How long will I be on Ozempic for weight loss?

Asked by: Dr. Jarrell Miller Jr.  |  Last update: May 7, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (28 votes)

Ozempic® is licensed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, but is often prescribed off-label to help with weight loss. You can use Ozempic® for a maximum of two years for this purpose, but sometimes people stop using it sooner.

Can Ozempic be used long-term for weight loss?

Official answer. Ozempic is used as a long-term treatment if you tolerate it well. You and your healthcare provider will make a shared decision about how long you should stay on treatment, whether you are using it for type 2 diabetes or weight loss.

When do you stop losing weight on Ozempic?

The “Ozempic plateau” describes a leveling off of weight loss while taking a GLP-1 medication. This often happens after around 12 months of taking semaglutide. The factors we outlined above can all play a role in why you may stop losing weight at a rate you experienced at one point while taking Ozempic.

Is it possible to keep weight off after Ozempic?

It will likely be more difficult to keep weight off without medications like Ozempic, but it's not impossible. Experts say if you make dietary and lifestyle changes while you're taking the drugs, you may be able to maintain a lower body weight.

How long can you stay on Ozempic for?

There is no set time frame for how long you can stay on Ozempic®. For diabetic patients, Ozempic may be a long-term solution with no end point. People taking the drug for weight loss may need to stop if they experience damaging side effects, including gastroparesis, gastroenteritis or intestinal blockage.

Why Ozempic for weight loss has doctors concerned

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Can you ever stop using Ozempic?

Doctors may prescribe Ozempic for weight loss. While it is possible to stop and restart Ozempic, you may regain some of the weight lost during treatment. Working alongside a doctor, dietitian, or personal trainer can help prevent regaining your weight.

What happens after 6 weeks of Ozempic?

After taking Ozempic® for six weeks

By this point, you'll have started the 0.5 mg dose and will likely be seeing some changes. In the same two trials mentioned above, between weeks four and eight at 0.5 mg there was an average weight reduction of around 2%, meaning that by week eight the total loss was about 4%.

How fast do you gain weight back after Ozempic?

It is common for you to gain weight back after stopping Ozempic®. In one study, people regained up to two-thirds of the weight they lost after they stopped taking semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic during the first year.

How did Kelly Clarkson lose weight?

Kelly Clarkson's weight loss was motivated by health concerns, including autoimmune and thyroid conditions. She combined diet changes, such as adopting a lectin-free diet, with regular exercise like walking. Clarkson's journey included using weight loss medication, although she emphasized a holistic approach.

How long does it take to lose 30 pounds on Ozempic?

Some people lose much more weight on Ozempic than the average, with reports of up to 30 pounds lost in 26 weeks. However, it's important not to compare your results to anyone else's. As long as the scale moves in the right direction, you should be happy with any improvements you make.

Do you have to take Ozempic for life for weight loss?

Treatment with drugs like Ozempic requires life-long commitment, as discontinuing the medication often leads to weight regain. Patients may face side effects, including nausea, reflux, abdominal cramping, delayed gastric emptying, and constipation, which might affect their ability or willingness to continue treatment.

What is the Ozempic face?

“Ozempic face” is a nonmedical term that refers to the gaunt appearance in the face that can happen when someone loses weight quickly, specifically while taking a GLP-1 drug such as Ozempic. The rapid loss of fat from the face is the cause of the hollowed cheeks and looser skin.

Did Kelly Clarkson use Ozempic?

However, Kelly Clarkson has denied using Ozempic or any other weight loss medication or product.

How to break a weight loss plateau?

How can you overcome a weight-loss plateau?
  1. Reassess your habits. Look back at your food and activity records. ...
  2. Cut more calories. Further cut your daily calories, provided this doesn't put you below 1,200 calories. ...
  3. Rev up your workout. ...
  4. Pack more activity into your day.

What is the downside of Ozempic?

Serious Side Effects

Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, and require immediate medical attention. Gallbladder Disease: Ozempic may increase the risk of gallbladder disease, including gallstones. Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice.

How did Adele lose weight?

Adele's routine involved daily workouts, including weight training and cardio. She worked with a trainer to create a balanced plan that fit her lifestyle. This consistent exercise helped her build strength and boost her fitness level.

How did Melissa McCarthy lose weight?

Melissa McCarthy's weight loss success: How she lost 50 lbs.

In 2011, McCarthy told ET she'd lost 30 pounds by “piloxing,” a mix of pilates and boxing. And in 2015, the actress prepared for her role in the action comedy Spy by training with a martial arts instructor.

What is the strongest weight loss prescription pill?

Some of the strongest weight loss pills available today include: Naltrexone/bupropion (brand name Contrave) Phentermine/topiramate (brand name Qsymia) Orlistat (brand names Xenical, Alli)

How much weight can you lose on Ozempic in 3 months?

Once you are on a proper dose, you should lose at least around 5% of your body weight within the first 3 months of taking the medication, she said. In short, 3 to 6 months is a good time to see if the medication is right for you.

Can you sustain weight loss after Ozempic?

However, Ozempic is not a miracle drug, and even though you may shed a few pounds, they'll come right back if you're not working hard to keep the weight off after you stop using it. That's always been the struggle with diets: unless your lifestyle changes remain routine, you'll inevitably gain weight again.

Can you drink alcohol on Ozempic?

You may be wondering if you can drink during Ozempic treatment. There's no direct interaction between using Ozempic and consuming alcohol. However, alcohol can lower or raise your blood sugar level. This means alcohol could make Ozempic not work as well as usual.

Can you lose 10 pounds in a month on Ozempic?

Research suggests that people can lose an average of 5 pounds monthly on Ozempic. The amount of weight you can lose in a month with Ozempic depends on your dose. Other factors affecting the amount of weight loss you can expect with Ozempic include your starting weight, diet, exercise, and other medications.

How to speed up weight loss on Ozempic?

Speaking of what you eat, certain foods may help accelerate weight loss while taking Ozempic. In particular, protein and fiber both increase feelings of fullness. So, eating foods high in these macronutrients can help you feel full sooner, so you eat less and lose more weight as a result.

Can I lose 20 pounds in a month with semaglutide?

How fast you can lose 20 lbs on semaglutide (Wegovy) depends on your starting weight and other factors. If you weigh 232 lbs at the start of Wegovy treatment, you can expect to lose 20 lbs in around 16-20 weeks (4-5 months).