What is Ozempic? Ozempic Uses, Side Effects, and Outcomes

Angela Richardson

Medically Reviewed By: Angela Richardson, RDN, MS, LD

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Written By: Shelby Leith, RPhT

Published: July 11, 2025

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Updated: July 11, 2025

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic has quickly become one of the most talked-about medications in recent years, so much so that prescriptions for this drug have skyrocketed in the U.S. since it first came to market. But what is Ozempic? And how has it become so popular?

Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable drug used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes and, in many cases, it can also help with weight loss. It belongs to a specific class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications mimic a natural hormone that your body makes after eating.

Originally approved to improve blood sugar control, Ozempic is now also widely known for its ability to help people lose weight and reduce their risk of heart disease. Today, we are going to take a look at what Ozempic is, how it works, and how it can help manage both diabetes and weight. Keep reading to find out more!

Key Takeaways

  • Ozempic is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and aid in weight loss.
  • It works by mimicking GLP-1, a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite.
  • Many adults experience improved blood sugar levels and gradual, steady weight loss when on Ozempic.
  • A registered dietitian can help you build a personalized plan while taking Ozempic.

Maximize your GLP-1 results with a dietitian!

Covered by most insurance plans.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a prescription medication that is used to help manage type 2 diabetes in adults. It contains an active ingredient called semaglutide, which mimics a hormone produced in your body, which is called GLP-1. This hormone helps regulate your blood sugar levels by telling your pancreas to release insulin when it’s needed and slowing down how quickly food leaves your stomach.

Ozempic was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017. Since then, it’s become a common part of diabetes care and is also being used to help with weight management in certain patients.

Understanding GLP-1

After you eat, your body naturally releases a hormone called GLP-1. This hormone helps to manage your blood sugar by prompting your pancreas to release insulin and slowing how quickly food moves through your stomach. It also plays a role in reducing your appetite, which can help you eat less and feel fuller for a longer period of time.

Ozempic is part of a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. That means it mimics this natural hormone’s effects, helping to regulate your blood sugar while also lowering hunger levels in a way that is more natural to your body.

Is Ozempic Insulin?

Ozempic isn’t insulin, and you don’t need to take it with insulin if your body still produces its own. Instead, it works by helping your pancreas produce and release insulin more efficiently, but it does so only when your blood sugar rises after a meal.

This makes Ozempic especially helpful for people with type 2 diabetes who still produce insulin but their bodies have trouble using it properly (also known as insulin resistance). This medication is not intended for people with type 1 diabetes, since their bodies can no longer produce insulin on their own.

What Is Ozempic Used For?

Ozempic is approved by the FDA to help manage blood sugar in adults who have type 2 diabetes. It helps lower A1c levels and reduces the risk of heart-related complications in people with known heart disease.

Beyond diabetes, Ozempic is also prescribed off-label to help with weight loss. Healthcare providers may recommend it for people with obesity or excess weight, especially if they have other health risks like high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels. In both cases, Ozempic is recommended to be taken along with making lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to improve patient’s long-term health outcomes.

How Does Ozempic Work?

As we mentioned, Ozempic helps your body manage its blood sugar and appetite levels by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1. This hormone affects a few different systems in the body that play a role in both diabetes and weight. Whether you’re using Ozempic for blood sugar control or weight loss (or both) how it works is connected to how your body processes food and uses insulin.

How Ozempic Works for Diabetes

If you have type 2 diabetes, Ozempic helps your body in three main ways:

First, it slows down how quickly your stomach empties its contents after eating, which can help prevent a sharp rise in blood sugar.

Second, it tells your liver to release less sugar into your bloodstream.

And third, it improves how well your body responds to the insulin that you produce.

All together, these three actions help to lower your blood glucose levels and make it a lot easier to manage your blood sugar. People who take Ozempic often notice things like more stable glucose numbers throughout the day, especially when Ozempic is taken along with healthy meals and regular physical activity.

