Overview of Ozempic and Weight Loss
Ozempic® (semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes. It is similar to a hormone called GLP-1 that helps control blood sugar levels. Ozempic® helps improve A1C (average blood sugar over 3 months), fasting blood sugar, and body weight through improved insulin sensitivity, reduced food intake, and other mechanisms.
In recent years, Ozempic has also been used "off-label" for weight loss in people without diabetes. Research shows it can be a highly effective medication for losing weight and keeping it off long-term. When used specifically for weight loss rather than diabetes, it is sometimes referred to as Wegovy™ but it is the same semaglutide medication.
People using Ozempic for weight loss have experienced average losses of 15-20% of their body weight over 68 weeks, which is significant compared to other weight loss medications. It works by acting on receptors in the brain to increase feelings of fullness and reduce appetite.
The FDA has approved Wegovy, a higher dose of semaglutide, specifically for chronic weight management. But many doctors prescribe Ozempic off-label due to positive real-world evidence for weight loss.