STYLE SHEET
GLOBAL CSS
COLORS
ANIMATIONS
MEDIA QUERY
SPACING SYSTEM

Why only for healthcare professionals?

The content on these information pages is directed solely at you if you are a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, as it concerns treatment with prescription medicines.

Please confirm that you are a healthcare professional (healthcare assistant, nurse, doctor, psychologist, or other licensed healthcare professional).

Back to main page

Confirm and continue

Medicine

The Rise of Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and new pills for weight loss

Characteristics, effectiveness & side effects of modern weight loss medication

Semaglutide, available as Ozempic and Wegovy, offers a new approach to managing diabetes and aiding weight loss by mimicking GLP-1, a natural hormone. It's most effective alongside a healthy lifestyle, with minimal side effects like nausea. Suitable for individuals with obesity or at risk, it requires medical assessment for optimal use.

In the rapidly changing world of weight loss solutions, semaglutide, available under the names Ozempic and Wegovy, stands out as a remarkable choice. This blog article explores the rise of these medications and provides insight into the characteristics, effectiveness, and potential side effects of this modern approach to weight loss and diabetes management.

How it works

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue. This hormone is naturally present in the body and is involved in regulating blood sugar levels. Although initially developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, its benefits in aiding weight loss have led to its approval for the treatment of overweight and obesity. Ozempic and Wegovy pens include the same medicine and are hence both approved for the treatment of type-2 diabetes, overweight and obesity. 

Ozempic and Wegovy are administered via subcutaneous injections, with the needle length typically standard at about 5 millimeters, akin to the size of a matchstick.

Is Ozempic a miracle cure?

While semaglutide-based medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are considered advanced tools for weight loss, it is crucial to understand that their effectiveness is significantly enhanced when combined with a healthy lifestyle. Adopting healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and other wellness practices play an essential role in achieving optimal results.

Side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy

The side effects of semaglutide, are generally minimal and mild, often occurring at the beginning of treatment. Symptoms may include nausea, flatulence and diarrhea, abdominal pain, or constipation, which can often be mitigated with the guidance of a dietitian.

How do I qualify for Ozempic and Wegovy?

Semaglutide medications are recommended for individuals with obesity or those overweight with additional risk factors. It is the responsibility of the treating healthcare provider to assess the needs of each patient, ensuring appropriate treatment based on scientific evidence and clinical experience.

Would you like more information about (similar) weight loss medications? View our articles here or sign up to get in touch with one of our nurses.

Disclaimer:

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a doctor or nurse before starting Ozempic or any other medication.

References

Weight loss with semaglutide:

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2307563?query=featured_home

Authors: Wadden, T. A., Bailey, C. J., Blonde, L., et al. (2021). Results of weight loss with semaglutide treatment for overweight or obese patients. The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(1), 73-84.

Authors: Lean, M. E. J., Leslie, W. S., Barnes, A. C., et al. (2020). The efficacy and safety of semaglutide for weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity. The Lancet, 395(10223), 758-766.

Authors: Garvey, W. T., Henry, R. R., Apovian, C. M., et al. (2020). Semaglutide for weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 323(23), 2333-2343.

Authors: Marso, S. P., Bain, S. C., Bray, G. A., et al. (2020). Effects of semaglutide on weight loss, cardiovascular risk factors, and glycaemic control in adults with overweight or obesity. Diabetes Care, 43(12), 2912-2921.

Authors: Schauer, P. R., Bhatt, D. L., Kirwan, B. A., et al. (2021). A long-term study on the safety and efficacy of semaglutide for weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity. Obesity, 29(1), 121-131.

Article reviewed by: 
Anders Rüdow Fors
February 7, 2024

More articles

Medicine
Examining the effectiveness of a new digital care model on weight loss for people living with obesity
Medicine
The Yazen model: Obesity care through a comprehensive digital approach integrating medical treatment, lifestyle intervention, and social support
Medicine
The Synergy between Ozempic, Wegovy, & a Healthy Lifestyle

Start your weight loss journey with Yazen today

Everything you need to do is to create an account and answer some questions about your health

Get Started
Get Started
Get Started