What are the Side Effects of Ozempic?

Posted on October 17, 2023 by Sally-Anne Turner

With the incredible weight loss results and trials coming from the medical wellness community, interest in Ozempic is increasing exponentially.

This medical weight loss medication has taken the world by storm, and for those struggling with obesity and finding it very difficult to lose weight and keep it off, the news is exciting. However, Ozempic can cause side effects when used as an aid in weight loss.

Here at Bodyline, we’d like to help you understand the risks and benefits of using Ozempic as part of a medical weight loss journey.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a medication that was originally formulated to treat type 2 diabetes, however after successful clinical trials, it was found to bring fantastic weight loss results.

Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the effects of a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is naturally produced in the intestines after a meal. This helps to regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.

How does Ozempic work for weight loss?

Ozempic works for weight loss by reducing appetite and promoting a feeling of fullness. It slows down the emptying of the stomach, which helps to control food intake and ensures users remain in a calorie deficit. When in a calorie deficit, it means you are eating less calories than you are burning so your body begins to use up the calories stored in your excess fat, thus you lose weight.

Additionally, Ozempic helps to regulate blood sugar levels and insulin secretion, which can contribute to weight loss.

Three quarters of Ozempic users have been seen to lose up to 10% of their body weight, and some have even lost 20%. These results are incredibly exciting and encouraging in improving the problem of obesity.

Contact Bodyline today to find out more about our safe and effective weight loss programmes and range of treatment options.

Common Side Effects

Like any medication, Ozempic can cause side effects in its users. When using Ozempic along a medical weight loss journey with Bodyline, these side effects are monitored, and prescriptions can be altered and titrated to improve outcomes and wellbeing.

Some of the common side effects to look out for that are associated with Ozempic include:

• Weight Loss: Losing weight is the major, and often desired, side effect of using Ozempic particularly if you are taking it due to diabetes. Users report, on average, a 15% decrease in body weight in just one year.
• Nausea: Nausea is a common side effect of Ozempic and may occur especially during the initial weeks of treatment. It is important to take Ozempic as prescribed and follow any dietary recommendations provided by your healthcare provider to help manage this side effect. This side effect should calm down after a few weeks, but if it persists your prescription may need altering.
• Diarrhoea: Diarrhoea is another common side effect that some individuals may experience while taking Ozempic. In order to alleviate this symptom, clinicians advise users to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet filled with protein, fibre, and healthy bacteria for your gut health.
• Vomiting: In some cases, individuals may experience vomiting as a side effect of Ozempic. If vomiting persists or becomes severe, it is important to speak to your prescribing clinician, who can help to change your prescription.
• Headache: Headaches may also occur as a side effect of Ozempic. If you experience persistent or severe headaches, it is recommended to consult your provider.

Less Common Side Effects

While less common, some individuals may experience the following side effects while taking Ozempic:

• Hypoglycaemia: Ozempic can lower blood sugar levels, and in some cases, this may lead to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia, such as dizziness, shakiness, sweating, and confusion. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to consume a source of glucose, such as fruit juice or glucose tablets, and speak to your specialist clinicians about the steps forward.
• Injection Site Reactions: Some individuals may experience redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site. It is important to follow proper injection techniques and rotate injection sites to minimize the risk of injection site reactions.

Benefits of Ozempic

Ozempic has several benefits for those looking to lose weight. 

• Effective blood sugar control: Ozempic helps to regulate blood sugar levels, which is essential for managing diabetes. When blood sugar levels are too high, this can lead to serious health implications in the long term. By regulating these blood sugar levels with Ozempic, risk of damaging organs will significantly decrease.
• Transformative weight loss: It's no wonder that celebrities around the world are choosing Ozempic to drop excess weight and change their bodies for the better. Ozempic helps those who struggle to lose weight with diet and exercise alone push past that initial hurdle and allow them to change their habits for the better.
• Reduced risk of cardiovascular events: Ozempic has been found to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in individuals suffering with obesity. In fact, pharmaceutical manufacturer Novo Nordisk found that semaglutide helped reduce the risk of stroke by 20% in its users.

Where can I get Ozempic?

Ozempic is a prescription medication that can only be obtained from healthcare professionals like Bodyline.  The clinician will advise which medical weight loss medication is suitable for you and only prescribe what is safe and on a supportive medical weight loss programme.

We can assess your medical history, evaluate potential risks and benefits, and provide a prescription if appropriate. Bodyline offers a variety of medical weight loss treatments including Ozempic and other injections as well as oral tablets.

Ozempic with Bodyline

Bodyline will only prescribe Ozempic as part of their medical weight loss programs if Ozempic is the right option for you. Our team of experts can provide consultations, prescriptions, and monthly reviews to ensure safe and effectiveness. They also offer ongoing support throughout your weight loss journey. If you are interested in understanding how Bodyline can support, contact Bodyline today to schedule a consultation.

Remember to always follow the guidance of your healthcare professional when taking weight loss medications medication. They can provide personalised advice and monitor your progress to ensure optimal results and minimise potential side effects.