In this article, we will go over the Ozempic side effects of weight loss. Ozempic is a liquid solution that is administered through subcutaneous injection. It comprises the medication Ozempic, which belongs to a family of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists).
Ozempic is a brand-name prescription medicine used to treat the following conditions:
i. Improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes via diet and exercise
ii. Lower the risk of major cardiovascular issues in individuals with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes through diet and activity
But these days this drug is being used to lose weight as well. Despite the fact that the drug’s maker, Novo Nordisk, warns that “Ozempic is not licensed for chronic weight control,” doctors are increasingly prescribing it off-label, which is what Kim Kardashian is alleged to have done in order to fit into her Marilyn Monroe gown at the 2022 Met Gala.
Does Ozempic Help Lose Weight?
You might enjoy this ostensibly miraculous medication. After a few months on. After taking 25 milligrams of Ozempic, you may notice that your jeans fit better. You may notice that everything in your closet is fitting better, and the scale confirms it: you’re dropping weight. Your doctor increases your dose, and the pounds continue to fall. Friends inquire as to what you are up to. Even your mother-in-law is curious. You might not recognize yourself after a year on Ozempic.
Many people claim to have lost weight while on it, and many people appear to be taking it. Ozempic is an injectable diabetic medication containing Ozempic, which can reduce blood sugar levels and stimulate insulin production. It also slows digestion and keeps you fuller for longer, so weight loss is a typical side effect.
Use of Ozempic In Hollywood
Since its release in the United States in early 2018, Ozempic has been a sought-after accessory in Hollywood, but despite its high out-of-pocket cost ($950 or more a month), lots of regular people are using it to lose weight. It’s being promoted to the general public with clever advertising on Instagram, TikTok, and cable TV networks, with the song “Oh! Oh! Oh! Ozempic!” set to the tune of the 1975 classic “Magic.” There are weight-loss-specific Ozempic Facebook groups with tens of thousands of members who post before-and-after images and share information such as where to get the injections (some say the arm or leg versus the stomach can help avoid nausea). The hashtag #ozempic has approximately 250 million views on TikTok and is still growing.
Ozempic Side Effects For Weight Loss
Some Ozempic side effects are unpleasant and make the drug difficult to take. The good news is that they normally go away with time. Although uncommon, there are certain major adverse effects to be aware of. Continue reading to discover more about the top ten Ozempic side effects to be aware of and how to manage them.
Ozempic Side Effect – Diarrhea
Diarrhea is another typical adverse effect of Ozempic. During clinical studies, around 9% of persons using it for Type 2 diabetes and 30% of people taking it for weight reduction had diarrhea.
As with nausea and vomiting, greater dosages of Ozempic are more likely to cause diarrhea. As previously stated, your healthcare practitioner will gradually increase your dose over time to reduce this adverse effect. Constipation is possible, but it is less frequent than diarrhea.
Ozempic Side Effect – Stomach Pain
Another typical stomach-related adverse effect of Ozempic is mild stomach discomfort. This, like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, should pass with time. The methods indicated above might also help to reduce this adverse effect.
Severe stomach discomfort may indicate severe adverse effects, such as pancreatitis or gallbladder issues (like gallstones). If this occurs, contact your healthcare physician straight away.
Ozempic Side Effect – Nausea and Vomiting
The most prevalent negative effect of Ozempic is nausea. In clinical studies, up to 20% of those using it for Type 2 diabetes complained of nausea. If you’re taking the higher-dose form for weight reduction, nausea is considerably more likely. Vomiting occurs less frequently than nausea.
Higher dosages of Ozempic are more likely to cause these negative effects. To reduce these side effects, your healthcare practitioner will gradually increase your dose over a few weeks. Most people will have fewer side effects as their bodies adjust to the medicine.
Eating smaller meals, avoiding high-fat foods, and keeping upright after eating can also assist with nausea and vomiting caused by Ozempic. However, if these side effects are followed by severe stomach discomfort that may or may not travel to your back, get immediate medical assistance. This might be an indication of pancreatitis, which is an uncommon but significant adverse effect. More on it in a moment.
Ozempic Side Effect – Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is uncommon while using Ozempic alone. This is because it works by instructing your body to release insulin in response to a certain meal.
However, taking Ozempic in conjunction with other blood sugar-lowering drugs, such as insulin and sulfonylureas, increases the risk of hypoglycemia. As a result, your healthcare practitioner may need to adjust the doses of these drugs when you begin taking Ozempic.
Ozempic Side Effect – Fatigue
Fatigue is a common adverse effect of Wegovy, affecting 11% of clinical trial participants. Fatigue was also noted in fewer than 5% of Ozempic users, but not at all in Rybelsus users.
Ozempic helps you lose weight by making you feel less hungry. In addition, consuming fewer calories may make you feel weary. Fatigue should subside as your body adjusts to any dietary changes.
Ozempic Side Effect – Pancreatitis
Although uncommon, Ozempic has been linked to pancreatitis. If this occurs, it might be fatal. Seek medical treatment right once if you have severe stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes).
If you have a history of acute pancreatitis, tell your doctor before taking Ozempic. They may advise you to take a different drug.
Ozempic Side Effect – Allergic Reactions
Severe allergic responses to Ozempic are uncommon, although they can occur. If you have swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, or shortness of breath after your dosage, call 911 or seek emergency medical treatment.
Itching, rash, or redness at the injection site are examples of mild allergic responses. With moderate responses, stopping Ozempic isn’t usually essential. However, you should still notify your healthcare practitioner about your response.
If you are allergic to any of the substances in oral or injectable Ozempic, do not use it. If you’ve had an adverse response to another medicine in the same class, there’s a risk you’ll have an allergic reaction to Ozempic.
Ozempic Side Effect – Thyroid Tumors
The FDA has issued a boxed warning (the strongest warning) concerning the risk of thyroid C-cell malignancies with Ozempic. This is because animal research revealed that GLP-1 agonists caused thyroid cancers in rats. Human investigations, however, have yet to substantiate this danger.
However, if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2, you should not take Ozempic. If you see any signs or symptoms of thyroid cancer, contact your doctor right once. These include a lump in your neck and soreness in your neck or jaw.
Ozempic Side Effect – Gallbladder Disease
Ozempic can cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones, however, it is uncommon. It was reported in fewer than 2% of clinical trial participants.
Upper stomach discomfort, fever, and jaundice are all symptoms of gallbladder disorders. There may also be clay-colored stools. Inform your healthcare professional as soon as these symptoms appear.
Consult your doctor about strategies to avoid gallbladder issues while taking Ozempic. This may involve dietary adjustments as well as regular physical activity.
When to Contact Your Doctor?
Many of the above-mentioned adverse effects may improve on their own while you continue to use Ozempic. Contact your healthcare practitioner if moderate stomach-related side effects do not go away after a few weeks. If they become severe at any stage, get medical treatment immediately. This might be an indication of something more serious.
If left untreated, hypoglycemia can become a major problem, potentially leading to hospitalization, coma, or death. It is critical to understand the symptoms of low blood sugar and how to cure it. If you see that your blood sugar levels are decreasing too low, contact your healthcare professional. Other blood sugar-lowering drugs you’re taking may need to be adjusted in dose.