Ozempic 1 mg helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications. It also aids in weight loss, helping individuals shed approximately 5.9% to 10.9% of their body weight within 3 to 6 months by slowing digestion and controlling appetite. It is administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection.
Ozempic 1 mg injection contains the active ingredient semaglutide.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, mimicking the function of this hormone to:
Ozempic is used for:
Ozempic starts working immediately after injection, but full effects may take 4-5 weeks to appear.
Most side effects are mild and resolve over time. You can reduce nausea and other symptoms by:
Ozempic should not be used in individuals with:
Ozempic may increase the risk of certain thyroid cancers, particularly in those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2. Seek medical advice if you notice:
Rarely, Ozempic may cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Seek medical attention if you experience:
Ozempic may worsen diabetic retinopathy (diabetes-related eye disease) in some patients. If you have vision changes, consult your doctor.
Using Ozempic alongside other diabetes medications may cause severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms include:
It is unknown whether Ozempic affects pregnancy or passes into breast milk. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before use.
Pros |
Cons |
Can be used once weekly |
Subcutaneous injection only |
Available in prefilled pens |
May cause some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea |
Day of injection can be changed, provided that 2 days at least between the two doses |
There may be a risk of hypoglycemia if used along other diabetes treatments |
You can store open and used pens for 8 weeks at room temperature |
Is not used for type 1 diabetes patients |
Ozempic injections can be taken with or without food.
It may take up to 8 weeks to reach the maintenance dose of Ozempic and begin losing weight. However, some people may experience weight loss earlier.
The amount of weight you may lose in a month while using Ozempic depends on factors such as diet and dosage. Therefore, weight loss varies from person to person.
A 2022 study published in JAMA Network showed that individuals who received semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) at doses ranging from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg lost:
Individuals who received higher doses lost more weight compared to those on lower doses.
No, Ozempic may actually help lower blood pressure in diabetic patients.
Ozempic is not considered safe for use during pregnancy. It is recommended to stop using it two months before conception.
Ozempic does not directly cause headaches, but some users have reported experiencing them. This may be due to dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea, or low blood sugar levels associated with the medication.
No, in fact, Ozempic may help reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers. However, individuals with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer may have an increased risk.
Ozempic does not usually cause depression. However, some users have reported experiencing depressive symptoms while using the medication.
Ozempic is available only as an injectable medication administered under the skin. It is not available in pill or tablet form.
Certain lifestyle habits can help maximize weight loss while using Ozempic, including: