It is known
that Ozempic is used for type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar levels and
lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death for adults with type 2
diabetes and heart disease. Ozempic for weight loss has been shown to be
effective in clinical trials. Ozempic is given as a once-weekly injection under
the skin of the belly, the thigh, or the upper arm using an autoinjector (pen).
Ozempic
reduces appetite and hunger, helping you eat fewer calories; this effect is
almost immediate. Ozempic is a long-acting medication that’s started at a lower
dose to reduce the number and severity of side effects as it’s built up to a
higher maintenance dose.
Tips for
managing Ozempic side effects:
- eat more
slowly
- consume
smaller meals
- select
more bland, low-fat foods (like crackers, toast and rice)
- avoid
greasy, fried foods or sugar treats
- eat foods
that contain water (like soup or gelatin)
- don’t lie
down right after eating
- drink
clear or ice-cold liquids
- if
possible, go outside for fresh air if you feel sick to your stomach
Read more: 2 Easy ways to tell if your weight is healthy without scale
Ozempic cost
2024
The drug
company has set prices for Ozempic and Wegovy much higher than in other
countries. The committee found earlier this year that Novo Nordisk charges
Americans with diabetes $969 a month for Ozempic, while in Canada it costs $155
a month and in Germany, $59. For Wegovy, the committee found that Novo Nordisk
charges Americans with obesity $1,349 per month, as compared with $140 in
Germany and $92 in the United Kingdom.
How much
weight can you lose in a month on Ozempic?
Many studies
found people who received weekly Ozempic injections lost an average of about 15
pounds after three months and about 27 pounds after six months, which translates
into about a 5-pound weight loss per month.
Research
suggests that higher doses of Ozempic support more weight loss. One study
showed that after 30 weeks, 1 mg of Ozempic led to a weight loss of 4.5kg,
compared to 3.7kg with Ozempic 0.5 mg. But don’t forget that Ozempic is a
long-acting medication that’s started at a lower dose to reduce the number and
severity of side effects as it’s built up to a higher maintenance dose.
Ozempic
works by making people not hungry, People have reduced appetite, and when they
do eat, they feel full sooner. The medication also slows down stomach emptying,
which slows down the absorption of calories and may contribute to the feeling
of fullness.
Read more: 6 reasons to try the Mediterranean diet and easy tips for starting it
How should
I use Ozempic?
Use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. It is usually started at a low dose that is gradually increased every 4 weeks to 30 days. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help.