You’ve probably heard of people using Ozempic for weight loss. But it was actually developed to treat diabetes. Regardless, Ozempic and similar medications that contain an active ingredient called semaglutide have risen in popularity.

Dr. Carey Brown, medical director of Kettering Health Miamisburg’s bariatric program, shares what semaglutide is and how it works.

What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide was developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. According to Dr. Brown, it stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin and helps regulate blood sugar.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two forms of semaglutide for diabetes treatment: Ozempic, an injection, and Rybelsus, a tablet. 

Although developed for type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has a secondary cause.

“It reduces a person’s appetite and interest in food,” Dr. Brown says. “That was the genesis of why it potentially could be used in helping people lose weight.”

The FDA has since approved a new medication called Wegovy, an injection specifically designed for weight loss with a higher dosage than an Ozempic injection.

“It actually slows down the emptying of the stomach, so food is held longer,” he says. “That messaging to the brain helps to say we’re full and satisfied, and therefore you eat less.”

Many people have found success using semaglutide for weight loss. Dr. Brown says 15 to 25% of a person’s body weight can typically be lost with this medication.

Despite its success, Dr. Brown urges caution: “It’s helpful and beneficial as long as the person understands that these medications are not risk-free.”

What are the side effects?

People may experience nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea with use. However, one significant effect comes only after you’re done taking the medication: hunger rebound.

No current guidelines suggest the length of time you should use semaglutide, says Dr. Brown. Therefore, long-term usage may be ideal because a strong hunger rebound will likely occur once you are off the medication.

“The message is being denied,” he says. “Then the brain responds in an overaggressive manner once the message has returned.”

Dr. Brown says people who struggle with this strong hunger rebound may, unfortunately, regain weight. He says continued lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating, reduced portion sizes, and routine exercise, are necessary to ensure that the weight stays off.

“Lifestyle modification is really the foundation that everything is built on,” he says. “Whether a person is considering medications or bariatric surgery, weight loss and long-term maintenance is really only supported by the foundation of making sure you live a healthy lifestyle as much as possible.”

Making the right choice for you

If you’re considering options for weight loss, talk to your doctor to determine what’s right for you. No matter what treatment you choose, Dr. Brown says to remember the journey is ongoing.