I myself have been curious about this drug, as ongoing stress, lack of regular exercise and bad eating habits that I thought were long gone have led to me gaining a significant amount of weight, pushing me into the prediabetes category that I vowed I would never go back to again.

Part of me badly wants to lose this weight and get away from prediabetes and keep my PCOS symptoms in control, but I also want to understand what could happen and how I could feel if I decide to take Ozempic. In this post, I share the pros and cons of Ozempic for weight loss and consider if this is a drug I want to consider taking.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before starting any medication. I am not a doctor!

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a medication originally designed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar. It works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1. This hormone does a few things:

It tells your pancreas to release insulin when your blood sugar is high.
It slows down how quickly food empties from your stomach, making you feel full for longer, helping you to eat less.
It can also affect areas of the brain that control appetite.

Because of these effects, people taking Ozempic often lose weight as a side effect while reversing type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

The Pros of Taking Ozempic for Weight Loss

Significant Weight Loss: Studies have shown that people taking Ozempic can lose a significant amount of weight, sometimes more than with other weight loss methods. This makes it a promising option for people who struggle with obesity and have not faired well on traditional diets or meal plans.
Improved Blood Sugar Control: For people with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic can help lower blood sugar levels and improve overall health.
Potential Heart Health Benefits: Some studies suggest that Ozempic may also have benefits for heart health, which is a big plus for people with diabetes or obesity. People with type 2 diabetes have a much higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those without diabetes.

5 Natural Alternatives To Ozempic For Weight Loss & Blood Sugar Management

Learn which supplements can boost weight loss and help you manage your blood sugar, working as natural alternatives to Ozempic.

The Cons of Taking Ozempic for Weight Loss

Side Effects: Like any medication, Ozempic can cause side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects can be pretty uncomfortable, especially when you first start taking the medication.
Cost: Ozempic can be expensive, and it may not be covered by all insurance plans (my insurance plan does not cover Ozempic unless I have type 2 diabetes). This can make it inaccessible for many people.
Long-Term Side Effects of Ozempic are not known: Ozempic is a new medication, and the long-term effects of using it for weight loss are still being studied. We don’t know for sure what the risks might be after years of use.
It’s Not a Quick Fix: Ozempic isn’t a magic wand.. It works best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. When people stop taking the drug, weight regain is possible because the appetite control and feeling of being full longer stops.
Possible Gallbladder Problems: Some people have experienced Gallbladder related issues while taking Ozempic.
Ozempic Face: This is the term used to describe the gaunt or hollowed-out facial appearance that can result from rapid weight loss with medications like Ozempic.
Stigma Around Ozempic Weight Loss: Many people who take Ozempic and lose weight face negative comments for taking Ozempic and losing weight. There’s an ongoing societal belief that weight loss is solely a matter of willpower and lifestyle choices; this leads to the perception that using medication like Ozempic is “cheating” or a “shortcut” and doesn’t take into account the some people have issues controlling cravings that sabotage their weight loss efforts.

It’s important to note that not everyone will get on well with Ozempic. For example, celebrity Amy Schumer revealed that she felt terrible while she was taking Ozempic and was left “bedridden” and lacking energy.

While I haven’t yet decided if I want to take Ozempic, I have been trying to better understand ways in which I can mimic the effects of Ozempic – like staying feeling full longer – to keep my cravings at bay. I’ve linked an article to these tips below:

Healthy Habits That Can Mimic Ozempic

Learn how to manage blood sugar, stay full longer and reduce insulin levels by incorporating healthy habits that can mimic the effects of Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications naturally.

Ozempic can be a helpful tool for weight loss, especially for people with type 2 diabetes. However, it’s not a risk-free solution.

It’s important to talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of Ozempic for weight loss to see if Ozempic is right for you and to understand the possible side effects it can bring.

The Pros and Cons of Ozempic For Weight Loss

By now, you’ve probably heard about Ozempic; the type 2 diabetes drug that also supports weight loss, even in people who have struggled for years to lose weight.