Ozempic: Side effects, benefits, and what happens when you stop taking it?

Ozempic is an injectable drug that's commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, is responsible for regulating blood sugar level in the body.

However, one of the side effects of the drug is dramatic weight loss, which has led to an increased demand for the medication. Another drug, Wegovy, which also contains semaglutide, has the same effect on weight loss. These two drugs have been on the FDA's drug shortage list for months, leading to a shortage of the medication for patients.

However, it's important to understand that both diabetes and obesity are chronic diseases that require long-term treatment. Taking Ozempic or any other type of medication should always be accompanied by healthy lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise.

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When stopping ozempic, what to expect?

Your appetite will return to baseline which can make it harder to follow a lower-calorie diet (Image via Pexels/Mikhail Nilov)

Your appetite will return

Semaglutide slows digestion, which keeps food in the stomach longer, leading to feelings of fullness. It also triggers changes in the brain that decrease hunger and blunt the feelings of satisfaction that can accompany eating.

As a result, people eat less when they take this medication. However, when you stop taking the drug, the benefits cease, and appetite returns to baseline. That can make it difficuly to follow a lower-calorie diet, which could lead to weight gain.

You will regain weight

When you stop taking this medication, you may regain weight, as you will no longer feel full after eating, and your food cravings will return. To prevent that from happening, it's important to continue making healthy lifestyle changes in your diet and physical activity. These changes can help maintain some of the health benefits seen with bodyweight and blood sugar control.

‘Ozempic face’ will go away

The facial changes caused by the drug will reverse (Image via Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

Rapid weight loss spurred by this medication can change the skin and reduce fat volume all over the body, including in the face. That has led to some people experiencing what has been dubbed "Ozempic face."

However, when you stop taking the drug, the facial changes caused by the drug undergo reversal. Injectable facial fillers administered by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon can help to address these changes.

Side effects will subside

Ozempic has other common side effects, including nausea, constipation, vomiting, heartburn, gas, headache and dizziness.

Not everyone experiences side effects, and they may be mild for others. They can also be avoided or minimized by taking the ramp-up in dosage more slowly from the lowest starter dose of the medication to the higher dose that’s typically used for ongoing treatment.

How you eat and what you eat can also make a difference. Side effects can be greatly mitigated by reducing dietary fat, consuming smaller portions and not skipping meals. If you experience side effects, they will likely go away when you stop taking this medication.

Blood sugar will spike

If you take Ozempic to manage your blood sugar, halting treatment may cause blood sugar to rebound to around pre-medication levels. That means it's important to continue making healthy lifestyle changes in your diet and physical activity when you stop taking this drug.

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Ozempic (semaglutide) is a promising treatment option for individuals with type 2 diabetes who struggle to manage their blood sugar level through diet and exercise alone. Clinical trials have shown that this medication can significantly reduce HbA1c levels, bodyweight and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

It's important to note that Ozempic is not a cure for type 2 diabetes and should be used in conjunction with other therapies like a healthy diet and regular exercise. Additionally, it's not recommended for individuals with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Patients should be monitored closely for these side effects (Image via Pexels/Dids)

As with any medication, this medication may cause side effects, including gastrointestinal symptoms and hypoglycemia. Patients should be monitored closely for these side effects and should discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.

Overall, Ozempic is a valuable treatment option for individuals with type 2 diabetes. With its potential to improve glycemic control, reduce bodyweight and lower cardiovascular risk factors, this medication can help patients better manage their diabetes and improve their overall health and well-being.