In the realm of modern medicine, few drugs have generated as much buzz as Ozempic. Ozempic is a medicine that was first made to help people with type 2 diabetes. It has an ingredient called semaglutide, which acts like a hormone in your body to help control blood sugar. This hormone helps your body make insulin, lowers another hormone that raises blood sugar, and makes your stomach empty food more slowly.
Does Ozempic help lose weight?
While it helps with diabetes, doctors found that Ozempic also helps people lose weight, says Dr Manjula Sridar, nutritionist, apollo spectra hospital, Chennai. Dr Sridar says that it makes you feel full longer and less hungry, which can help you eat less and lose weight.
Reduces hunger: Ozempic acts like a hormone in your body that makes you feel less hungry and fuller. This helps you eat less.
Slows stomach emptying: It makes food stay in your stomach longer, so you feel full for a longer time after eating.
Controls blood sugar: By helping control blood sugar levels, Ozempic can stop the ups and downs in blood sugar that can make you feel hungry.
The best way to take Ozempic
To get the most benefit from Ozempic, it’s important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider, says Dr Sridar. Here are some general guidelines according to her.
Dosage: Start with a lower dose as prescribed by your doctor to reduce the risk of side effects. The dose may be gradually increased over time.
Injection: Ozempic is administered as an injection under the skin. It is typically injected once a week, on the same day each week.
Injection sites: You can inject Ozempic into your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate the injection sites each week to avoid skin irritation.
Storage: Store Ozempic in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. Once opened, you can keep it at room temperature, but it should be used within 56 days.
Timing: It doesn’t matter if you take Ozempic with or without food. Pick a time that is convenient for you and stick to it every week.
Side effects of Ozempic
While Ozempic can be effective for managing diabetes and aiding weight loss, it can also cause side effects, warns Dr Sridar.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain, which are often more noticeable when starting the medication but usually improve over time. Some people may experience more serious side effects, such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), kidney problems, allergic reactions (like rash, itching, or swelling), and gallbladder issues, including gallstones.
Who should avoid it and why?
Ozempic might not be right for everyone. It's not for people with type 1 diabetes they need different treatments, suggests Dr Sridar. If someone had a bad allergic reaction to Ozempic before, they shouldn't use it again.
Also, if someone has a history of thyroid cancer or certain genetic conditions that raise the risk of thyroid tumors, they should avoid Ozempic. It can also cause problems for people with serious stomach issues. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use Ozempic because it could harm the baby. Before starting Ozempic, it's important to talk with a doctor about any health issues to make sure it's safe for you.
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