Ozempic®

Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it mimicsthe GLP-1 hormone produced in your gut. When GLP-1 binds to GLP-1 receptors, ittells your pancreas to release insulin whenever your blood sugar levels get toohigh, which brings your bloodsugar back down (Shah, 2014; Phillips,2022). In type 2 diabetes, your body develops insulin resistance, which allows sugar to build up in the blood.Antidiabetes medications like Ozempic encourage the release of more insulin tokeep blood glucose levels in check (Thota, 2022).

In addition to stimulating insulin release, Ozempic reduces the amount of sugar released from your liver. Ozempic also slows down the digestion process, so it takes longer for your stomach to empty fully, a process known as gastric emptying. This helps prevent your blood sugar from spiking. At the same time, it keeps you feeling full for longer, which can lead you to eat less and lose weight (Shah, 2014; Phillips, 2022).

Because GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic have led to weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes, researchers have looked into whether they can help treat obesity and lower some of the cardiovascular risks associated with obesity. Indeed, long-term GLP-1 medication usage seems to lower blood pressure and cholesterol (Phillips, 2022). Some adults with obesity may be prescribed Ozempic off-label for weight management. Combined with diet and exercise, Ozempic can help people with obesity lose weight faster (O’Neil, 2018; Wilding, 2021).

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Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss. Good Life-affiliated healthcare professionals have the discretion to prescribe a medication off-label if they believe it is an appropriate course of treatment for a particular patient.

Ozempic dosing starts out low, then gradually increases over the first few months until a steady dose is reached. If prescribed, your Good Life-affiliated provider will work with you to find the schedule and dosing that’s right for you. As an example, the lowest dose of Ozempic is 0.25 mg once a week and the maximum dose is 2.0 mg once a week.

All medications carry a risk of potential side effects. Ozempic’s side effects are typically mild and often improve within the first few weeks of treatment. When they occur, it’s usually when doses are increased, then tend to improve once a steady dose is reached. Some of the most common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Stomach pains
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Acid reflux
• Belching and gas
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Fatigue

More severe side effects are rarer but possible. Serious side effects include:

• Thyroid cancer—The FDA has issued its most serious warning (called a BOXED WARNING) that GLP-1s may be associated with a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma. So far, this side effect has primarily been seen in laboratory studies using rodents, so the risk to humans has not been determined.
• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder disease
• Rapid heartbeat
• Severe allergy (hypersensitivity)
• Low blood sugar
• Vision problems (diabetic retinopathy)
• Kidney disease
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Please see the full product safety information page.

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Achieving and maintaining weight loss isn’t solely about willpower or modifying your diet and exercise habits. Biological factors and genetics also significantly influence the process. If you’ve faced challenges with weight loss previously, consider seeking assistance from weight loss medications.

Here are three reasons why weight loss efforts might falter:

1. Attempting drastic changes all at once.
2. Adopting extreme diets that are difficult to sustain.
3. Following generic plans that don't. account for individual biology.