By Courtney McMahan, RD

If you search the hashtags #Ozempic or #OzempicChallenge on TikTok, you can scroll endlessly through users gushing about their weight loss success using the diabetes drug called Ozempic, also known as Semaglutide. 

Dr. Oz talked about Semaglutide in a segment on his show called, “Could a Diabetes Drug Cure Obesity?” Elon Musk has openly promoted the drug and credited WeGovy (another brand of Semaglutide) for his own weight loss. Many Kardashian fans have speculated that Kim and Khloe used Ozempic to aid their recent rapid weight loss. The Food and Drug Administration has stated that there is now a shortage of the drug. It’s believed that this shortage is due, at least in part, to the viral trend of using it for weight loss. This is starting to create issues for the individuals who need it to treat their type 2 diabetes. 

Is all the buzz around Ozempic warranted? Is this truly the magic pill dieters have been searching for since the inception of dieting—the one that can provide results without the need for diet and lifestyle change?

How does it work?

For those with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic helps them control their blood sugar by stimulating their pancreas to release insulin in the presence of blood sugar. Additionally, it blocks a hormone that stimulates the liver to release sugar.

But how does a drug for type 2 diabetes help those without diabetes lose weight? The blood sugar stabilizing effects of Ozempic may contribute to weight loss. This drug also delays gastric emptying—which means it slows down food leaving the stomach—so you’ll feel fuller for longer. This slowed digestion sends a message to your brain to let it know there’s food in the digestive tract, which decreases appetite. This may help increase satiety and cut down cravings, allowing you to make more balanced decisions about your diet. 

The Reality of Using Ozempic 

The truth is, like every other supposed weight loss elixir, Ozempic is no silver bullet. Many users end up coming off the drug due to the gastrointestinal side effects it causes, which include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Some patients have even report being nauseated by the thought of food itself, claiming that they can only take a few bites of their favorite meal before having to push the plate away. Other users complain of dehydration due to feeling nauseated by even drinking water. 

There also aren’t many studies on the long term sustainability of weight loss using Ozempic. However, one study found that participants who took Semaglutide for 68 weeks lost an average of 17.3% of their body weight, but when they withdrew for one year, they regained two-thirds of the weight they had lost within that time frame. As with all other weight loss aids, without proper diet and lifestyle changes, it is highly unlikely that users will keep the weight off after coming off of the drug.

Conclusion

If you and your doctor determine that the potential benefits of Ozempic outweigh the risks, this drug could be used as a jumpstart to your weight loss journey along with the proper diet and lifestyle changes. And it is certainly a better firstline option for weight loss than something more invasive like gastric bypass surgery. 

However, it is important to make an informed decision when deciding to go on one of these drugs. Consider the impacts it may have on appetite and digestion, and ensure that you have created a sustainable long-term plan with a doctor and Registered Dietitian in place that will allow you to keep the weight off for good.