Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and weight loss – what is it and how does it work?

Ozempic is a prescription medication containing the active ingredient semaglutide. It is officially approved for the treatment of adults aged 18 and over with type 2 diabetes.

The medication belongs to a type of diabetes medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Although Ozempic is often associated with weight loss in the media and on social platforms, it is important to know that its sister medication, Wegovy, is the version of semaglutide that is specifically approved and dosed for the treatment of obesity and overweight. Both medications are manufactured by Novo Nordisk.

Ozempic is administered as a weekly injection into the fatty tissue of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm using a pre-filled injection pen.

Treatment begins with a low starting dose, typically 0.25 mg, allowing the gastrointestinal system time to adapt to slower digestion and helping to minimise discomfort. The dose is then gradually increased according to the prescribing physician's instructions, with 0.5 mg once weekly often used as a common maintenance dose.

At Yazen, the principle of the lowest effective dose is always followed, regardless of the treatment. This means that if a patient achieves good appetite control and steady weight loss at a lower dose, treatment will remain at that level to optimise health and minimise unnecessary side effects, rather than increasing the dose automatically.

Clinical studies show that patients with type 2 diabetes achieve an average weight loss of 5–7% with Ozempic, while higher doses of semaglutide (Wegovy) can result in an average weight loss of up to 15–17% over the course of just over one year.

Actual weight loss varies from person to person and depends on factors such as starting weight, dosage, and how consistently lifestyle changes are followed. It is essential that treatment is combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity, including a high-protein diet and strength training. Without adequate protein intake and strength training during a calorie deficit, the body may break down muscle mass instead of fat, reducing resting metabolic rate and negatively affecting long-term health.

The most common side effects of Ozempic and other weight loss medications are nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation. These are usually mild to moderate and most commonly occur at the beginning of treatment or after a dose increase.

There is also a risk of more serious side effects, such as inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis), which can cause severe abdominal pain, and low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), particularly when Ozempic is used together with other diabetes medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas. Very rare side effects include non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which can cause sudden vision loss.

These gastrointestinal side effects occur because the medication slows the digestive process. Symptoms can often be prevented or reduced by adjusting eating habits. Eating smaller meals, stopping at the first sign of fullness, and avoiding fatty, fried, or heavily spiced foods can significantly reduce the strain on the stomach. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of dehydration, especially if you experience nausea or diarrhoea.