Ozempic for weight loss: dispelling this social media myth
Social media platforms like TikTok and even some mainstream news websites are full of stories outlining the supposed use of Ozempic for weight loss, but this is a myth. Ozempic should currently only be prescribed as medication for those with type 2 diabetes.
Its active ingredient, semaglutide, can be used for weight loss purposes, but the weight loss medication containing semaglutide is distributed under the brand name Wegovy instead, and it has a different dosing schedule.
It’s vital to understand that Ozempic cannot be obtained solely for weight loss purposes. While the medication may have some weight loss benefits, these are secondary to controlling blood glucose. Wegovy, however, is a proven weight loss treatment and is available on the NHS if you’re eligible for referral to a weight loss programme like Oviva.
Key Takeaways:
- Ozempic should not be used for weight loss – it is used as a type 2 diabetes medication.
- Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which can cause weight loss. However, when semaglutide is used for weight loss, it’s distributed as Wegovy.
- Wegovy has a different dosing schedule from that of Ozempic and is also more effective for weight loss when compared in clinical trials.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a type 2 diabetes medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk Inc. and used to treat patients with symptoms that are not otherwise under control. It’s categorised as a GLP-1 receptor agonist and mimics the effects of the GLP-1 hormone that’s naturally released by the body in response to food. The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide.
Essentially, the medication works by increasing the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas when food is consumed, regulating blood glucose levels. This helps to control type 2 diabetes symptoms and also reduces the risk of additional health complications.
Ozempic and weight loss
Alongside its effects on type 2 diabetes symptoms, semaglutide’s mechanism of action also increases feelings of fullness after eating and has an appetite suppression effect.
This means Ozempic can have a secondary weight loss effect, but it’s not the primary purpose of the medication, and you will not be able to obtain Ozempic specifically for weight loss.
However, this weight loss benefit explains why Wegovy, which has the same active ingredient, can be prescribed for the treatment of obesity. Erroneous stories on social media and the news about the new weight loss drug Ozempic are actually describing Wegovy.
Can you take Ozempic if you’re not diabetic?
Ozempic is only intended for patients living with type 2 diabetes and should not be taken solely for weight loss. You cannot be prescribed Ozempic if you’re not diabetic, and you should not take it for purposes other than the treatment of type 2 diabetes symptoms.
If you’re seeking an effective weight loss medication, you should instead explore the possibility of obtaining Wegovy. This medication has the same active ingredient as Ozempic and is available on the NHS if you’re referred to a weight management programme like Oviva.
Is Ozempic approved for weight loss in the UK?
Ozempic is not currently approved as a weight loss medication in the UK. However, it does have UK approval for use as a type 2 diabetes medication and can be prescribed if you meet the eligibility criteria set out by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
You may be able to receive an Ozempic prescription if:
- You’re at least 18 years old
- You have type 2 diabetes with symptoms that are not under control
- You have a BMI over 30 or an established medical need for weight loss
- You’ve previously tried other type 2 diabetes medications without success or
- You’re unable to take other type 2 diabetes medications, like Metformin, due to other health conditions you may have or due to the side effects
One of the key reasons why Ozempic is not prescribed for weight loss, even though it has weight loss effects, is to protect the supply for patients who require semaglutide for diabetes management.
Ozempic alternatives for weight loss
If you’re looking for prescription weight loss injections in the UK, the primary alternative to Ozempic is Wegovy. Although Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide, Wegovy has been found to outperform Ozempic weight loss results in clinical studies.
Wegovy is also available specifically for weight loss purposes as long as you’re eligible for an approved weight management programme, such as the Oviva programme.
The improved weight loss effectiveness of Wegovy vs. Ozempic is because it has a different dosing schedule and a higher maximum dose. The typical maintenance dose for Ozempic is 1.0 mg/week, and that’s only exceeded if lower doses do not successfully control blood glucose levels. When Wegovy is taken for weight loss, the maintenance dose is 2.4 mg/week.
Accessing weight loss medication with Oviva
You can access Wegovy via an NHS prescription if you’re eligible for an approved weight management service, like Oviva. You’ll typically need to have a BMI over 30 and at least one other weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, asthma or depression.
If you meet the criteria, you can speak to your GP and request a referral.
In addition to providing access to weight loss medication, Oviva offers access to expert advice from a coaching team that includes dietitians, doctors, nurses and psychologists.
Our team of healthcare professionals can help you develop a personalised weight loss plan, focusing on lifestyle improvements relating to diet and exercise to help boost Wegovy results.
You can also use the Oviva app to track your meals, exercise, mood, and more.
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