What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk, originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The active ingredient is semaglutide, a synthetic version of the natural gut hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). Ozempic is administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection with a prefilled pen.
Although Ozempic is formally registered for diabetes, it is widely prescribed off-label for weight loss worldwide due to its powerful appetite-suppressing effects. In clinical studies, patients on Ozempic lose an average of 12-15% of their body weight. The higher-dose variant Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is specifically approved for weight management.
How Does Ozempic Work for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that intervenes at multiple levels in the biological regulation of appetite and metabolism. The medication binds to GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus, the brain region that regulates hunger and satiety. As a result, patients experience significantly less hunger and a faster sense of fullness after eating.
Additionally, semaglutide slows gastric emptying (gastroparesis effect), keeping food in the stomach longer and prolonging the feeling of satiety. It also improves insulin sensitivity, contributing to more stable blood sugar levels and reduced cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods.
A secondary effect is that semaglutide reduces the preference for calorie-dense, high-fat foods. Patients often report needing fewer snacks, eating smaller portions, and experiencing less emotional eating or binge eating.
Dosage & Titration Schedule
Ozempic is titrated according to a fixed schedule to minimize side effects. Your physician may adjust the schedule based on tolerability.
| Period | Dosage | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1–4 | 0.25 mg/week | Starting dose, the body adjusts to the medication |
| Week 5–8 | 0.5 mg/week | First therapeutic dose, appetite reduction noticeable |
| Week 9+ | 1.0 mg/week | Standard maintenance dose |
If response is insufficient, your physician may increase the dose to a maximum of 2.0 mg per week.
Your physician at Go Leaner adjusts the dosage individually based on your response and tolerability. Not every patient reaches the maximum dose, and that is not always necessary.
Visual Dosage Timeline
Ozempic — How the dosage is built up step by step
Starting dose — the body adjusts
First therapeutic dose — appetite reduction noticeable
Standard maintenance dose
Maximum dose if response is insufficient
This schedule is indicative. Your physician adjusts the dosage based on your individual response and tolerability.
Clinical Results (SUSTAIN Studies)
In the SUSTAIN studies, semaglutide at higher doses achieved an average of 12-14% weight loss. Ozempic is primarily registered for type 2 diabetes but is prescribed off-label for weight management when proven effective.
Results may vary per individual and depend on dosage, lifestyle and metabolism.
Injection Instructions
Injection sites
- Abdomen (front, around the navel)
- Upper thigh
- Upper arm (outer side)
Rules
- Inject subcutaneously (under the skin), not into a vein or muscle
- Rotate injection sites weekly to prevent skin irritation
- Use the same day each week for your injection
Always have a physician or nurse supervise your first injection.
Storing Ozempic
In the refrigerator (2–8°C). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Up to 6 weeks at room temperature (maximum 30°C).
Dispose of the pen in a sharps container after use. Do not discard with household waste.
Missed Dose
Administer the dose and resume your normal schedule.
Skip the missed dose and take the next one on the usual day.
Never take a double dose to make up for a missed injection.
Side Effects
Very common (>10%)
- Nausea (20-44%)
- Diarrhea (15-30%)
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain or bloating
Common (1–10%)
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- Reflux (heartburn)
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Injection site reaction
Serious (contact your physician)
- Persistent severe abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis)
- Severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea (risk of dehydration)
- Pain in upper right abdomen (possible gallbladder problems)
- Sudden vision changes (retinopathy in diabetes patients)
- Swelling of face, lips or tongue (allergic reaction)
Tips for GI complaints
- Follow the titration schedule strictly, do not skip steps
- Eat smaller portions spread throughout the day
- Avoid fatty and spicy food in the first weeks
- Drink small sips of water regularly
- Inject in the evening so potential nausea occurs during sleep
Contraindications
Ozempic should not be used in the following situations:
- Hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of the excipients
- Severe gastrointestinal conditions (such as gastroparesis)
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2
- Under 18 years of age
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (stop at least 2 months before planned pregnancy)
- Concurrent use with other GLP-1 agonists
Off-label Use
Ozempic is registered for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. At Go Leaner, physicians prescribe it when medically justified, based on your complete health profile and treatment goals. Off-label prescribing is a common and legal practice in medicine, provided it is medically substantiated.
Difference with Wegovy
Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide, but there are important differences:
| Ozempic | Wegovy | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum dose | 2.0 mg/week | 2.4 mg/week |
| Approval | Type 2 diabetes | Weight management |
| Titration schedule | 4 months | 5 months |
Same active substance (semaglutide). Wegovy is specifically approved for weight loss and typically achieves slightly higher weight loss percentages due to the higher dosage.
Comparison with all three medications →
Insurance & Reimbursement
- Ozempic is reimbursed for type 2 diabetes but not as standard for weight loss.
- Consult your health insurer for supplementary coverage.
Go Leaner offers transparent all-in-one pricing with no surprises.
Composition
| Active substance | Semaglutide |
| Excipients | Disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid/sodium hydroxide (pH adjustment), water for injection |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk |
Ozempic at Go Leaner
At Go Leaner, we prescribe Ozempic as part of an integrated treatment program. That means not just the prescription: you receive a personal board-registered physician who monitors your dosage, a lifestyle coach who guides you with nutrition and exercise, and monthly evaluations to assess your progress.
Nutrition and more information
Nutrition is essential during GLP-1 treatment. Read our guide for practical tips on nutrition, proteins, and lifestyle:
Nutrition and Lifestyle During GLP-1 Treatment →
Official Patient Leaflet — Ozempic
Patient information from the European Medicines Agency (EMA)
Download the official Dutch-language patient information leaflet (PIL) for Ozempic (semaglutide). This document contains complete information about usage, dosage, side effects, contraindications and storage instructions, as approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Source: European Medicines Agency (ema.europa.eu)
Frequently Asked Questions
Ozempic is a prescription medication. Use should always be under medical supervision. The information on this page is informational and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your physician.
Sources
- 1.EMA SmPC Ozempic (semaglutide), European Medicines Agency
- 2.SUSTAIN Studies, Various publications, including Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2017-2020
- 3.CBG-MEB Medicines Database, Medicines Evaluation Board