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The injectable diabetes drug Ozempic (also known as semaglutide) has taken TikTok and Instagram by storm, with many users claiming to lose significant amounts of weight after starting the medication. However, the medication is not FDA-approved for weight loss, and the side effects can be unpleasant. The gastrointestinal discomforts experienced by many users — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation — are often the main reason they stop taking the drug.Read more:okmagazine.com
But for those who are able to tolerate the side effects, Ozempic can still help with weight loss. In one clinical trial sponsored by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, participants with excess weight who were not diabetic lost more than 14 pounds on a combination of the medication and lifestyle intervention. But the dose of semaglutide used in that study was higher than the 2.4 milligrams of Ozempic, and the medications can be very expensive.
Breaking Down the Buzz: The Good, the Bad, and the Ozempic Reviews
For that reason, doctors say it’s important to understand the risks before deciding whether or not Ozempic is right for you. The benefits can be great, but it’s also a medication that needs to be taken for a long time in order to be effective. If you stop taking it or need to discontinue it due to a lack of insurance coverage, you’ll likely regain most if not all the lost weight.
While the FDA only approves the medication for use in those with type 2 diabetes, some doctors are prescribing it to non-diabetics for weight loss. The risks of a high dosage for non-diabetics, including the increased risk of thyroid tumors (medullary carcinoma), must be carefully considered and closely monitored by a doctor.
