Overview
Use this article to understand what Ozempic® is, how it works in the body, its weight loss effects, and its active and inactive ingredients.
Use this article when you want to:
Understand what Ozempic® is.
Learn how Ozempic® works within the body.
Learn about the weight loss effects of Ozempic®.
Review Ozempic® ingredients.
What Is Ozempic®?
Ozempic® is a prescription, once-weekly injectable medication that contains the active ingredient semaglutide. Ozempic® is primarily used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic® belongs to a group of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Many people using Ozempic® also experience weight loss, especially when Ozempic® is combined with healthy lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
Ozempic® is prescribed to help:
Improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Support long-term blood sugar management.
Reduce appetite and support weight loss alongside lifestyle changes.
As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Ozempic® mimics a naturally occurring hormone in the body that is responsible for regulating both blood sugar and appetite.
How Does Ozempic® Work?
Ozempic® targets the body's natural metabolic processes in several ways:
Insulin Regulation: Ozempic® helps the body release insulin more effectively after eating, which lowers blood sugar.
Gastric Emptying: Ozempic® slows down the speed at which food leaves your stomach.
Appetite Control: Ozempic® signals the brain to increase feelings of fullness and reduce food cravings.
Because Ozempic® slows digestion, some people may experience digestive side effects such as nausea or bloating, especially when starting Ozempic® treatment or increasing an Ozempic® dose.
How Much Weight Can You Lose With Ozempic®?
Weight loss results vary significantly from person to person. In clinical studies involving adults with type 2 diabetes, average weight loss with Ozempic® ranged from approximately 7% to more than 12% of total body weight.
Your specific weight loss results with Ozempic® may depend on:
How consistently you use Ozempic®.
Your specific diet and exercise habits.
Your metabolism and overall health.
Your prescribed Ozempic® dose.
Weight loss results are generally more effective and sustainable when Ozempic® is combined with a calorie-controlled diet and regular physical activity.
What Ingredients Are in Ozempic®?
Active Ingredient
The active medicinal ingredient in Ozempic® is semaglutide.
Inactive Ingredients
The inactive ingredients in Ozempic® help maintain the medication's stability and effectiveness:
Disodium phosphate dihydrate
Propylene glycol
Phenol
Water for injection
Who Should Use Ozempic®?
Ozempic® is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes when treatment is considered clinically appropriate. A licensed healthcare provider will review your medical history and treatment suitability before prescribing Ozempic®.
Ozempic® may not be appropriate for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or pancreatitis, or those with specific medication interactions.
Additional Ozempic® Information
To help maintain Ozempic® safety and effectiveness:
Use Ozempic® exactly as prescribed by your provider.
Follow your Ozempic® dosing schedule carefully.
Review the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your Ozempic® medication for a full list of warnings.
Need Further Support?
If you still need help after reviewing the information above, additional assistance is available.