Once at an effective dose, patients often feel reduced hunger and prolonged fullness, though response times and dose needs differ. While highly effective, it requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects and limited long-term safety data.
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and other stomach discomfort side effects commonly occur during the first few weeks of treatment or after the dose increases. They usually decrease or go away with time. Less common side effects, like gallstones, pancreatitis, or low blood sugar levels, require urgent medical attention.
Here’s what you can expect:
After One Month
Ozempic’s full effects may take four to eight weeks to appear. To allow their bodies to adjust, patients typically start with a 0.25 mg dose for the first month.
According to the manufacturer, Ozempic’s blood concentration is stable after 4 to 5 weeks of once-weekly use. Also, the monthly increase of doses from week 5 onwards influences appetite, leading to a gradual and steady decline in body weight.
During this period, weight or glucose changes may be minimal as the medication stabilizes in the system. Full effectiveness often requires titration to the maximum 2 mg dose.
For some patients, weight loss can begin at lower doses within two to three weeks, but significant results usually occur at higher doses.
After Three Months
After three months, most patients on semaglutide reach the maximum 1.0 mg dose.
A research study of 175 participants with a mean BMI of 41.3 reported weight loss of 3.9% in diabetic individuals and 6.3% body weight loss in non-diabetic individuals after 12 weeks, aligning with STEP 1 and STEP 5 studies showing a 6% loss. Additionally, participants reported better eating control and fewer cravings.
There were significant reductions in waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein.
Belly Changes After Ozempic
Ozempic reduces appetite and slows gastric motility, leading to significant fat loss and a leaner body mass.
Semaglutide specifically reduces belly fat, which surrounds organs and cannot be removed by liposuction, as well as total fat mass. It helps maintain muscle mass during weight loss by boosting metabolism.
Patients often experience reductions in waist circumference, improving both health and aesthetic outcomes.
The rising popularity of Ozempic has led to an influx of counterfeit versions, which pose serious health risks. Using authentic Ozempic prevents harmful side effects and ensures the promised therapeutic benefits.
Though Ozempic is highly effective for weight loss, some individuals may not achieve their expected weight loss results.
Enrolling in a doctor-led weight loss program is recommended for the best results.