What is Ozempic and How Does it Work?

Ozempic is an injectable medication originally approved by the FDA for the treatment and management of type 2 diabetes. It has recently risen to the spotlight for its impressive weight loss effects. During this time, it’s become available off-label for people looking to lose weight.

The active ingredient found in Ozempic is semaglutide which is a GLP-1 agonist. This means that it stimulates the pancreas to secrete more insulin when the body senses a rise in glucose. Ozempic also tells your brain that you are full when you would otherwise feel hungry. Often, people treated with Ozempic report that they think less about eating while receiving it. 

Setting Realistic Weight Loss Expectations with Ozempic

It is important to note that simply starting Ozempic does not mean that weight will come off overnight—you must also set realistic expectations. The average weight loss experience for a person on Ozempic is subtle initially and then more noticeable as time moves on and dosage increases. 

However, every person will respond slightly differently. Many variables affect how quickly or slowly you may experience weight loss while on Ozempic. These include metabolism, initial body weight and BMI, age, and so on. 

What Results to Expect from Ozempic

Ozempic is a long-acting drug with intended dosing to be gradually increased over time. Weight loss trends are reflected in this pattern as well—people typically see very subtle results after initially starting, followed by increased weight loss around the 4-week mark. 

This is supported by research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Several clinical trials revealed that most people experienced peak weight loss at week 68, particularly when combined with dietary modifications and exercise. Notably, weight loss can begin as early as 4 weeks, which aligns with the concept of a 6-week plan for seeing results on Ozempic. However, individual responses to the medication can vary.

The Role of Lifestyle Habits in Boosting Ozempic's Weight Loss Effects

Lifestyle modifications are essential to any weight-loss regimen, whether you're taking Ozempic or another weight-loss medication. When incorporated consistently, these changes can significantly enhance the weight-loss effects of Ozempic.

One of the most effective lifestyle modifications is regular exercise, which is crucial in lowering blood sugar levels and reducing the amount of glucose circulating in the body. Paired with Ozempic, exercise can boost results and contribute to long-term weight management. However, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider about which exercise regimens and lifestyle adjustments are best suited for you. They can guide you toward safe and effective modifications that will lead to lasting success.

Consistency is key to maintaining a healthy body weight during and after taking Ozempic. While the medication can help initiate weight loss, it is not a stand-alone solution—it works best when combined with ongoing dietary adjustments and exercise routines. Since Ozempic is intended for temporary use, building healthy habits during treatment makes it easier to maintain results after discontinuation.

Many people who have used Ozempic report feeling more motivated to continue their healthy lifestyle, including staying active, after their treatment ends. When used as prescribed, Ozempic can inspire a greater desire to remain consistent with exercise and healthy eating, laying a foundation for long-term weight management.

Is Ozempic for Everyone?

As you’re reading this, you may be wondering… is Ozempic for everyone? The answer is no. To receive a prescription for Ozempic from a physician, a person must meet the following criteria: 

• Have a BMI of 30 or greater OR
• Have a BMI of 27 or greater with other existing conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and so on 

If you do not meet the above criteria, Ozempic may not be prescribed to you for weight loss. We recommend discussing treatment options with your physician to determine if Ozempic is appropriate for your situation.

What To Consider While On Ozempic

As discussed above, what you eat and how often you exercise while receiving Ozempic matters. Here are things to consider: 

• Avoid fried or greasy foods 
• Avoid sweets
• Exercise regularly with a regimen that works for you 
• Eat slowly
• Consume high fiber, high protein foods to encourage satiety
• Avoid or reduce the consumption of high-calorie beverages such as alcohol and sugar-filled sodas 
• Monitor intake of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fat) and discuss with a physician or dietician how to monitor 

Before and After Weight Loss Examples

Many people have experienced success while taking Ozempic (in accordance with a prescribed regimen and dietary and lifestyle modifications). Here’s a look at some of our favorites:

• Holly Figueroa O’Reilly, a Chocolatier in Seattle, Washington, discussed her weight loss journey on Ozempic with Today. O’Reilly stated that she lost 105 pounds while on the medication in combination with making healthy lifestyle and eating choices. She shared that she had been overweight all of her life—hitting 300 pounds at one point. After using Ozempic and modifying her lifestyle habits, she now weighs 145 pounds. 

• If you’re a reality TV connoisseur, then Emily Simpson from The Real Housewives of Orange County is one of the first people to pop into your mind. Emily reportedly lost 40 pounds during her brief period on Ozempic. She also paired this with frequent workouts at the gym and bettering her diet. Emily admits to getting liposuction done on her arms. See below for Emily’s transformation pictures-courtesy of People Magazine: 

• Barbie Jackson-Williams is a woman in her 50s from Des Moines, Iowa. She reports losing 180 pounds once starting Ozempic and beginning a workout regimen in 2021. She was around 400 pounds prior to starting Ozempic and now credits her significant weight loss to the medication and hard work in the gym. She reported feeling that starting Ozempic kick-started her journey to desiring a better, healthier, more active lifestyle. See below for her transformation, photo courtesy of NBC: 

While these are impressive transformations, remember that none of them occurred overnight. These three women all gave similar sentiments—their bodies responded at different paces throughout the course of their treatment, and they had to significantly change their habits to maintain their weight loss and build a better life.