that without proper nutrition and exercise, much of the weight lost can come from muscle mass instead of fat.
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Protein intake is crucial – A high-protein diet helps prevent muscle loss while on these medications.
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Strength training is essential – Resistance exercises help preserve lean muscle mass, preventing metabolic slowdowns.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Ozempic?
Many people see significant weight loss while on Ozempic, but what happens when they stop?
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Appetite returns – The body no longer has the appetite-suppressing effects of the drug.
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Muscle loss can worsen weight regain – If lean muscle mass was lost, metabolism slows, making weight regain more likely.
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Lifestyle habits matter – Without healthy eating patterns and exercise, many individuals regain the weight they lost.
Should You Take Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Ozempic may be a useful kickstart for those struggling with weight loss, but it’s not a magic solution. A long-term approach that includes proper nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes is essential.
The Be Fit Food Approach to Sustainable Weight Loss
At Be Fit Food, we focus on whole-food, high-protein, low-carb meals to support sustainable weight management. Whether you’re using medication or focusing on natural weight loss, a balanced diet and resistance training are key to long-term success.
Looking for a science-backed approach to healthy weight management? Book in for a complimentary dietitian consultation here: https://befitfood.com.au/pages/free-dietitian-consultation
References
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Camilleri, M., Chedid, V., Ford, A. C., Haruma, K., Horowitz, M., Jones, K. L., & Stanghellini, V. (2022). Gastroparesis. Gastroenterology, 163(1), 24-40. https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(21)03549-1/fulltext
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Church, D. D., Hirsch, K. R., Park, S., Kim, I. Y., Gwin, J. A., & Wolfe, R. R. (2020). The role of protein intake in resistance training–induced changes in muscle mass, strength, and body composition. Frontiers in Physiology, 11, 573. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2020.00573/full
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Heymsfield, S. B., Coleman, L. A., Miller, R., & Raatz, S. K. (2022). Changes in body composition with semaglutide treatment for weight management: a post hoc analysis. Nature Medicine, 28(4), 905-915. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-01887-2
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Leidy, H. J., Clifton, P. M., Astrup, A., Wycherley, T. P., Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S., Luscombe-Marsh, N. D., ... & Mattes, R. D. (2015). The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 101(6), 1320S-1329S. https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/101/6/1320S/4564495
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Rubino, F., Amiel, S. A., Zimmet, P., Alberti, G., & Bornstein, S. R. (2022). New classification and management of obesity as an adiposity-based chronic disease: a position statement of the International Consensus Conference on Obesity. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 18(7), 397-416. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41574-022-00744-6
