Can you take Ozempic permanently?

Asked by: Garrett Jacobi II  |  Last update: September 15, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (26 votes)

It's been hailed as a “miracle” weight loss drug for people living with obesity. But, as with many medications, it only works for as long as it's used. As soon as someone stops their regular course of semaglutide, their weight is likely to come right back.

Can you stay on Ozempic for life?

A person can stay on Ozempic® so long as they are tolerating the medication and it is deemed appropriate by their treating provider.

Can Ozempic be taken long term?

Patients who stop taking the drugs often regain weight

Like many drugs, the effects of semaglutide stop when patients go off of it, so some people regain weight. Experts said they consider Ozempic and Wegovy to be lifelong medications.

Do you regain weight after stopping Ozempic?

You start feeling those usual hunger pangs again, and consequently, you may start eating more to satisfy that hunger. An increase in your consumption can lead to the regaining of weight that was lost. A 2022 study found that most individuals gain weight back a year after stopping the medication.

What happens when you stop Ozempic?

If you stop taking Ozempic, the weight you lost will likely return, fast. People who ceased use of semaglutide gained back, on average, a full two-thirds of the weight they had lost on the drug within one year, according to an August 2022 study, the Wall Street Journal reports.

WARNING Do NOT take Ozempic or Mounjaro until you watch this

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How do you know when you should stop taking Ozempic?

Stop using Ozempic® and call your health care provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back. changes in vision.

What are the long term issues with Ozempic?

Other serious side effects of Ozempic include thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, changes in vision, hypoglycemia, gallbladder issues, kidney failure and cancer.

What does Ozempic do to your face?

“Ozempic face” is a term for common side effects of the type 2 diabetes medication semaglutide (Ozempic). It can cause sagging and aging of facial skin. A doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications or facial fillers to treat these effects.

Do celebrities use Ozempic?

Ozempic and Wegovy have surged in popularity after becoming the first drugs proven to aid weight-loss. Celebrities including Elon Musk and Remi Bader have revealed they used the drug to help trim fat. Many other famous faces who have looked svelte recently are rumored to have used them.

Is Ozempic safe if you don't have diabetes?

Ozempic 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.

Can you lose belly fat on Ozempic?

Yes, Ozempic can be used to reduce belly fat. Studies have shown an average weight loss of 7.5% and a reduction in waist circumference by 5.09 cm.

How do I maximize my weight loss on Ozempic?

By avoiding these foods and focusing on a healthy, balanced diet, you can maximize the effectiveness of Ozempic for weight loss and achieve your goals. Choose foods that are high in fiber, lean protein, and whole grains, and avoid foods that are high in calories, fat, and sugar.

Why have I stopped losing weight on Ozempic?

It's normal to eventually hit a point where your weight loss slows down, especially if you're not working on keeping or building up your muscle mass. Losing muscle along with fat slows your metabolism and can slow down your weight loss. Once your body adjusts, your weight loss journey should pick up again.

Can you stop Ozempic cold turkey?

For people who are trying to lose weight, whether or not they need to, Ozempic will flush out of your body and you'll go back to where you were, Sadhu said. There's no withdrawal and you don't need to taper off the drug, although you may feel hungry again and regain the weight.

What foods should be avoided in Ozempic diet?

Here are five things to limit in your diet to lower your risk of side effects.
  • Foods that are high in fat. Foods that are high in fat can worsen Ozempic side effects. ...
  • Sugary foods and drinks. ...
  • Ultra-processed carbohydrates. ...
  • Starchy vegetables. ...
  • Alcohol.

Does Ozempic leave saggy skin?

3 But the often quick weight loss people see on these drugs can lead to the unwanted issue of sagging skin—commonly known as “Ozempic face” or “Ozempic butt.” Age in particular is a big risk factor for loss of skin elasticity.

Does Ozempic stop working after awhile?

It's been hailed as a “miracle” weight loss drug for people living with obesity. But, as with many medications, it only works for as long as it's used. As soon as someone stops their regular course of semaglutide, their weight is likely to come right back.

What organ does Ozempic affect?

Kidney problems

Taking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, like Ozempic, may worsen renal failure or damage in people with kidney problems. Kidney injury can also occur in people who do not have underlying chronic kidney disease while taking Ozempic.

Does Ozempic mess with hormones?

Ozempic does affect your hormones, mainly by mimicking the natural hormone produced by your gut called GLP-1.

What happens if you eat sugar while taking Ozempic?

High fat foods or sugary foods

Ozempic can cause nausea and vomiting if taken after eating foods high in fat or sugar.

How much weight can you lose in a month with Ozempic?

So, on average, with the recommended starting Ozempic dose of 0.25 mg, a 500 to 1000 calorie reduced diet, and exercise 3 times a week, you can expect to lose 3-5 pounds in the first month of treatment, which works out to about 3% of body weight for most overweight or obese individuals.

How long can you leave Ozempic?

Storing your Ozempic

Once used, it can be stored for 56 days at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F or in a refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F. Ozempic will expire 56 days after the pen's first use and should be properly disposed of, even if there is medicine remaining in the pen.