Ozempic 101: What are GLP-1s?

If you’ve been following the news about pharmaceuticals and weight loss recently, there’s no doubt you’ve come across the name Ozempic and other medications called GLP-1 agonists. But the news might also leave you with some very valid questions. Like, what is Ozempic exactly? Is it different from Wegovy? And how do you use these medications and other GLP-1 drugs for weight loss? And are they safe, and how do they work, and how do you get a prescription, and, and, and…

Your curiosity, possible confusion, and even skepticism about GLP-1 medications are well-deserved! Some reports call them magic medications for weight loss, while others only mention serious and scary side effects. That’s why we’re here to discuss the basics of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, how they function as a weight loss medication, and what you need to know about getting a prescription. Let’s dive in.

What is Ozempic?

Both Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names for semaglutide, a medication that was first developed to help manage type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1 drugs help control blood sugar levels, reduce appetite, and help with weight loss. Other GLP-1 drugs include Monjauro, Metformin, and Rybelsus.

Even though both Ozempic and Wegovy have the same active ingredient, they’re approved for different purposes! Ozempic is FDA-approved to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels when used along with diet and exercise. Ozempic is also approved for reducing the risk of major heart problems and strokes for adults with or without type 2 diabetes and for those with heart disease (1).

Wegovy is approved as a medication for weight loss and management for adults with overweight or obesity. Using Ozempic for weight loss is an off-label use since it isn’t currently approved specifically for this purpose.

Both Wegovy and Ozempic are medications that you inject once a week into the fatty tissue under your skin, either in your belly, outer thigh, upper butt, or the back of your arm.

How does Ozempic work?

Okay, so we know that both Wegovy and Ozempic are brand names for semaglutide, and semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist. But, how does Ozempic work exactly? To understand this one, we have to dive into the body’s hormones.

GLP-1 is a hormone that your small and large intestines make. This hormone is involved in regulating your appetite, slowing your digestion, and how your body processes sugar. So, GLP-1 agonist medications like Ozempic mimic this natural hormone. How? By attaching to cell receptors in your GI tract, pancreas, and brain, and causing the same effects as the GLP-1 hormone.

And the results? One study showed that participants who took a weekly dose of semaglutide lost an average of 15 percent of their body weight over 68 weeks when paired with lifestyle change (2).

With all that in mind, here’s how semaglutide can help with weight loss:

• Slows down digestion: One of the main ways semaglutide helps with weight loss is by slowing down the emptying of your stomach. This means you feel full longer after meals, which can help you reduce your calorie intake overall (3).
• Reduces appetite: Semaglutide interacts with the receptors in your brain in a way that reduces hunger pangs, helps with cravings, and makes you feel more satiated after eating (1).
• Lowers blood sugar levels: GLP-1 drugs increase the amount of insulin your body makes and keep your pancreas from making the hormone glucagon, which raises your blood sugar (4).
• Promotes Fat Loss: GLP-1 medications improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar management, helping to support weight loss.

Wegovy and Ozempic side effects

Like all medications, Wegovy and Ozempic come with potential side effects. It’s important to know what to watch out for when using semaglutide for weight loss, and be sure to talk with a doctor if you’re concerned about potential side effects.

Mild side effects can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain

The most common side effect of Ozempic is nausea and vomiting. Taking Zofran alongside Ozempic or another GLP-1 drug can help soothe your stomach while your body adjusts to this new medication.

More serious but less common side effects can include:

• Pancreatitis: Ozempic and Wegovy can cause inflammation of the pancreas and you should reach out to a doctor if you start experiencing severe stomach pain.
• Gallbladder problems: They can increase your risk of gallbladder problems including gallstones and inflammation.
• Kidney problems: The mild side effects of vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration in those with existing kidney problems, making those kidney problems worse.
• Vision changes: Diabetes can cause damage to your eyes and you should reach out to a doctor if you have any changes in vision while taking these medications.
• Low blood sugar: When used with another medication that can cause low blood sugar, these medications can increase your risk of getting low blood sugar.

There’s also a serious boxed warning, as Ozempic and Wegovy like it have been shown to cause thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer in animal studies. It isn’t known whether these medications can cause thyroid tumors in humans, but you shouldn’t take Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss or diabetes if you or your family have had:

• Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

Is Ozempic safe?

Ozempic, Wegovy, and other GLP-1 drugs are considered safe when prescribed by a healthcare provider and taken as directed. As always, make sure to follow your prescription instructions and reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any unusual side effects.

While semaglutide is only FDA-approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy, that doesn’t mean that Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications are unsafe! It just means that they haven’t gone through the rigorous testing needed to recommend them specifically as medication for weight loss. Most people who take either Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss or diabetes management do so without experiencing serious complications.

That said, Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs aren’t right for everyone. You shouldn’t take these medications if you have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Ozempic and Wegovy aren’t recommended if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, definitely discuss the risks and benefits of Ozempic, Wegovy, and other GLP-1 medications with your healthcare provider.

How to get Ozempic for weight loss

So, if you don’t have a history of MTC or MEN 2, and you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding, you might be wondering how to get prescribed Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss. To get a prescription, you need to meet a few requirements—and talk with a medical professional, of course!

Your doctor might prescribe semaglutide for weight loss if you have obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. You might also be prescribed semaglutide if you have a BMI of 27 or higher and one of the following health conditions that affect weight, including:

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure

If you’re curious about medical options like Wegovy or Ozempic, the first step is to consult with a trusted healthcare professional. They can help you determine if this medication is right for you, and help you access and take this medication safely.

Managing your weight is often a confusing, difficult, and lifelong journey. That’s why it’s totally natural to look towards promising weight loss medications like semaglutide and GLP-1s. But, it’s important to remember that these medications are only part of the puzzle–regular exercise and a healthy diet will always be crucial pieces as well. With the right plan in place, including healthy lifestyle changes, GLP-1 medications can be an effective tool to help you reach your weight loss goals and improve your overall health.