Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the GLP-1 hormone to:
Increase insulin secretion
Decrease glucagon secretion
Slow gastric emptying
Reduce appetite
It’s FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and used off-label for weight loss (Wegovy is the weight-loss–specific version).
Both contain semaglutide.
Ozempic is approved for diabetes.
Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management at higher doses.
Once-weekly injection
Administered subcutaneously (thigh, abdomen, or upper arm)
Blood sugar: Improvements often within 1–2 weeks
Weight loss: Gradual; noticeable changes by week 4–8, with maximum effects after several months
Clinical trials show average loss of 5–15% of body weight over 6–12 months
Results vary based on dose, diet, exercise, and metabolic status
Yes. For optimal weight loss, Ozempic should be combined with:
Calorie reduction
Regular physical activity
Behavioral changes
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Fatigue
Appetite suppression
GERD or burping
Side effects often improve over time or with slower dose titration.
Potential rare but serious risks:
Pancreatitis
Gallbladder issues (e.g., gallstones)
Thyroid C-cell tumors (in animals; avoid if family history of medullary thyroid cancer)
Severe gastrointestinal effects including Gstroparesis
Yes — while Ozempic is FDA-approved for diabetes, many providers prescribe it off-label for weight loss. Wegovy is the FDA-approved version for obesity.
Typical starting dose: 0.25 mg once weekly
Gradually increased to 1.0 mg or 2.0 mg for diabetes
For weight loss: titrate up to 2.4 mg (Wegovy)
Usually covered if you have type 2 diabetes
Often not covered for weight loss
Self-pay cost is ~$900–1,200/month, but we can place it on a payment plan. And provide assistance to lower costs.
Appetite and weight may return to baseline. Rebound weight gain is common if no lifestyle changes are in place. However, we make every effort to change our patients' lifestyle via coaching of our lifestyle coaches for long-lasting results without Ozempic. Our goal is to use these molecules as a catalyst or jumpstart medicine to ease your weight loss journey and stay off them for the long term.
Moderate use is okay for many people. It may also make reflux worse.
Alcohol can worsen GI symptoms or affect blood sugar levels
No. Ozempic should be discontinued at least 2 months before conceiving
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Ozempic typically doubles the weight loss seen with diet alone.
Diet alone often requires intense willpower, discipline, and lifestyle overhaul.
Ozempic can reduce hunger hormones (ghrelin) and activate satiety pathways in the brain, making it easier to:
Eat smaller portions
Resist snacking
Feel full longer.
The best outcomes come from combining GLP-1 therapy + lifestyle coaching on a weekly basis + exercise. GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic support appetite control, while diet and lifestyle optimize body composition and metabolic health. Our goal is to wean you of the GLP-1 agonists and sustain a long-life approach without medications and to reduce your other medications with the advice of your physician. If you start to have weight gain, we can facilitate your weight loss with our coaches with or without Ozempic.
