Although Ozempic (semaglutide) is not indicated for weight loss, the results attained during studies and trials do show promise in assisting individuals with weight loss.
Can Ozempic Help Manage Obesity?
Possibly. Novo Nordisk conducted a 68-week trial to determine how 2.4 mg of semaglutide, administered via a subcutaneous injection, would affect the body weight of 902 people.
Participants were either overweight with comorbidities or obese. For the first 20 weeks, which was the run-in period of the trial, all participants received a weekly dose of semaglutide. Of the 902 participants, 803 reached the targeted 2.4 mg dose. These 803 individuals decreased their mean body weight from 236.33 lbs. (107.2 kg) to 211.86 lbs. (96.1 kg), a loss of 24.47 lbs. (11.09 kg).
For the next 48 weeks, these participants either continued treatment with the 2.4 mg weekly dose of semaglutide or received a placebo. Those who continued receiving the medication decreased their mean body weight of 211.86 lbs. (96.1 kg) by 8.8 percent, which totals 18.64 lbs. (8.45 kg), whereas, participants who received the placebo gained back 6.5 percent or 1.59 lbs. (0.72 kg) of the weight they had lost during the run-in period of the trial. Participants who received the semaglutide throughout the entire trial (68 weeks) achieved a total weight loss of 17.4 percent, which equals 41.12 lbs. (18.78 kg).
FAQ
How does Ozempic help you lose weight?
Ozempic assists with weight loss by mimicking the hormone that is responsible for regulating appetite. In addition to decreasing appetite, it reduces cravings and changes one’s dietary preference. Ozempic also slows down the digestion process, which helps an individual feel fuller longer.
How long does it take for Ozempic to start working?
Ozempic begins working within one to three days of injection.
Is Ozempic or Victoza better for weight loss?
A study published in 2018 in the Lancet, indicates that Ozempic is much more effective for weight loss than Victoza (liraglutide) is. According to the study, people who took Ozempic lost 11 to 14 percent of their mean body weight and those who took Victoza only lost 7.8 percent.
Can non diabetics take Ozempic?
Currently, Ozempic is not indicated for use as a weight-loss drug; however, studies have been conducted to determine how effective Ozempic would be for nondiabetic individuals who are obese. One study, which included 957 participants (35 percent of which were male) with a body mass index of at least 30, indicates that Ozempic would be beneficial for those who do not have type 2 diabetes but are obese.
There are companies that are now creating weight-loss programs based on utilizing GLP-1 medications to send signals to your brain to reduce appetite, improve your metabolic function, and regulate your digestion. Read our full Calibrate weight loss review.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
