Key Takeaways

To achieve long-term weight loss with Ozempic (the branded version of semaglutide), staying on the medication indefinitely is recommended. However, since Ozempic is relatively new, its long-term effects remain unclear. Most people regain much of the weight lost after stopping the medication. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits such as regular physical activity and balanced diets can help sustain weight loss and reduce the likelihood of regaining the weight.

How Long Can You Stay on Ozempic (Semaglutide)?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It’s also used off-label for weight loss. The active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, helps to suppress the appetite and slow digestion, which help with weight loss. Semaglutide is also FDA approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy. It contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, but has a different dosage.

In order to see lasting results from Ozempic, many providers recommend that you stay on it long-term. However, since Ozempic is a newer drug, not many long-term studies have been done. 

Understanding Ozempic (Semaglutide)

Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable drug that helps with regulating blood sugar levels. It may also help with weight loss. The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide. Semaglutide works on glucagon-like peptide 1 receptors, also referred to as GLP-1. When semaglutide binds to these receptors it helps to lower blood sugar levels and create feelings of satisfaction to help curb hunger and prevent cravings. Semaglutide also slows down the digestive process, helping you feel full for longer. 

You may also see semaglutide sold under other brand names or as compounded semaglutide. Compounded semaglutide is a custom-mixed form of semaglutide that can often be more affordable than its branded counterparts.

Get compounded semaglutide with Ahara Med

Semaglutide Benefits

Whether Ozempic, Wegovy, or compounded semaglutide, this medication is not for everyone, but it can be beneficial when used by those who need it. The prescribed use of Ozempic is to regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. One study found that users of Ozempic had a reduction in hemoglobin A1C levels (a lab test used to identify the severity of diabetes) after 6 months of use. They also had a reduction in fasting blood sugar levels and body weight. 

Another study, looking specifically at the weight loss effects of Ozempic, showed that about one-third of the participants lost around 10% of their body weight with some losing up to 20%. Wegovy is a form of semaglutide that is FDA approved for weight loss.

It is important to note that in order to experience lasting side effects from Ozempic, you may have to stay on the medication long-term. Because Ozempic has only been available since 2017, we don’t yet know the effects of staying on it for many years.

Working with Ahara means you’ll have access to compounded semaglutide as part of a comprehensive weight management plan. You’ll also receive ongoing support through convenient online checkups and personalized nutritional guidance to help you achieve lasting results.

The Side Effects of Ozempic (Semaglutide)

As with any medication, Ozempic or compounded semaglutide has some common side effects. These include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation 

More serious side effects are rare but possible. They include:

• Thyroid tumor
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Gallbladder issues
• Kidney issues 

Semaglutide Recommended Dosing

Ozempic and compounded semaglutide are usually started on a lower dose and gradually increase over time. This helps your body adjust to the medication and also allows you to be sure you don’t have any bothersome side effects before increasing the dose. Your doctor will most likely start you on a dosage of 0.25 mg and increase it after 4 weeks. 

They will help monitor you for the desired effects of the drug as well as any side effects you’re experiencing and adjust it as they see fit. For example, if you’re not seeing your weight loss goals, they may increase the dose. If you are experiencing severe side effects they may decrease the dose. 

How Long Does it Take for Semaglutide to Start Working?

Many people may start seeing some amount of weight loss within about 4 weeks of starting semaglutide. Everyone will react differently and results and timing may vary. Because you’ll be starting on a lower dose that will gradually increase, you may notice more results over time as your dose increases. 

How Long Can You Continue Taking Compounded Semaglutide?

Many doctors recommend staying on it indefinitely, as its effects wear off once you stop taking the medication. That means many people regain much of the weight they lost after stopping semaglutide. This is true whether you take Ozempic, Wegovy, or compounded semaglutide.

Since Ozempic has only been available to the public since 2017, long-term safety data is still limited. While staying on the medication is generally considered safe if you don’t experience problematic side effects, many people stop taking it within a year or two due to side effects. 

It is important to build a good rapport with your provider while taking Ozempic or compounded semaglutide. When getting compounded semaglutide through Ahara, you’ll have ongoing support from your provider who you will meet with virtually on a regular basis. 

Do I Need to Stay On Semaglutide Long Term?

In order to see lasting results, you may need to stay on semaglutide long-term. It is possible to maintain some amount of weight loss when you stop Ozempic if healthy lifestyle habits are well-maintained. However, many people who stop using semaglutide regain weight afterwards.

When you get off of the medication, it is usually recommended that you slowly taper off rather than stop abruptly. This would mean slowly lowering your dosage until you are fully off. Your healthcare provider can provide you with instructions on how to get off semaglutide.

Are There Alternatives to Ozempic (semaglutide)?

Ozempic is not for everyone and there are other, sometimes more cost-effective ways to get semaglutide. Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient as both Ozempic and Wegovy. Depending on your insurance, it may come at a lower out-of-pocket cost for you. The dose of compounded semaglutide can also be adjusted in smaller increments depending on your needs.

The Significance of the Dosage of Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Ozempic dosing starts at 0.25 mg and can be slowly increased up to a maximum recommended dose of 2 mg. Wegovy dosing starts at 0.25 mg and can be increased up to a maximum recommended dose of 2.4 mg. Not everyone will be able to take the maximum dose. 

The goal is to maximize the benefits of the medication while minimizing side effects. If you are experiencing severe side effects, you may need to stay on a lower maintenance dose.

How to Buy Semaglutide Online Safely

It is possible to get Ozempic, Wegovy, and compounded semaglutide online. There are lots of pharmacies out there and it can be hard to know which one to pick. One thing to look out for is whether or not the pharmacy has VIPPS certification. VIPPS is offered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). PCAB Accreditation is a voluntary program that ensures compounding pharmacies are meeting the highest standards for safety and quality.

With Ahara, you can get prescribed compounded semaglutide without leaving your home. You’ll start with a virtual visit with a healthcare provider then you’ll be able to purchase it through our online store. In addition to this, you’ll also get ongoing nutritional support from a registered dietician to help ensure that you build healthy lifestyle habits that last.