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Ozempic reviews

Ozempic is a weekly injectable medicine that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. The active drug found in Ozempic is very similar to one of our own natural hormones called GLP-1. GLP-1 helps to reduce blood sugar, but also reduces hunger and makes people feel fuller. This can help weight loss and has led to the popularity of Ozempic to be used privately for weight management. By helping to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce body fat, Ozempic can help your overall health and there's emerging research to show it can help regulate the menstrual cycle for those with PCOS. However, Ozempic may affect levels of hormone replacement therapy or menopausal hormonal therapy in the bloodstream so you should take care if using both of them together.

Active ingredient

Semaglutide

Product type

Prefilled injection pen

How is it used

By injection into the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm

Frequency

Once weekly

Dosage

0.25 - 2mg

Do I need prescription?

yes

Ozempic benefits

Some of the potential benefits of this medication and associated weight loss

Increased energy

Increased feeling of fullness

Reduced appetite

Lower blood pressure

Improved cholesterol levels

Improved blood sugar control

Better mobility

Less joint pain

Improved PCOS symptoms

Improved confidence

Better mood/mental wellbeing

Improved fertility

Weight loss

Ozempic possible side effects

Some of the possible side effects associated with this medication

Fatigue

Nausea

Vomiting

Constipation

Diarrhoea

Bloating

Burping

Indigestion

Headache

Hair loss

Gallstones

Pancreatitis

Kidney problems

Mood changes

Depression

Anxiety

Period changes

Muscle loss

Body aches

Osteoporosis

Weight gain after stopping

Ozempic alternatives

Medications that work in similar ways or brands that have the same active ingredient

Ozempic FAQs

Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics your natural GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite, increase the feeling of fullness and slow emptying of the stomach. This helps reduce body weight by acting on the brain’s hunger centres. It is the same active ingredient as Wegovy and is lisenced to be used for type 2 diabetes.
Adults over 18 with a BMI over 30 (obesity), or over 27 (overweight) with a weight-related health condition like prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease or sleep apnoea. It must be combined with lifestyle changes like diet and physical activity. You can not use Ozempic if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or you have a personal/family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2, or you have type 1 diabetes.
Ozempic is prescribed on the NHS for type 2 diabetes, it is not licenced to be prescribed for weight loss on the NHS.
The average cost for Ozempic privately is between £150 to £180 per month.
In a large global trial, people with a BMI over 30 lost an average of around 15% over 16 months over use. Benefits plateau over time so lifestyle changes are key to long-term maintenance of weight loss.
There is no specific way to stop Ozempic, it is what works for you. Some people reduce the dose slowly, others stop it immediately.
Ozempic usually starts working quickly wihtin 4-8 weeks. However, it can take months to see a significant weight loss. Results will be improved if you also concentrate on making healthy dietary changes and increasing exercise including strength training.
If you have nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea as side effects with Ozempic, this can cause dehydration. If you have these symptoms and feel weak, thirsty or are passing little urine, seek medical advice. Abdominal pain can be caused by gallstones or pancreatitis which are risks associated with Ozempic and you should see a doctor with these symptoms. Some people experience mood change with Ozempic, so please speak to someone if you feel low. The Samaritans are available 24/7 365 days a year on 116 123 or call NHS 111, choosing option 2.
Wegovy and Ozempic are actually the same drug. The difference is in the licensing, Wegovy is licensed for weight loss, however Ozempic is lisenced to treat type 2 diabetes.
If you stop taking Ozempic, the effects will wear off so you may feel more hungry or interested in food again. This is why it is so important to change your habits while using the medication. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise, including strength training, while using Ozempic and after you stop it will help maintain your weight.
Weight regain is likely unless lifestyle changes are maintained. Most regain at least half of lost weight within 1 year.
As Ozempic is a fairly new drug, there is limited research on the long-term effects. As it is a new drug, it is still being monitored for safety, and any issue will be flagged up by health safety authorities.
Ozempic is known to cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea alongside reducing appetite. This can lead to dehydration and kidney failure which is why it's so important to drink plenty of water while using the medication. Ozempic can also increase the risk of gallstones and pancreatitis, which can be very serious. If you are diabetic and use Ozempic, you may be at risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) and worsneing of diabetic retinopathy (an eye condition associated with diabetes). Finally, Ozempic increases the risk of aspiration (where stomach contents go into the lungs) during a general anaesthetic.
How you feel on Ozempic is individual. Some people feel worse due to side effects, whereas other people feel much better due to the benefits of weight loss for their overall health or health conditions."
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