The Effects of Using Ozempic as a Weight Loss Drug

Ozempic was released as a diabetes medication years ago. As patients saw a significant amount of weight loss using Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, the medication’s manufacturer, released a weight loss medication similar to Ozempic called Wegovy.

The difference is that Wegovy has a higher amount of Semaglutide, which is what causes weight loss.

“So pretty much, it’s the same pharmaceutical agent,” says Endocrinologist at MyMichigan Medical Center, Dr. Sujay Madduri. “Unfortunately, in the U.S., more than 100 million people have obesity, so I know everybody wants to get that weight down. So this was one of the best options, once a week injections.”

Diabetes medications having an impact on weight loss and that drug being repurposed as a weight loss treatment is a common occurrence historically.

But over the last two years, there have still been shortages of Ozempic.

“In the market, there was a little bit of misuse of Ozempic for weight loss in patients who didn’t have diabetes, and that definitely did create a lot of problems for our true diabetes patients who needed those medications,” said Madduri.

While the drug can help with weight loss, it should not replace a healthy diet and exercise.

“When you see good personal weight loss with the medication, that’s an easier target,” said Madduri. “That’s an easier way to get to your target the other way.”

In light of the recent shortage, Dr. Madduri is making it a priority for his patients to get the treatment that they need.

“I try not to misuse it,” he said. “I can definitely suggest not to use it, but again, depending upon the patient or physician, we want to make sure the diabetes patients get first difference so they get the medication first.”

Dr. Madduri also says the biggest side effects of using Ozempic for weight loss are more cosmetic than they are medical.