Ozempic for weight loss: How does it work?

Ozempic is the groundbreaking medication that has changed the way we manage obesity, delivering remarkable weight loss results. The use of Ozempic for weight loss has also spurred the use of medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro for weight loss.

But, with negative press surrounding Ozempic, and the persistent shortages of this medication, you might be wondering what the deal is with Ozempic weight loss. Is it still accessible? What are your other options?

This guide is here to help — we'll cover everything you need to know about Ozempic for weight loss and alternative weight loss medications.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a medication originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but it has recently been used for weight loss management.

The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by targeting the part of the brain that regulates appetite, especially after meals, and slows stomach emptying, helping you feel full for longer [1].

How does Ozempic work for weight loss?

Ozempic works by mimicking GLP-1, a natural hormone in the body that is released by your digestive system after eating. This hormone is designed to help modulate feelings of fullness and plays an important role in managing hunger after meals, which it does by acting on your brain [2].

This hormone also helps manage blood sugar levels by regulating insulin secretion after consuming food. Ozempic lowers blood sugar levels and suppresses appetite by signalling to the brain that you've had a meal, which is helpful for weight management.

In practical terms, Ozempic slows digestion and gastric emptying, so you feel fuller for longer periods after consuming smaller amounts of food. This generally means you're eating and snacking less, lowering your overall calorie consumption.

By targeting the brain’s appetite-regulating receptors, Ozempic can also help lower your body's natural “set point” — the weight your body biologically strives to maintain. This adjustment further supports sustainable weight loss.

Who can take GLP-1 medications for weight loss?

Weight loss treatments have eligibility requirements. These prescription medications are considered suitable for those who:

• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, indicating obesity
• Have a BMI of 27 or higher and weight-related health complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes [3]

GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, are not considered suitable for those who are/have:

• Under 18 or over 75 years
• Pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive
• Type 1 diabetes
• Thyroid cancer, or family members with a history of thyroid cancers
• Liver disease
• Kidney problems
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
• Previous bouts of pancreatitis
• Diabetic eye disease

Ozempic for diabetes and weight loss?

Ozempic was designed for the treatment of diabetes and this remains the primary purpose of the medication.

Ozempic is used to treat diabetes as it reduces blood glucose levels by encouraging insulin secretion but only works when blood glucose is high. It also reduces the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels, when blood glucose is elevated.

In the UK, Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes treatment (and is available via the NHS for this) but is occasionally prescribed off-label for weight loss. However, prescribers are moving away from supplying Ozempic as a weight loss treatment and instead, you're more likely to be prescribed Wegovy, which is another semaglutide-based GLP-1 medication.

Wegovy works similarly to Ozempic, but it was created solely for weight loss and weight management. Other weight loss drugs that are also commonly prescribed include Mounjaro, which is a dual-action GLP-1 and GIP medication. More on this later!

What are the side effects of Ozempic?

All medications come with a risk of side effects and Ozempic is no different. Mild side effects that last temporarily, are expected in 1 in 10 patients.

The most common Ozempic side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Abdominal pain or stomach cramps
• Acid reflux/heartburn
• Diarrhoea, constipation or upset stomach
• Burping and flatulence

Some of these side effects are from secondary effects, not the medication itself. For example, vomiting can lead to dehydration, which presents as a headache and fatigue. Make sure you stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet with regular meals throughout the day whilst taking medications like Ozempic.

In very rare cases, if your side effects are severe, or you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (including swelling of face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing or rapid heartbeat), please seek immediate medical assistance from your GP or nearest A&E.

The new age of weight loss medications: Wegovy and Mounjaro

It's now less likely that you'll be prescribed Ozempic for weight loss in the UK and instead, if eligible, you'll probably be offered Wegovy or Mounjaro (we prescribe both here at Juniper).

Wegovy is a weekly injection that contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, semaglutide, and mimics the GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite and cravings to keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Mounjaro, on the other hand, which includes the active ingredient tirzepatide, acts on the GLP-1 hormone as well as another hormone pathway called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which works to promote fat loss and block fat gain.

The combined effects of GLP-1 and GIP make this medication incredibly effective at regulating your appetite, encouraging fat loss and preventing weight gain.

Expected weight loss on GLP-1 treatments

Weight loss looks different for everyone and while some might experience it within days of commencing a GLP-1 medication, for others it may take a few weeks.

However, when weight loss drugs are used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, like modifications to your diet and exercise habits, they can be life-changing.

A 2021 clinical trial looked at 1,961 obese and overweight adults who were randomly assigned semaglutide injections or a placebo. After 68 weeks, those on a higher dose of GLP-1 medication, lost an average of 15.3kg, while the placebo group lost an average of 2.6kg [4].

The study participants also implemented significant lifestyle changes alongside the medication, which helped enhance the weight loss experience.

When looking at the efficacy of the combined GLP-1 and GIP weight loss treatments, the results are even more impressive. In fact, according to clinical trials, Mounjaro, is the most effective weight loss treatment available right now and it's common to experience a fairly dramatic weight loss outcome with this medication.

A 2022 study of over 2,500 patients found an average of up to 20.9% body weight loss in patients on GLP-1/GIP after 72 weeks [5].

In the same study, up to 90.9% of patients were able to achieve at least 5% weight loss, up to 83.5% were able to achieve at least 10% weight loss and 56.7% were able to achieve at least 20% weight loss in 72 weeks of treatment.

Ozempic vs Wegovy injection dosages

While Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient and seem like the same drug, there are differences beyond the fact that they are licensed for different uses.

The biggest distinction between these prescription medications is the dosages. Wegovy comes in a variety of dose strengths, while Ozempic is comparatively limited.  

Wegovy dosage

Wegovy comes in 5 different strengths, with each pen a different colour. The intention is that you gradually increase your dose every 4 weeks, but some people don't tend to tolerate the highest dose very well, so you may sit on a lower dose for longer.

The Wegovy dosages are:

• Weeks 1-4: 0.25mg (green pen)
• Weeks 5-8: 0.5mg (pink pen)
• Weeks 9-12: 1mg (brown pen)
• Weeks 13-16 or longer: 1.7mg (blue pen)
• Weeks 17 and onwards: 2.4mg (black pen)

Your prescriber will instruct you as to what dose is best for your situation.

Ozempic dosage

Ozempic, on the other hand, has a more limited range of doses.

• Weeks 1-4: 0.25mg
• Ongoing: 0.5mg

An Ozempic dosage can be increased up to 2mg per week, under the guidance of your prescriber.

How long can I use GLP-1 weight loss treatments?

Medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro have been developed for long-term use. The length of time you use GLP-1 medication will differ from person to person and this is something you can discuss with your prescriber.

Losing weight with Juniper

At Juniper, we understand the importance of taking a holistic approach to long-term weight loss. We combine weight loss medication with a dietitian-led health coaching programme to help you lose weight, and keep it off.

With Juniper's Weight Reset Programme, you can kickstart your weight loss with Wegovy or Mounjaro, which helps to control cravings, delay stomach emptying and keep you feeling fuller for longer so you never feel deprived.

Juniper is the only medicated weight loss programme focused on fat loss and muscle maintenance. This is vital for burning calories, keeping metabolism high, and preventing weight regain. Our app provides easy step-by-step goals around nutrition and movement, designed to support your muscle mass on the medication.

Our clinical team of healthcare professionals, health coaches and dietitians are also involved in the weight loss journey with you, giving you all the tools and support needed to not only lose weight but keep it off, too. Our health coaches guide you with helpful and actionable advice to help you make the necessary lifestyle changes, like sticking to a reduced-calorie diet and increasing your physical activity levels.

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