What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable medication formulated to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar (glucose) level, along with a balanced diet and exercise. The injectable prescription medicine is known as glucagon-like peptide-1-agonist (GLP1a). GLP1 is a natural hormone produced by our gut.
The hormone regulates our appetite by informing our brains that we are full. Losing weight is actually one of its potential side effects of Ozempic. Due to this ability, non-diabetic people use Ozempic for weight loss to manage their weight. And doctors prescribe this off-label to patients with obesity.
How does Ozempic help with Weight Loss?
The active ingredient in Ozempic, Semaglutide, is approved by the FDA at higher doses to help obese individuals lose weight. Those with Type 2 diabetes have lower GLP-1 levels.
The intestine cells release GLP-1 after food intake, triggering insulin release and blocking glucose production.
Ozempic mimics this natural hormone and delays the food movement through the digestive tract. It also interacts with the part of the brain that curbs appetite.
As a result, patients feel satiated for longer, eat less, and gradually lose weight. However, it is important that users follow a balanced diet and exercise regimen, or else they might maintain the same weight.
The reduced calorie intake due to Ozempic pen affects your energy levels. So, you might not feel up to doing the things you do or want to do normally.
How much weight can you lose with Ozempic?
Using the Ozempic weight loss pen has been effective. According to Novo Nodisk’s research, the drug’s active ingredient Semaglutide can help lose about 15% of body weight.
Clinical trials have shown that most people taking Ozempic for 26 weeks can shed about 12-13 pounds on average.
Where to get Ozempic in the UK?
You can get Ozempic for weight loss in the UK from Click Pharmacy. It is a registered online platform that delivers prescription and non-prescription medicines to your doorstep. If you don’t have a prescription, you can seek help from their online consultation services.
All you have to do is fill out an online medical assessment for your condition, and their experienced team of prescribers will generate a prescription for you. You can order your required medications and get your package the very next day.
Pros and Cons of Ozempic
Like any other medication, there are pros and cons of Ozempic, which users should know about before deciding to get on with this medication. The medicine comes in the form of a pen, thus commonly called Ozempic pen.
Ozempic Pros
Semaglutide is effective in managing blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The medicine improves insulin resistance and regulates blood sugar levels. For people who have difficulty losing weight despite exercise and diet, using the Ozempic pen could help them achieve their weight loss goals.
Semaglutide assists obese individuals in achieving the following:
- 5% to 20% body weight loss
- Improved cholesterol levels
- Improved blood pressure
- Improved blood sugar levels
- Reduced waist circumference
Most of the health conditions obese people suffer from are due to the additional weight. Reducing weight lessens the risks of various obesity-related issues significantly. Using injections for weight loss like Ozempic is effective in reducing the risks of the following conditions:
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular conditions
- High blood pressure
- Pain in Joints
- Sexual problems
- Sleep apnea
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
Ozempic Cons
- People using Ozempic, report the most common side effects of the drug:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Mild nausea
- Vomiting
However, most of these symptoms vanish as the body gets adjusted to the new drug and its effects on the digestion process. There are some other serious side effects of Ozempic such as:
- Allergic reactions
- Changes in vision
- Gallbladder issues
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Kidney problems (failure)
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
In some rare cases, users of the Ozempic weight loss pen have suffered from Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis). In this disorder, the food in the stomach stops going into the small intestine, or the process becomes slow. When the food sits too long in the stomach, it can harden, leading to blockages.
A few symptoms of Gastroparesis are:
- Abdominal discomfort and pain
- Acid reflux
- Bloated stomach
- Constipation
- Fluctuations in blood sugar
- Feeling full fast
- Indigestion or poor food digestion
- Nausea
- Spitting all food undigested
- Vomiting
Conclusion
Essentially a medicine to reduce risks in Type 2 Diabetes, Ozempic is becoming a popular option for weight loss treatment. The ease of use and effective results have made it a simple solution for those who are struggling with weight issues.
However, there are some common and rare side effects of the drug. Always consult your doctor and let them know the medicines you are taking before you go ahead and get a prescription for Ozempic.