What is Ozempic?
Ozempic, also known by its generic name semaglutide, is a prescription medication used primarily for treating type 2 diabetes. It is administered as an injection [1, 2].
Ozempic is typically included in a comprehensive treatment plan featuring a healthy diet and regular exercise. Additionally, it helps reduce the risk of heart-related issues, such as heart attacks and strokes, in individuals with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. [2].
Sometimes, doctors may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss or weight management. This Is due to the property of the medication to decrease your appetite, which may lead to weight loss. However, it should be noted that the use of Ozempic for weight loss has yet to be officially approved, and its effectiveness for this purpose can vary among individuals [1, 3].
Side effects of Ozempic
Ozempic, like all medications, can cause side effects in some individuals. These side effects can range from mild to severe.
Mild side effects: Mild side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, and nausea or vomiting. Some people may also experience changes in the way things taste, burping, dizziness, headache, flatulence (gas), fatigue (lack of energy), indigestion (upset stomach) or acid reflux, and reactions at the injection site, such as skin redness, discolouration, or discomfort [1, 3, 4].
Severe Side Effects: In rare cases, Ozempic may cause severe side effects. These can include conditions such as diabetic retinopathy (damaged blood vessels in the eye), gallbladder disease, including gallstones or cholecystitis (gallbladder pain and swelling), kidney problems, pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas), increased risk of thyroid cancer, allergic reaction, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) [1, 3, 4, 5].
It's important to note that you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any severe side effects. If the side effects seem life-threatening or you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately [1, 3].
Does Ozempic Give You Energy?
No direct evidence from the current scientific articles suggests that Ozempic delivers an energy boost.
As discussed before, The primary function of Ozempic is to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes [1, 3]. It does this by increasing the amount of insulin produced in your body after a meal, slowing food movement through your stomach, and reducing the amount of sugar released into your bloodstream [1, 3].
While Ozempic can lead to weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing digestion, making you feel fuller for longer [1, 2, 4, 6], these effects do not necessarily translate into increased energy levels.