Individuals utilizing the diabetic medicine Ozempic to shed pounds is a recent fad. It has drawn much attention. However, what does science say about this drug use? Is Ozempic approved for weight loss?

42% of adult Americans are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They have tried a variety of methods and medications over the years to find the best ways to lose weight.

What is Ozempic?

If you’re wondering, ‘Is Ozempic approved for weight loss?’ IVitalityMD presents authentic justifications from its professionals to respond to your queries.

In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States approved Ozempic, also known as semaglutide. It is essentially utilized in people with type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic is a weekly injection-based dosage.It lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin.

Ozempic isn’t approved for use in weight reduction. However, some medical professionals prescribe it after running several trials.

How Does Ozempic Work?

Ozempic imitates a hormone that is produced naturally. Your brain receives a signal that you are full whenever the level of this hormone rises. Delaying the time it takes for food to leave the body also delays digestion.

This is comparable to what happens after bariatric surgery. Weight loss is a frequent adverse effect of taking Ozempic to treat diabetes, and it is intended to be used over time.

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Is Ozempic Approved for Weight Loss?

Studies have shown that semaglutide is the active component of Ozempic. It is effective in helping you lose weight. In addition, it is critical to maintain consistent weight loss efforts by modifying your diet and workout routines.

Ozempic alone is not recommended for shedding pounds. However, Semaglutide is authorized to reduce weight under the brand name Wegovy.

In contrast to Wegovy, Ozempic has a lower amount of semaglutide. It is pivotal to keep in mind that if you start using one of these drugs for lowering weight, your body can change and make a new ‘normal’.’

This drastic shift can lead to a weight plateau. Studies have demonstrated that halting Ozempic (or Wegovy) will make you regain your lost weight.

Ozempic vs. Wegovy

In 2021, the FDA granted Wegovy approval for long-term weight management. It is a once-weekly injectable. This medicine was quickly endorsed for this utilization starting around 2014.

Wegovy and Ozempic are the products of the same manufacturer. The active component semaglutide is present in both medicines.

Wegovy is intended for weight loss and has larger dosages of it. Ozempic contains less semaglutide because it was made for people with type 2 diabetes.

Another difference is that Wegovy is uninsured, while Ozempic is generally covered by medical coverage.

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Are There Benefits to Taking Ozempic for Weight Loss?

Ozempic can assist you in losing weight. It lowers the chance of developing many other severe medical disorders. For specific obese individuals, semaglutide therapies serve as a substitute for bariatric surgery.

Compared to medication, surgery often results in a significantly bigger and longer-lasting reduction in weight. Even yet, doctors advise against using Ozempic until a person has type 2 diabetes. Therefore, speak with your healthcare practitioner about starting Wegovy to lose weight instead.

Is There an Off-Brand Version of Ozempic?

The FDA cautions users of “generic” Ozempic and Wegovy about the risks involved. It states that certain medications do not have authorized generic equivalents.

Compounding pharmacies around the United States have been observed to stock an off-brand version of the medicine. Patients notified the FDA of unfavorable outcomes following using “generic” forms of semaglutide.

As of July 2023, there have been reports of a medication deficiency influencing Wegovy and Ozempic. Patients with type 2 diabetes who rely upon Ozempic might find it challenging to acquire this medication when individuals drop its mark for weight decrease.

Also, read how many mg is 40 units of semaglutide.

The Bottom Line

So, now you know the details behind ‘Is Ozempic approved for weight loss?’!

Ozempic can help you lose weight. However, the FDA has yet to support this officially. Semaglutide is approved for use in weight reduction under the brand name Wegovy. Please speak with our medical professionals and look into safe and efficient alternatives like Wegovy.

To ensure they make safe and educated decisions about their health, you need to be cautious of off-brand versions and the present medicine shortages.