Risks of Taking Ozempic for Weight Loss
Clinically reviewed by Kathleen Stanley, CDCES, RDN, LD, MSEd, BC-ADM, MLDE and Paige Quintero
What Is Ozempic and What Is It Used For?
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide — a prescription drug that helps people with diabetes control their blood sugar. It does this by reducing glucose (sugar) production in the liver and increasing insulin production in the pancreas. Ozempic may also promote weight loss.
However, mainly fueled by social media posts, there has been a recent surge in people without diabetes using Ozempic solely for weight loss. That spike has caused a shortage impacting those who need the medication for blood sugar management.
Shana Nicholson, Manager at the Baptist Health Diabetes Management Programs is worried, “As a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, I am concerned about the health of our patients living with diabetes who are unable to receive their prescribed medications, such as Ozempic, due to shortages,” she says.
What Does Ozempic Do for Diabetics?
In 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ozempic for use by people with type 2 diabetes. It’s a liquid solution given as an under-the-skin injection. Ozempic stimulates the production of a hormone called GLP-1 that causes the body to produce more insulin. Insulin promotes the absorption of glucose by the cells where it is converted into energy.
At the same time, GLP-1 limits glucose production in the liver. It also slows the digestive process, decreasing the risk of blood sugar spikes after a meal. By reducing glucose levels in the blood, while facilitating sugar’s conversion into energy, Ozempic assists persons with diabetes in controlling blood-sugar and HbA1c levels.
Why You Should NOT Take Ozempic To Lose Weight
Although Ozempic helps control blood sugar by lowering glucagon, a hormone that raises sugar levels, and may promote weight loss as a result, it should not be used for weight loss as it is not approved for that purpose.
It is important to note that the same active ingredient in Ozempic, called semaglutide, is also available under the brand name Wegovy for weight loss purposes.
Still, doctors around the U.S. are reporting frequent requests for Ozempic from people who don’t need it for diabetes management.
That’s the primary reason for not taking Ozempic for weight loss: Increased demand for the drug is creating shortages that adversely affect patients who need it to ensure their bodies can release enough insulin to control their diabetes.
Other issues that this “off-label” use is causing include:
- Taking care providers away from other essential tasks as they struggle to find Ozempic for their patients
- Risk of drug interactions for those taking Ozempic without medical supervision
- Regaining weight when no longer taking the medication if lifestyle changes haven’t been made
What are the Side Effects of Ozempic?
Like other drugs, Ozempic can have a range of side effects, some common and relatively minor, others less common but potentially more serious. The long-term side effects of using Ozempic are still under study. Anyone taking Ozempic, whether for managing type 2 diabetes or for weight loss, should be aware of possible risks associated with its use.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of taking Ozempic include:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Bloating
- Burping and/or gas
- Constipation
- Appetite loss
Taking Ozempic can also lead to low blood sugar in persons with type 2 diabetes. Associated symptoms include headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.
Serious Side Effects
More serious side effects of taking Ozempic may include:
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Stomach flu symptoms
- Blurred or compromised vision
- Mood changes
- Stomach paralysis (called ileus)
- Thyroid tumor symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, labored breathing, and swelling of the neck
- Pancreatitis symptoms, including severe stomach pain and elevated heart rate
- Kidney issues, including bloody urine and reduced volume
- Gall bladder issues, including jaundice, stomach pain, and gallstones
It is also possible to have an allergic reaction to Ozempic. Symptoms would include rapid heartbeat, disorientation, hives, labored breathing, and facial swelling. Allergic reactions require immediate medical attention.
Long-Term Risks
The most common long-term side effects of Ozempic are stomach-related, including nausea, vomiting, and associated symptoms. If you experience gastrointestinal issues like these for more than a few weeks, contact your physician. Long-term usage may also be implicated in more serious medical issues, including the development of pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, or gallstones. Medical researchers caution that the drug hasn’t been studied in broader populations, so there may be other possible side effects that have not yet been documented.
In addition, doctors caution that the drug hasn’t been studied in broader populations, so there may be other possible side effects that have not yet been documented.
Who Can Take Ozempic?
Ozempic is properly used by persons with type 2 diabetes to help regulate their blood sugar levels. These individuals would have been diagnosed by their healthcare provider, based on symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Ozempic has been shown clinically effective in managing glucose. Weight loss, if it occurs, is a consequence of its use, but not its primary purpose or function.
Who Should NOT Take Ozempic?
Ozempic is only intended and approved for people with type 2 diabetes. You should not take it solely for weight loss. Doing so may prevent patients who require the medication for blood sugar management from getting it. Interrupting their treatment with Ozempic creates serious health risks.
As we mentioned earlier, if weight loss is your goal, talk to your doctor about Wegovy - which is rooted in the same molecule as Ozempic - and which is indicated for weight loss.
You can do your part to prevent those risks by not taking Ozempic for weight loss and sharing this advice with your friends and family.
If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor can help you decide if Ozempic is right for you. If you’re experiencing type 2 diabetes symptoms, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, unintended weight loss, frequent infections, and slow-healing wounds and sores, contact your doctor. They can order a simple blood test to determine if you have type 2 diabetes.
There are medications approved for weight loss and weight management (such as Wegovy). Talk with your doctor if you find it hard to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. They can assess your health and recommend lifestyle changes, medication, and other treatments as appropriate.
“Ozempic is used to manage blood sugar from diabetes,” says Shana, “I urge those with prescriptions for Ozempic for weight loss and not for diabetes management to contact their healthcare provider to be switched to a comparable FDA approved medication for weight loss.”
Talk With Your Doctor About Ozempic
If you or a loved one has diabetes and looking for additional help, look no further than the Baptist Health team of experts. They can provide education, training, and support with lifestyle changes for pre-diabetes and diabetes self-management.
FAQ
Is Ozempic approved for weight loss?
Ozempic is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating type 2 diabetes but not for weight loss. The use of Ozempic for weight loss is considered “off label,” that is, for a reason other than the drug’s designated purpose.
What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?
If you stop taking Ozempic, you will likely see a return to your previous health status. You should expect your appetite to increase, your glucose levels to rise, and to possibly gain weight. Any unpleasant side effects should diminish as well.
Can I take Ozempic with high blood pressure?
Yes, persons with hypertension (high blood pressure) can take Ozempic. There is some evidence that it may decrease blood pressure as a side effect. The decision to take Ozempic with high blood pressure should only be made in concert with your physician.
How old do you have to be to take Ozempic?
You must be 18 years or older to take Ozempic. The long-term effects of Ozempic on younger populations have not been comprehensively studied.
Do doctors prescribe Ozempic for weight loss?
Some doctors prescribe Ozempic for weight loss, though it isn’t approved by the FDA for that purpose. Ozempic is designated as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, with weight loss being a possible side effect.
Can Ozempic be used for prediabetes?
Some doctors may prescribe Ozempic for persons with prediabetes, especially if they have been diagnosed as obese (meaning a body-mass index of 30 or more). Using Ozempic this way is considered off label, meaning that it is not FDA-approved.
Can Ozempic cause urinary problems?
Ozempic is not a diuretic, so it won’t increase urination. Some individuals have reported urinating less as well as changes in the way their urine smells.
