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December 27, 2022 2:58 pm
Should You Take Diabetes Drug Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Improper use of the drug has led to a shortage.
Milos Dimic/Getty Images
Off-label use of the popular diabetes drug Ozempic has led to a social media boom of people seeking this drug to help them lose weight. The massive appeal has triggered a shortage of the drug. Here’s what you need to know before you consider taking it.
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic is an injectable prescription medication administered once a week to help reduce high blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. This drug received FDA approval in 2017 for diabetes treatment. It appears that weight loss is a secondary effect of taking this drug, meaning some people that took the drug also lost weight, but that is not what it was created to do. In 2021, the FDA approved a weight loss drug called Wegovy, containing higher amounts of the same active ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide) specifically for weight loss. According to the FDA, both these drugs are currently in short supply. The FDA website states Wegovy shortage is due to “Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.”
Common side effects of Ozempic include gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation. Other possible side effects include pancreatitis, changes in vision, low blood sugar, kidney failure and gallbladder issues. The drug is also contraindicated for people who have suffered from medullary thyroid cancer or certain endocrine disorders. Complete information on risks and side effects can be found in its medication guide.
Since Wegovy is a higher dose of semaglutide it carries additional risks including more severe stomach issues as well as possible incidence of increased heart rate, depression and thoughts of suicide. Additional details on this drug can be found via Wegovy’s medication guide.
Why Are People Obsessed With Ozempic and Weight Loss?
The power of social media has driven the craze behind taking Ozempic for weight loss. Rumors have swirled of celebrities taking the drug and countless other accounts are flashing selfies touting weight loss. Despite what glossy posts may imply, there is minimal reliable scientific evidence to support the efficacy or safety of using this drug for weight loss.
A study published in 2021 found that overweight and obese patients without diabetes given semaglutide along with diet and lifestyle changes lost more weight the control group – but this study was funded by the drug manufacturer, as is one previous study with similar results published in 2018.
Bottom Line: There is no magic pill (or injection) for weight loss. Use or abuse of diabetes medications for weight loss have not been properly evaluated for long term use and therefore may pose unforeseen dangers. Furthermore, using this drug for purposes other than type 2 diabetes may be taking it away from the patients who it is intended for.
January 9, 2023 2:17 pm
I know a girl who has taken this medication for her weight loss. She lost a lot of weight fast. There was a major up roar in regards to rumors that the Kardashians (Kim and recently Kloe) have taken it. There are other weight loss pills that doctors can prescribe like phentermine but it doesn't help you keep the weight off and half the time you gain the weight right back unless you really change your lifestyle.
January 4, 2026 9:55 pm
My sister had really good results with ozempic and has kept the weight off for 2 years now. She always struggled with her weight and as soon as she would lose it she would gain it right back. She did a lot of yo-yo dieting so I think this really helped her understand how to fuel her body and eat right. She is really happy with the results.
January 4, 2026 9:55 pm
@paigebrickhouseiectskin-com I think the lifestyle change is a major part of any long term weight loss, even for those taking ozempic.
January 8, 2026 1:36 pm
I can understand the concern for the off label use of these semiglutide injections. I actually just took my last shot of Wegovy. I had a low dose compared to other people on social media, since the thought is, the higher the dose, the faster the weight would come off. My physician had me on the lowest possible effective dose that still gave me results. The trick now is to see how much of the weight loss I'll retain. For me, it was hard to get into a workout routine due to my work/mom schedule, however, now that I am off the shot, it is impirative that I start.
January 8, 2026 1:41 pm
@brandyhunteriectskin-com With your friend, did she completely stop the shot, or was she on a lower maintenance dose? I know I need to get back into the gym, but I'm wondering if my sudden stop will impact me maintaining my weight loss.
January 8, 2026 1:44 pm
@paigebrickhouseiectskin-com I definitely can agree. With me, I tried a few of the pills prior to being put on Wegovy. They did not work at all for me. When I started the shot, my doctor started me slow and I wasn't worried about losing weight by a certain time. I really enjoyed the ride. I started in May of 2025, and as of yesterday, I lost 60 pounds. I think losing it slower is better because you can still maintain your skin elasticity.