How Ozempic Works for Weight Loss

Ozempic can also be used as a weight loss drug, which is why it’s sometimes prescribed to people who don’t have diabetes. It can help slow down the speed of digestion and reduce the hunger signals that your body sends to the brain. This means that many people feel full sooner and stay full longer.

Because of this, many people find they eat less without feeling deprived or unsatisfied. As time passes, this reduced level of food intake can lead to significant weight loss, especially when it’s combined with other lifestyle habits like a healthy eating plan and regular exercise.

How Much Weight Can You Lose on Ozempic?

When used as a weight loss drug, the results with Ozempic can be quite significant, especially when it is combined with healthy eating and regular activity. In clinical trials, patients lost between 5% and 15% of their body weight over the course of several months.

If you are looking to lose weight, the amount you lose depends on certain factors like your starting dose, how well your body responds, and your usual day-to-day habits. Staying consistent with your medication, eating nutrient-rich foods, and finding a routine that works for you can help see a steady improvement in your weight and can help you reach your weight goals.

Does Ozempic Help With Belly Fat?

As you lose weight with Ozempic, the reduction in your weight tends to occur across your entire body, including your belly.

This can be especially helpful if you carry extra fat around your midsection, because this is often tied to metabolic syndrome and an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. While everyone’s body responds differently, many patients see changes in abdominal fat as part of their overall weight loss progress.

Who Can Take Ozempic?

Ozempic is prescribed to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their sugar levels and, in some cases, reduce their overall weight. It was specifically made for adults who are living with type 2 diabetes, especially if their blood glucose remains high even after they have made some important lifestyle changes like improving their diet and increasing their level of physical activity.

It’s also an option for adults with obesity or for those who are overweight and have weight-related health risks, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease (cardiovascular disease). In these cases, healthcare providers might decide to prescribe Ozempic to help with weight loss and therefore reduce the risk of future health complications.

If your body still produces insulin but you need help managing your blood sugar levels or appetite, Ozempic is something that can be taken into consideration. It works best when it’s used alongside a specialized meal plan, regular physical activity, and ongoing care from your healthcare team and a registered diabetes dietitian. If you’re already taking other diabetes medicines, your doctor can help you decide whether Ozempic can be added on or substituted in based on your unique needs and how your body is responding.

People who qualify for Ozempic usually have:

Type 2 diabetes that is not well controlled by diet and exercise alone

  • A body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher with a weight-related condition
  • Or a BMI of 30 or higher without other conditions

If you’re at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease or if you have existing heart concerns, Ozempic may also be prescribed to help protect your cardiovascular health while also taking care of your diabetes.

Who Shouldn’t Take Ozempic?

While Ozempic can be a great option for many people with type 2 diabetes or weight-related health concerns, it’s not for everyone. You should not take Ozempic if you have type 1 diabetes, since your body no longer produces insulin and GLP-1 medications aren’t going to work in this case.

It’s also not recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), because it may increase the risk of possible thyroid tumors. If you’ve had serious allergic reactions to semaglutide or other ingredients in Ozempic, this medication should also be avoided.

Ozempic is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding as it may cause harm to the unborn baby, and may be passed through the breast milk. People with a history of gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, or severe gastrointestinal issues should also discuss risks carefully with their doctor before starting treatment.

As always, your healthcare provider is the best person to guide these decisions based on your specific health needs.

Can Type 1 Diabetics Take Ozempic?

Ozempic is not FDA-approved for people with type 1 diabetes. This is because type 1 diabetes is a condition where your body no longer makes insulin, and Ozempic depends on a certain level of natural insulin production to work safely.

Using Ozempic in this case could lead to low blood sugar levels, which may be dangerous. If you have type 1 diabetes, your healthcare provider will likely recommend other diabetes medicines or insulin-based options that better fit your needs and keep your blood glucose in a safe range.

What Are The Side Effects of Ozempic

Like many medications, Ozempic may cause side effects. While many people usually tolerate it well, it’s important to know what to expect and when you should speak with your doctor.

