Ozempic, a semaglutide drug, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for managing type 2 diabetes in 2017.
Recently, however, an increasing number of people without diabetes have begun using Ozempic for weight loss.
This article explores whether Ozempic is effective as a weight-loss drug for those without diabetes, outlining potential side effects and implications of such use.
Does Ozempic help you lose weight?
Yes, Ozempic and other semaglutide medications have been shown to effectively help with weight loss.
Ozempic enhances weight loss by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas and inhibiting production of the hormone glucagon in the liver, which improves insulin sensitivity and reduces insulin resistance.
Additionally, it slows stomach emptying and digestion, increasing feelings of fullness.
However, it’s important to note that the common side effects — nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea — while often leading to reduced appetite and subsequent weight loss, can be unpleasant.
See more in: Can Ozempic Help You Lose Weight?
How much weight can you lose by taking Ozempic?
One randomized controlled trial (RCT) showed that people who have overweight or obesity can lose an average of 6 percent of their body weight within 3 months and up to 11 percent after 6 months of using semaglutide.
Further studies indicate that with long-term use, semaglutide can sustain weight loss of about 10 percent of total body weight.
The extent of weight loss tends to increase with higher doses. Any dosage adjustments should always be made under medical supervision.
For the best results, consistent use of Ozempic combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity is recommended.
It is important to note that weight loss results can vary significantly from one person to another, and weight tends to be regained if the medication is discontinued.
Read more in: Ozempic Dosage Guide: How Much Should You Take?
Is Ozempic available for those without diabetes?
Ozempic is FDA-approved specifically for managing type 2 diabetes. However, it may be prescribed “off-label” — a term referring to the use of FDA-approved drugs for unapproved conditions — by a doctor for people without diabetes seeking weight-loss solutions.
Getting such a prescription can be challenging, as off-label use has contributed to shortages affecting people with diabetes who need regular access to Ozempic.
It is also worth noting that the drug’s side effects can be severe in people without diabetes. For those interested in weight-loss medications approved for people without diabetes, it’s recommended to speak with a healthcare provider.
Is it safe to take Ozempic if you don’t have diabetes?
Ozempic should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor, who will consider your health history, goals, lifestyle, and specific risks before recommending it.
While not inherently dangerous for people without diabetes, Ozempic is not FDA-approved for this population.
Consequently, its safety and effectiveness for those without diabetes remain less clear. Potential severe side effects warrant careful consideration.
It’s important to be fully aware of the risks and to follow medical guidance closely, as the FDA has not issued specific guidelines for Ozempic’s use in people without diabetes.
What are the side effects of Ozempic?
Ozempic can cause various side effects, ranging from mild digestive issues to more serious conditions such as thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, changes in vision, kidney complications, and low blood sugar levels.
Severe allergic responses are also potential risks. Symptoms requiring urgent medical care include fever, significant pain, or sudden changes in vision.
For those who find Ozempic difficult to tolerate, there are alternative treatment options available.
Read more in: Ozempic Side Effects: What You Need to Know.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take Ozempic for weight loss only?
Yes, Ozempic is used by some people specifically for weight loss, although it is not its primary FDA approval.
For people without diabetes seeking medically supervised weight loss, there are other FDA-approved medications available, such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide).
Learn more in: Ozempic vs. Wegovy: Which Drug Is Right for You? and Everything You Need to Know About Zepbound.
If you are interested in exploring weight-loss medications, it is important to consult with your doctor to discuss the best and safest options for your specific health needs
Who should not take Ozempic for weight loss?
Ozempic should only be used if prescribed, and it is generally not recommended for those who do not meet specific medical criteria. People who are at their maintenance weight or underweight should avoid Ozempic.
It is also not suitable for those without diabetes, or for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant due to potential risks to fetal health.
Additionally, Ozempic can cause serious, albeit rare, side effects such as thyroid C-cell tumors and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It should not be used by anyone with a personal or family history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
The medication has been linked to pancreatitis, worsening of diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina of the eye), and impaired kidney function.
If you have any of these conditions, discuss the risks with your doctor. For those on insulin, Ozempic could increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) might be recommended to monitor your blood sugar levels closely.
Always consult with your doctor about your health history and potential risks before starting Ozempic.
What are the reasons to not take Ozempic?
There are several important considerations before deciding to use Ozempic. Firstly, if you do not have type 2 diabetes, it’s important to consider why you might want to use this medication for weight loss and discuss FDA-approved alternatives for people without diabetes with your doctor.
Financial considerations are also significant. Without a diabetes diagnosis, health insurance is unlikely to cover Ozempic, making it a costly out-of-pocket expense — often ranging from several hundred to roughly a thousand dollars monthly.
Additionally, Ozempic should not be used by anyone allergic to semaglutide or with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). These conditions significantly increase the risks associated with the medication.
Learn more about this medication in Everything You Need to Know About Ozempic. Did you find this article helpful? Click Yes or No below to let us know!
