Ozempic® (semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. Ozempic helps improve blood sugar control by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Recently, Ozempic has gained attention as an effective medication for weight loss in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
When used specifically for weight management rather than diabetes, Ozempic is given at a lower dose than the diabetes treatment dosage. Still, Ozempic used for weight loss provides impressive reductions in body weight and BMI for most patients.
In clinical trials, people using Ozempic lost on average 15-18% of their body weight over 68 weeks when combined with lifestyle intervention. Significant improvements were also seen in cardiometabolic risk factors like waist circumference, blood pressure, and lipid profiles.
Ozempic leads to weight loss through several mechanisms of action:
Together, these effects make adjusting dietary habits and lifestyle easier for sustained weight loss.
Ozempic is appropriate for certain adult patients with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. These conditions may include:
Ozempic is not indicated for weight loss in patients with type 1 diabetes. Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 should not use Ozempic due to a possible increased risk of thyroid tumors.
Ideally, candidates for Ozempic will be motivated to institute lifestyle changes to support weight loss goals. Commitment to improved nutrition and 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week is encouraged. Patients should also have reasonable weight loss expectations of around 15% of body weight.
Initiating Ozempic requires careful evaluation and monitoring by a qualified healthcare provider. Comprehensive lab testing helps determine appropriateness for treatment. Required blood tests include:
A complete physical exam and assessment of medical history is also needed before starting Ozempic. This will check for any contraindicated conditions and establish baseline metrics like height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure.
Ozempic is injected once weekly using an easy-to-use prefilled pen device. When used for weight management, most patients begin at a 0.25 mg dose for the first four weeks, then increase to 0.5 mg. After another four weeks at 0.5 mg, providers may raise the dosage to 1 mg if additional weight loss is desired.
| Dosage Schedule |
|---|
| First Month | 0.25 mg |
| Second Month | 0.5 mg |
| Third Month | 1 mg |
The 1 mg dose is the maximum dosage used for weight loss. Patients with type 2 diabetes can use doses up to 2 mg under medical supervision.
Regular follow-up appointments allow monitoring of weight loss progress and possible medication adjustments. Continued lab testing also checks for any side effects. Most experts recommend continuing Ozempic for at least 68 weeks (about 16 months) for optimal weight loss results.
As demonstrated in pivotal clinical trials, Ozempic produces greater weight loss compared to placebo and other anti-obesity medications. For example, the SUSTAIN FORTE trial had the following key findings:
The effects of Ozempic are further enhanced when combined with nutritional ketosis. According to data presented at ObesityWeek 2021:
Thus, Ozempic used alongside evidence-based lifestyle changes may provide even better outcomes than seen in research trials. However, medication adherence remains vital for success.
Beyond impressive weight loss, Ozempic offers many additional benefits:
Heart Health
Reduced Inflammation
Better Blood Sugar Control
Improved Fertility
Enhanced Quality of Life
The reductions in cardiometabolic disease risk factors may ultimately translate into increased lifespan and longevity.
Like all potent medications, Ozempic does have some potential side effects. However, most are mild to moderate and often resolve with time. Common adverse reactions can include:
Rare but serious side effects involve diabetic retinopathy complications, kidney injury, gallbladder disease, and thyroid cancer.
In clinical trials, gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were the main reasons for treatment discontinuation. Starting with lower doses and slowly titrating up can help minimize stomach upset. Lifestyle adjustments like mindful eating, proper hydration, daily movement, and stress management further prevent adverse effects.
Ozempic has an excellent long-term safety profile with two years of clinical trial data available thus far. Still, careful provider supervision ensures safe and effective medication use.
The dedicated providers at Wellness Clinic Weight Loss Clinic specialize in supervised Ozempic treatment for obesity and metabolic disease. Our experienced nurses, nutritionists, and physicians personalize cutting-edge non-surgical weight loss plans to help patients achieve long-term results.
We prioritize a multifaceted approach that addresses root causes of weight gain like hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation and toxicity, disordered metabolism, microbiome disruption, chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and nutritional deficiencies. Lifestyle coaching, advanced testing, supplement recommendations, and prescription medications restore wellness from inside out.
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At Wellness Clinic Weight Loss Clinic, your satisfaction through exceptional service is our top priority. We invite those struggling despite diet and exercise alone to harness the power of Ozempic. Contact us today to start your weight loss journey!
Ozempic is a highly effective and safe medication for achieving substantial weight loss when combined with lifestyle modifications. Under medical supervision at a reputable clinic like Wellness Clinic, Ozempic can help manage obesity and related conditions, improving overall health and quality of life. If you're ready to take control of your weight, consider exploring Ozempic therapy tailored to your specific needs.