Common Side Effects

Some of the most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. These usually happen when your body is first adjusting to the medication. For many people, these symptoms slowly improve over time. Eating smaller meals and choosing gentle, low-fat foods can sometimes help ease any discomfort during this adjustment period.

More Serious Side Effects

Although rare, some people may experience more serious effects. These include a possible risk of thyroid tumors, especially in those people who have a family history of thyroid cancer. Worsening kidney disease has also been reported in people who already have chronic kidney disease, along with gallbladder problems such as gallstones. If you notice severe pain in your stomach, changes in urination, or a lump in your neck, you should talk to your doctor right away.

Who’s at Risk for Severe Effects?

People with existing kidney problems, a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or  anyone who is taking other diabetes medications may have a higher risk of complications. It is very important that you share your full medical history with your health care provider before starting Ozempic.

What You Need to Know About Ozempic and Kidney Disease

If you’re living with kidney disease or have been told you’re at risk, it’s important to talk to your health care professional before starting Ozempic.

Ozempic has been shown to help many adults with type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar and lose weight. However, if you have chronic kidney disease, or if you have a history of worsening kidney disease, you’ll need extra monitoring to keep you safe. There have been rare reports of kidney failure in people taking GLP-1 medications, especially in those with existing medical conditions that affect the kidneys.

Staying hydrated, eating well, and keeping track of any symptoms like swelling, fatigue, or changes in urination can help catch these issues early on. Let your provider know if you’ve ever had kidney disease, and ask how Ozempic might be able to fit into your overall plan.

While Ozempic may still be safe for many patients with kidney disease, the risk of kidney disease progression means you need to take some extra care. Always share your full health history so your provider can help you weigh the benefits against the risks.

If you’re already managing kidney disease, or you’re concerned about kidney failure, don’t hesitate to ask if Ozempic is right for you.

How Do You Use Ozempic?

Ozempic is given as a once-weekly injection, and it’s designed to be simple enough for you to administer on your own, in the comfort of your home.

To get the most benefit from Ozempic, it’s important to use it consistently on the same day each week. You can take it with or without food, but setting a weekly routine makes it a lot easier to stay on track, and ensure that you don’t miss a dose. There’s no specific “best” time of day to inject it, just choose a time that fits best into your schedule.

You’ll inject Ozempic under the skin (subcutaneously), not into a muscle or vein. The best places to inject are your upper arm, thigh, or stomach (at least two inches away from your belly button). Be sure to rotate the injection sites each week to help prevent any irritation.

Before your first dose, your pen should be stored in the refrigerator. Once you begin to use it, you can keep that pen at room temperature (below 86°F) for up to 56 days, but never freeze it. If your Ozempic pen has been frozen or if it has been exposed to extreme heat, it’s time to replace it.

Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can show you how to properly use the pen if you need any extra help. Ozempic comes in a prefilled pen, so you never have to worry about measuring or mixing anything.

How Can I Get Ozempic?

Before starting Ozempic, you’ll need to get a prescription from your healthcare provider. It’s also very important to only get this medication from a licensed pharmacy. There are many counterfeit drugs out there, so it’s very important to make sure that the medication you get is safe and legitimate.

Ozempic can be quite expensive if you don’t have insurance coverage. The full price can be several hundred dollars per month, but many people with insurance may pay much less.

Coverage often depends on your diagnosis. If you’re using Ozempic to manage type 2 diabetes or if your provider decides that it is medically necessary for weight-related treatment, it’s more likely to be approved.

Check with your insurance company first to find out if Ozempic is included in your plan’s formulary. Your doctor can help with any paperwork or prior authorization that you might need.

Some manufacturers also offer savings programs or copay assistance if you qualify. Be cautious of online sources offering discounted versions, and again, make sure you stick to pharmacies that you trust. Getting Ozempic the right way is going to keep you safe and will help ensure that it works as it is intended to.

