What is Ozempic?

‍Ozempic® has quickly become a well-known name in the world of weight loss. But what exactly is it? This blog post explains what Ozempic is, what it is used for, and why more and more people are using it as part of their weight loss program, for example Goodweigh-program.

The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, which was originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes . However, several studies show that the medication also aids in weight loss for people without diabetes. Thanks to this success, Ozempic, as well as similar medications like Wegovy®, has attracted a great deal of attention from both doctors and patients.

What was Ozempic originally developed for?

Ozempic was developed as a medication for people with type 2 diabetes . In this condition, the body does not respond as well to insulin, which causes blood sugar levels to remain too high. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, helps to better regulate blood sugar.

The medication belongs to a group of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic the natural GLP-1 hormone (glucagon-like peptide 1). This hormone stimulates the release of insulin when blood sugar rises, while simultaneously inhibiting the release of glucagon, which raises blood sugar. Thanks to this effect, Ozempic helps keep blood sugar levels stable and reduces the risk of complications. (see, e.g., GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes - state-of-the-art, PubMed)

Why is Ozempic also used to treat overweight?

In addition to its beneficial effect on blood sugar levels, studies have shown that Ozempic also has an effect on appetite and feelings of satiety. People who used the medication had less appetite and ate smaller portions, which led to weight loss.

The extensive STEP-1 study demonstrated that overweight or obese individuals who used semaglutide lost an average of about 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, while the weight loss in the placebo group was only 2.4% (Wilding et al., 2021, New England Journal of Medicine).

These results have led to semaglutide, although originally intended for the treatment of diabetes, also being used off-label for the treatment of obesity. In some countries, a separate medicinal product has already been approved for weight loss: Wegovy®, which contains the same active ingredient.

Which drug class does Ozempic belong to?

Ozempic belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. These are medications that mimic the action of the natural GLP-1 hormone in the body. They have three important effects:

1. Improved blood sugar regulation: they stimulate insulin production when blood sugar rises;
2. reduced appetite: they slow down stomach emptying, which helps you feel full faster and for longer;
3. positive effect on weight: thanks to reduced hunger and more stable blood sugar, you will lose weight gradually.

You can find complete information about the medication's effects and potential side effects in the official Ozempic package leaflet (EMA).

What does Ozempic treatment look like?

Ozempic treatment always begins with a medical assessment by a doctor. Goodweigh, you first complete an online questionnaire, after which a doctor assesses whether Ozempic is suitable for you.

If you are approved, you will receive a prescription and begin treatment. Ozempic is administered as a weekly injection using an easy-to-use injection pen. The dose is increased slowly so that your body has time to adjust to the medication and potential side effects remain minimal.

During treatment, you will receive support from doctors and coaches. They will help you change your lifestyle, diet, and habits so that the medication can work optimally. a systematic review shows that individuals using semaglutide who receive lifestyle counseling achieve significantly better results than those without counseling (Qin et al., 2023, Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism).

Who prescribes Ozempic?

Ozempic is a prescription medicationthat can only be prescribed by a doctor. A doctor will evaluate your health status, medical history, and any potential risks.

Goodweighfocuses on safety and personalized medical guidance. This means a doctor is always involved in initiating, dosing, and monitoring your treatment. You will receive the medication through a certified Dutch pharmacy, delivered to your home chilled and with a tracking code.

In addition, our support team will contact you to explain how to administer the medication and walk you through what to expect during the first few weeks. This ensures you can start your treatment safely and with confidence.

What is the difference between Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda?

Although Ozempic, Wegovy , and Saxenda belong to the same class of drugs (GLP-1 receptor agonists), there are some important differences between them.

• Ozempic is officially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but it is also used off-label for the treatment of obesity.
• Wegovy contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) but in a higher dose, and it is specifically registered for weight loss.
• Saxenda contains a different GLP-1 agonist (liraglutide) and must be taken daily instead of weekly.

In practice, Ozempic offers many people an effective and practical solution, especially thanks to its weekly dosing and proven weight loss results.

What does Goodweigh offer in connection with Ozempic?

Goodweigh offers you more than just a prescription. The program combines medical assessment, lifestyle coaching, and ongoing support into one comprehensive package. Everything takes place online: from the initial screening and prescription to delivery and follow-up.

The program is tailored to your personal situation, and your progress is reviewed regularly. In addition, Goodweigh helps you adopt healthy habits so that your results are not temporary, but lasting.

This integrated approach makes Goodweigh unique: it is not just a medical treatment, but also a support program for permanent behavioral change.

Ozempic as the starting point for your weight loss journey

Ozempic is an effective tool that can help you lose weight, but it only reaches its full potential with the right medical and personal guidance. At Goodweigh, safety is always our top priority. You will receive professional support from doctors and coaches who will guide you step-by-step toward a healthier weight.

Do you want to know if Ozempic is right for you? Complete your initial screening today and find out if you are eligible for Ozempic treatment. This is how you take the first step toward sustainable weight loss: safely, discreetly, and entirely online.