Ozempic, the popular injectable diabetes medication, has recently gained fame as a weight loss wonder drug in celebrity circles. However, not everyone sees the dramatic slimming results touted in tabloid headlines. If you’ve been using Ozempic but aren’t shedding pounds as expected, you’re not alone. While Ozempic can be an effective weight loss aid for some, outcomes vary based on individual circumstances. Many factors influence each individual’s responses to weight loss medications so we consulted a medical expert to unravel the science behind Ozempic and provide more insight into why the expected results may differ for some people. Read on to understand the varied responses people have, as well as, what you can do to potentially improve yours.
What Is Ozempic?
Also known as semaglutide, Ozempic is a once-weekly injection that works to lower blood sugar, assisting the pancreas in making more insulin. Originally a medication for type 2 diabetes management, it is now being popularly used as a medication for weight management. Although there is a varied discourse about the ethics of using this drug for aesthetics rather than necessity, semaglutide is FDA-approved at higher doses for treating individuals with obesity and other weight-related medical problems under the name Wegovy.
Ozempic works in a few ways to support your weight loss journey. One of these methods is slowing down the emptying of the stomach, which helps regulate the absorption of glucose after meals. This helps prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar levels after eating. Ozempic also works to regulate appetite, which can lead to lower food intake and, subsequently, weight loss.
While incredibly helpful, it certainly won’t do all the work for you. Ozempic is typically prescribed alongside a lifestyle that supports sustaining your newfound weight loss, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. While Ozempic regulates your appetite and reduces your caloric intake, it’s common for people to gain weight back once they’ve stopped taking the medication due to a lack of maintenance.
Why Am I Not Losing Weight on Ozempic?
It’s certainly not unheard of to feel like you aren’t getting the fast-acting results Ozempic promises. Dr. Alex Foxman, a board-certified physician and medical director for Achieve Health and Weight Loss in Beverly Hills, weighed in on what may be going wrong and what you can do.
You’re Not Using the Right Dose
Ozempic is approved for diabetes treatment at doses of 0.5 mg or 1 mg per week, but for weight loss, higher doses of 2.4 mg per week are needed. A study showed that people who used 2.4 mg of Ozempic in combination with lifestyle interventions lost about 15% of their body weight in 68 weeks, compared to 2.4% in those on placebo.
Dr. Foxman’s tip: “Talk to your doctor about increasing your dose of Ozempic gradually until you reach the optimal dose for weight loss. Be aware that higher doses may cause more side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.”
You Aren’t Following a Healthy Diet and Exercise Plan
Ozempic is not a substitute for lifestyle changes, but rather, an adjunct to them. Ozempic works by mimicking a natural hormone that helps control appetite and blood sugar levels, but it does not burn calories or fat by itself.
Dr. Foxman’s tip: “Follow a balanced, low-calorie diet that is rich in protein, fiber, fruits and vegetables and low in added sugars, saturated fats and processed foods. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.”
You Have Other Medical Conditions or Take Medications That Affect Your Weight
Ozempic may interact with other drugs or supplements that affect blood sugar levels, such as insulin, sulfonylureas, metformin, or herbal remedies. Ozempic may also be less effective for people who have hypothyroidism, PCOS, Cushing’s syndrome, or other hormonal imbalances that cause weight gain.
Dr. Foxman’s tip: “Tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements you are taking and ask if they need to be adjusted while you are on Ozempic. Also, get tested for any underlying medical conditions that may affect your weight and treat them accordingly.“
You Have Unrealistic Expectations or Aren’t Tracking Your Progress
Ozempic is not a quick fix for obesity, but rather, a long-term treatment that requires patience and commitment. The average weight loss with Ozempic is about 34 pounds in 68 weeks, which means about half a pound per week. This may seem slow, but it is a healthy and sustainable rate of weight loss that can reduce the risk of complications such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Dr. Foxman’s tip: “Set realistic and specific goals for your weight loss journey and track your progress regularly using a scale, a tape measure, or a body fat analyzer. Celebrate your achievements and reward yourself with non-food treats, such as a massage, a movie, or a new outfit.”
You’re Experiencing Serious Side Effects or Complications From Ozempic
Ozempic is generally well-tolerated by most people, but it can cause some serious adverse events in rare cases. These include pancreatitis, intestinal blockage, and stomach paralysis, which can cause severe abdominal pain and require hospitalization.
Dr. Foxman’s tip: “Stop taking Ozempic and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms: severe or persistent nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; sharp or constant pain in your upper abdomen; yellowing of your skin or eyes; dark urine or clay-colored stools; swelling of your face, lips or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; lumps or swelling in your neck; changes in your mood or behavior; or thoughts of harming yourself or others.”
You Got This, Sis
Don’t get discouraged by comparing your journey to anyone else’s, and try not to waste too much time wondering “Why am I not losing weight on Ozempic?” Besides adjusting along the way and living a lifestyle supportive of a healthy and strong body, the best gift you can give your vessel is unconditional love and acceptance.