Taking the Next Step in Your GLP-1 Journey

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic can give you more than just sugar control. They can also help you manage your weight and improve your overall health. But it’s important to know that medicine alone won’t get you there. While Ozempic is a groundbreaking drug, it isn’t magic.

What you eat, how you move, and all of the little habits that you build each day, all play an important role in your health. This is where a registered dietitian can help.

At DietitianLive, you’ll get one-on-one guidance from a diabetes dietitian that’s practical and easy to follow. Your dietitian will help you create a meal plan that works for your body, schedule, and unique goals, whether that’s lowering blood glucose, feeling more confident in your food choices, or improving your weight.

You’ll learn how to build meals with nutrient rich foods, choose low glycemic index options, and stay consistent with your routines. The sessions are fully remote, covered by insurance, and your first one is free!

Are you ready to take control of your health and feel more confident? Book your free DietitianLive session today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you eat sugar while taking Ozempic?

You can still eat sugar, but large amounts may cause sugar spikes that reduce the benefits of Ozempic treatment, and may cause the Ozempic to stop working as well as it should. Pairing Ozempic with balanced meals will help regulate blood glucose and lowers the risk of low blood sugar, especially if you’re also taking other diabetes medicines.

Is Ozempic better than metformin?

Ozempic and metformin work differently. Metformin is often the first-line medication to treat diabetes, while Ozempic may be added for adults with type 2 diabetes who need more help managing sugar levels or who also want to lose weight.

Your health care professional can decide which option (or combination) is best for you.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body manages blood sugar. With type 2 diabetes, your body either resists insulin or doesn’t use it well. Over time, this can lead to greater risk of complications like chronic kidney disease, heart attack, cardiovascular disease, and vision problems.

How does Ozempic keep weight off?

Ozempic helps reduce appetite and slow digestion. This leads to eating less over time. Combined with diet and exercise, it can help patients lose weight and keep it off.

Are there any alternatives to Ozempic?

Alternatives to Ozempic include other GLP-1 medications like Wegovy (which contains the same drug as Ozempic), as well as other diabetes medications or weight loss drug options like Mounjaro or bariatric surgery for severe obesity.

What happens if you eat junk food while taking Ozempic?

Eating greasy or high-fat foods may increase stomach problems like nausea or upper stomach discomfort. Junk food may also slow your progress and increase the risk of sugar swings, especially in adults with type 2 diabetes, and it may be the reason why you’re not losing weight on Ozempic.

Does Ozempic cause constipation?

Constipation is a common side effect of Ozempic. It’s often mild and temporary, especially when starting out. Drinking more water, eating fiber, and getting plenty of exercise can help relieve symptoms.

Can Ozempic cause extreme weight loss?

Dramatic weight loss is possible but not typical. Most people see steady, gradual progress. Extreme weight loss may happen in rare cases or when combined with other medications, especially if you’re not eating enough.

How can I stop nausea on Ozempic?

Eat smaller meals, avoid greasy foods, and stay hydrated. Nausea is common early in treatment with Ozempic and usually fades. If it doesn’t, your health care professional may adjust your dose or check for interactions with other medicines or over the counter medicines.

What foods should I avoid on Ozempic?

Limit high-fat, fried, and sugary foods, which may worsen nausea or delay stomach emptying. These can also interfere with weight loss goals and blood sugar management. Talk with your dietitian about foods that work best with Ozempic and Wegovy.

What does your A1C need to be to qualify for Ozempic?

Ozempic is usually prescribed when A1c levels are above target (often 7% or higher) in adults with type 2 diabetes. If your levels stay elevated despite diet and exercise or other diabetes medicines, your provider may consider Ozempic.

What can a type 1 diabetic take for weight loss?

Ozempic does not have FDA approval for type 1 diabetes because of the increased risk of low blood sugar and lack of insulin production. Type 1 patients may consider lifestyle changes, other medications, or specialized guidance from their health care professionals to manage their weight.

In some cases, treatments like bariatric surgery may be discussed based on individual needs and endocrine system condition.

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