From the Guidelines
Ozempic (semaglutide) is effective for weight loss, with a recommended dose of 2.4 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly, and should be used as part of a comprehensive weight management program including dietary changes and increased physical activity. The medication works by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that regulates appetite and food intake by acting on the brain's hunger centers, while also slowing stomach emptying to promote fullness 1. Patients using Ozempic for weight loss can expect to lose approximately 5-15% of their body weight over 6-12 months when combined with diet and exercise, with side effects commonly including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, which often improve over time 1. It is essential to consider the potential benefits and risks of Ozempic, including its effects on cardiovascular risk factors, such as lipids and blood pressure, and its potential for gastrointestinal side effects, which can be minimized with slow titration 1. The medication is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or actively trying to conceive and not recommended for use in women who are nursing, and patients should be aware that insurance often doesn't cover Ozempic for weight loss, and it requires continued use to maintain results 1. Key considerations for the use of Ozempic in weight loss include:
- Starting dose and titration: 0.25 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly for 4 weeks, then increased to 0.5 mg weekly, with possible further increases to 1 mg weekly if needed, and ultimately to 2.4 mg weekly for weight management 1
- Expected weight loss: 5-15% of body weight over 6-12 months when combined with diet and exercise 1
- Side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and potential gastrointestinal side effects, which can be minimized with slow titration 1
- Contraindications: women who are pregnant or actively trying to conceive, and not recommended for use in women who are nursing 1
- Comprehensive weight management program: including dietary changes and increased physical activity, not as a standalone solution 1
From the Research
Role of Ozempic (Semaglutide) in Weight Loss
- Ozempic (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that has been shown to be effective in promoting weight loss in patients with obesity 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Studies have demonstrated that semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss, with estimated mean weight loss ranging from 6.0% to 13.8% compared to placebo 6.
- Semaglutide has been compared to other weight loss medications, including liraglutide, and has been shown to be more effective in promoting weight loss 6.
- The medication works by mimicking the actions of enteropancreatic hormones that modify central appetite regulation, providing multiple cardiometabolic weight-loss benefits 2.
- Common adverse effects of semaglutide include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, but the medication is generally well tolerated 2, 6.
Efficacy of Semaglutide Compared to Other Medications
- Semaglutide has been shown to be more effective than other GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as liraglutide, in promoting weight loss 6.
- Compared to other weight loss medications, such as orlistat and phentermine-topiramate, semaglutide has been shown to have a more favorable efficacy and safety profile 3, 5.
- A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that semaglutide was one of the most effective medications for weight loss, with an estimated mean weight loss of -11.4% compared to lifestyle modification alone 5.
Safety and Tolerability of Semaglutide
- Semaglutide has been shown to be generally well tolerated, with common adverse effects including nausea, diarrhea, and constipation 2, 6.
- The medication has been associated with an increased risk of adverse events leading to drug discontinuation, but this risk is similar to that of other weight loss medications 5.
- Long-term studies are needed to fully assess the safety and efficacy of semaglutide for weight loss, but available data suggest that the medication is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with obesity 3, 4.