What is Ozempic?
Ozempic, sold under its generic name semaglutide, is a prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults that works through subcutaneous injection [1, 2]. It is part of a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
What does Ozempic do?
Ozempic resembles GLP-1, a hormone produced naturally by the body, which has several effects on the management of glucose levels, as well as reducing some risk factors for cardiovascular disease in those with type 2 diabetes, including Modulating the release of insulin; reducing the amount of glucose released into the blood after meals; and lowering the speed of transit of food through the stomach, which helps to prevent hyperglycaemia (abnormally high blood sugar levels) immediately after a meal [3].
Ozempic is additionally prescribed off-label for weight loss. Hunger suppression leads to reduced caloric intake, which leads to weight loss [2, 3].
Side Effects of Ozempic use
Ozempic, like all medications, can cause side effects in some individuals. These side effects can range from mild to serious.
Some of the most common Ozempic side effects include abdominal (stomach) pain, constipation, diarrhoea and nausea or vomiting. Mild side effects that have been reported include alterations in taste, belching, dizzy spells, headaches, flatulence (passing gas), fatigue (lack of energy), indigestion (upset stomach) or acid reflux, injection-site reactions such as redness, itching or pain, and a slight increase in heart rate [3, 4].
...