Evidence Based
Ozempic is flying off the pharmacological shelves thanks to recent publicity claiming its weight loss benefits.
Studies show significant weight loss[1] is possible in overweight or obese adults taking Ozempic. But it’s specifically made and FDA-approved for people with type 2 diabetes, so it’s not for everyone.
However, the drug isn’t the only factor that leads to weight loss — healthy lifestyle modifications were also implemented in many studies. For example, people with diabetes should still watch their daily carbs carefully.
So, how long does it take to lose weight on Ozempic? Read on to learn how it works, its risks, benefits, and how to take this medication safely.
How Long Does It Take To Lose Weight With Ozempic?
Studies show that weight loss typically occurs within 3-6 months after starting Ozempic. Maximum results are usually reached within one year. However, it’s important to note that some studies[2] implemented a holistic weight loss approach incorporating a healthy diet and exercise.
How Long Does It Take To Lose Weight On Ozempic?
How long does it take to lose weight with Ozempic? One study showed participants losing 10% to 15% of their total body weight within six months to one year[3] of use. However, they also maintained a healthy lifestyle, so the results aren’t necessarily entirely due to the drug.
If you’re looking for rapid weight loss and are wondering, “How long does it take Ozempic to start working for weight loss?” The answer is it depends on many factors, such as the dose, your initial weight, and lifestyle.
A shorter 12-week study, however, already showed weight loss[4] thanks to appetite suppression and fewer food cravings.
So, how long does Ozempic take to work for weight loss? Well, another study of people taking 1 mg of Ozempic per week showed a 10-pound loss over 30 weeks.[5]
All these varying results show that it can take three months to one year and relies heavily on individual factors.
Factors That Can Impact Weight Loss With Ozempic
Losing weight doesn’t always come easy, but it’s possible when taking a holistic approach. How long you’ll have to wait to lose weight on Ozempic depends on several factors. These include:
Dosage
How much Ozempic you take can have a direct impact on weight loss. Higher dosages[6] may lead to more significant weight loss, but they also increase the risk of side effects. However, the dosage is highly individualized and up to your medical doctor.
Don’t alter your medically prescribed recommended dosage without checking with your healthcare provider first.
Initial Weight
Starting with a higher weight might lead to more rapid and immediate weight loss in taking Ozempic. However, you might reach a plateau or develop a more gradual decrease, where adjustments with diet and exercise are needed.
Diet
Weight loss occurs as a result of burning more calories than you eat. While Ozempic might help reduce your appetite, unhealthy food, and a caloric surplus won’t help your weight loss goals. Even if you’re on a weight loss drug, you should aim for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Also, consider health and wellness supplements, like a multivitamin, if you have any deficiencies.
Physical Activity
Regular exercise habits are necessary for health and longevity. Both strength training and cardio workouts can boost your mood,[7] and metabolism and help you lose weight. So, even if you’re taking Ozempic, you’ll still want to be active for the recommended minimum of 150 minutes a week.[8]
Metabolism
We each have various factors determining how quickly we metabolize food or lose weight. For example, your age and sex will have a big impact on weight loss.
Medical Conditions
Chronic health conditions, such as thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, etc., also impact weight loss.
Medications
Weight loss medication can interact with other prescription drugs. The combination may enhance or reduce your ability to lose weight. Your doctor will assess and decide if any changes need to be made.
Following Instructions
Ozempic should be taken as prescribed for optimal results. Speak to your doctor if you miss some treatments or change the dosages.
Mental Health
We can’t forget just how much our mental health affects our weight.[9] Stress, depression, and anxiety all impact our weight through various factors. This includes our ability to sleep well, our energy levels, motivation, and food cravings.
Lifestyle
Besides everything mentioned above, there are daily lifestyle habits to consider. For example, sleep deprivation,[10] smoking, and drinking[11] affect weight and reduce overall health. Prioritizing sleep for weight loss can help, and many calories are burned while sleeping.
How Does It Work?
Knowing exactly how Ozempic works can help you better understand how it’s affecting your body. Let’s dive into the details.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar
Ozempic’s active ingredient is semaglutide. It mimics the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1,[12] or GLP-1, which increases insulin[13] release from the pancreas. This can promote a more efficient glucose uptake that helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Reduces Cravings
This can also help reduce cravings[14] by avoiding large dips or spikes in blood sugar levels. Big dips can leave you feeling ravenous, leading to poor food choices. But with stable blood sugar levels, you might have a more gradual and manageable increase in hunger.
Slows Digestion
Ozempic also slows digestion,[15] meaning food leaves your stomach more slowly, which can help you feel fuller for longer.
Potential Side Effects
While Ozempic is generally well-tolerated, it can have potential side effects[16] just like any other drug. These include:
- Diarrhea.
- Pancreatitis.
- Constipation.
- Hypoglycemia.
- Vision changes.
- Abdominal pain.
- Kidney problems.
- Drug interactions.
- Allergic reactions.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Injection site reactions.
- Gastrointestinal issues.
- Acute Gallbladder disease.
Make sure you monitor your blood sugar levels and take the recommended dosage. It’s also important to report any side effects to your doctor so they can change or discontinue your prescription as needed.
Weight Regain After Stopping Ozempic
It’s common to regain the weight lost after stopping Ozempic. A study following 2000 adults without diabetes taking semaglutide for 68 weeks showed that two-thirds regained their prior weight[17] within one year after stopping.
If you want to lose weight fast without exercise or shrink your stomach and you think Ozempic will help — the truth is that it might only offer a quick fix and lead to yo-yo-ing with your weight.
So, if you’re just looking for fast results and are wondering, “How quickly do you lose weight on Ozempic?” Remember that you can just as quickly regain the weight if you don’t adopt a holistic approach.[18]
Conclusion
Ozempic is a type 2 diabetes drug with the active ingredient semaglutide. It mimics the natural hormone GLP-1 to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite to aid weight loss.
While it’s become famous for helping people lose weight, it should be known that many of the studies on Ozempic for weight loss also combined healthy lifestyle changes. A balanced diet, physical activity, and overall healthy habits were part of the treatment plan. So, it’s important to note that it’s not a miracle weight loss cure.
A weight loss journey with long-lasting results needs a holistic approach. Plus, many people experience weight gain after stopping Ozempic.
Frequently Asked Questions
You might notice blood sugar changes within the first week of treatment. Weight loss might take longer, anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
It depends on many factors, such as your starting weight, lifestyle, medication dosage, and other chronic health conditions or medications. One study showed people lost 2-4% of their initial body mass index in the first month, but this varies.
Follow a healthy lifestyle for a long-term healthy weight. That means healthy eating, exercising regularly, managing stress, and following medical advice.
Some people lose weight in their first week, but it depends on many individual factors. This includes dosage, starting weight, age, sex, health condition, lifestyle, diet, mental health, etc.
