Ozempic (Semaglutide)

Ozempic UK

Ozempic UK is a type 2 diabetes medication which is prescribed to manage blood glucose levels. It is not a medication for people who do not have diabetes or are at risk of type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is taken as once-weekly injection to manage blood glucose levels and HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes. As a GLP-1 analogue medication, it increases the levels of incretins – a hormone – which helps your body to produce more insulin when needed. It also supresses the amount of glucose produced by the liver.

Ozempic And Weight Loss

People with type 2 diabetes who use Ozempic can lose weight while using the medication, which happens partly due to its effect on:

• Reducing your appetite so you eat less.
• Slowing down the movement of food in your gut meaning you stay full for longer.

Does Ozempic (Semaglutide) Cause Weight Loss?

Yes. A side effect of Ozempic (Semaglutide) is weight loss, and increasinfly people are using Ozempic for weight loss if they have have type 2 diabetes. Doctors are also prescribing it off label for weight loss in those without diabetes.

There have been a number of studies examining the effectiveness of Ozempic (Semaglutide) in managing type 2 diabetes. These studies, the Sustain studies, also looked at the associated weight loss in patients using Ozempic. Across most of the studies the average weight loss was about 5kg.

What Is The Dose Of Ozempic (Semaglutide)?

Ozempic Starting Dose
The starting dose of Ozempic is 0.25mg given a subcutaneous injection once per week for 4 weeks.

After this time, and if the person is able to tolerate the medication, the dose should be increased to 0.5mg weekly for at least 3 months when the effect should be assessed.

Ozempic Maintenance Dose
This is either 0.5mg or 1mg depending on the response to treatment.

The long term maintenance dose depends on whether the blood glucose levels are acceptable. Some people will be able to continue on 0.5mg weekly injections. For people who do not respond enough a further dose increase to 1mg is suggested. NovoNordisk the company that make ozempic are currently trying to have a 2mg dose approved for people with type 2 diabetes and this is currently under consideration by the FDA.