By now, you’ve have heard about those new weight-loss drugs originally developed for diabetics: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, etc. Last year they were so popular they caused a shortage, but this year more companies are producing these types of medications with the growing demand. There is a lot of information good and bad out there. Podcasters, celebrities, and journalists are all sharing about their experiences on the drugs. We wanted to gather a few questions we’ve been getting from our members about these new “miracle” weight loss drugs and share answers from our trained physicians.

What is Ozempic?

Medicines such as Ozempic are considered gastrointestinal peptides. When our body senses that we are eating we naturally produce hormones in our bodies that signal the production of insulin. As the hormone level rises in our body, it tells our brain we are full and our appetite is suppressed.

Ozempic is known generically as semaglutide, which is a synthetic, longer lasting form of a natural hormone called glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is a class of medication that is prescribed for type 2 diabetes and in some cases prescribed for weight loss. GLP-1 mimics the natural hormones in your body that promote a sensation of fullness and slows down digestion, which leads to better blood sugar control and weight loss.

Semaglutide as we know as Ozempic and Rybelsus was originally developed for people with diabetes by helping diabetics control their high blood sugar. These formulations are the injectable and oral versions. One version, Wegovy, has been approved for weight management in adults with BMI over 27. These medications are approved by the FDA but are not always covered by insurance unless it’s being prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 medications include Victoza, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound to name a few. These are self-administered subcutaneous injections. They are typically taken once a week, while liraglutide is taken once daily. Rybelsus which is semaglutide in pill form that you take daily. It currently does not appear to be as effective due to hydrochloric acid in the stomach destroying the drug before it has a chance to enter the bloodstream.

What are other drugs like Ozempic?

Mounjaro and Zepbound are newer GLP-1 medications that have also come into the market recently and are a combination GLP-1 and GIP hormone mimickers. These newer drugs are know generically as tirzepatide, which new studies have shown may make it more effective for controlling blood sugar and body weight giving it the nickname the “King Kong” of weight loss drugs.

If you are interested in taking a weight loss drug, it’s important to speak to your physician about which one may be the best fit for you.

Is Ozempic safe?

Ozempic was developed in 2012 and has been widely used for diabetes for the past 11 years. It’s important to stick to the FDA approved GLP-1 medications when choosing a weight loss product.  Compounded salt alternative of these medications are available, but are not FDA approved and may not be as safe or effective as those that are FDA approved.  

Extended use of tirzepatide and semaglutide may cause additional side-effects that although uncommon, it’s important to be aware of them. These include digestive problems, gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, increased risk for parathyroid cancer, kidney issues, and hypoglycemia. If you experience any of these more serious side effects, discontinue using the drug immediately and contact your medical team.

Do I have to stay on Ozempic forever for weight loss?

A trial from April 2022 studied participates who took semaglutide for 68 weeks, they stopped the drug and diet and exercise counseling and regained two-thirds of their weight loss. This does not mean you need to be on these drugs for the rest of your life, it’s best to think of a semaglutide or tirzepatide drug as a bridge. These drugs can offer a great opportunity to help you lose weight to a level where you can be more active, and develop new lifestyle choices to keep the weight off when you stop taking the drug. Our health coaches at WellcomeMD are equipped to help you develop a plan for when you’re on the drug and as you transition off. Other brands like Weight Watchers are now offering plans to help people using and coming off injectable weight loss drugs.

What are the risks with taking Ozempic?

Ozempic and similar drugs (Wegovy, Rybelsus, Saxenda, Trulicity, etc.) can have side effects, these most often include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. These drugs are not for everyone which is why it’s important to talk to your doctor before you start taking them. You cannot be on this medicine if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN syndrome), pancreatitis, gastroparesis, severe constipation, or are going into surgery. Many people experience weight loss while taking the drug, and some report losing muscle mass which is why it’s important to be under doctor supervision while taking these drugs.

What are the possible side effects from taking Ozempic?

Some common side effects associated with GLP-1 medications are: 

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Stomach pain

  • Constipation

  • Diarrhea

  • Heartburn

  • Indigestion

  • GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

  • Bloating

  • Allergic reaction

If you experience any of these side effects and find that they are lasting an extended period of time or are worsening to a considerable degree, contact your medical team immediately. Please see above for list of side effect related to extended use of tirzepatide or Ozempic. Due to the fact that both of these medications (particularly tirzepatide) are relatively new, many long-term effects are not yet known.

Is Ozempic expensive?

Currently, GLP-1 medications are routinely covered by health insurance for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but are routinely not covered for the treatment of obesity. Patients may opt to pay out-of-pocket for these medications. Online coupons can help with the cost.

Is Ozempic right for me?

Ozempic is prescribed for type-2 diabetes management, and it has been utilized off-label for weight management in adults with BMI of 27 or over. It’s important to talk to your doctor, they may or may not recommend it for you. All physicians at WellcomeMD are open to having this discussion with you.

About WellcomeMD 

WellcomeMD offers members advanced laboratory testing and medical treatments, 24/7 physician access, health coaching, and same- or next-day appointments for acute care needs. Membership numbers are limited to allow physicians to track patient health effectively, follow up efficiently, and provide better results.

 WellcomeMD is the next generation of concierge medicine: “Concierge 2.0.” This form of patient care emphasizes a personal relationship with a primary care physician and preventative, holistic treatment. At WellcomeMD the goal is to not only help patients as they age, but to help them age optimally. Additional information can be found online at www.wellcomemd.com, by calling 888-531-3844, or scheduling a call with our Membership Director here.