Ozempic is the brand name of a medication primarily used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This medication reduces blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (in addition to diet and exercise) and helps with weight loss, although it does not always have the expected effect.
The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide. This compound is similar to a molecule in our body called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which is a hormone that plays a role in the regulation of blood sugar and appetite.
What is Ozempic used for?
The function of ozempic is to mimic the function of the GLP-1 hormone that is released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to food intake:
- Stimulating the secretion of insulin: It helps the pancreas release more insulin when blood glucose levels are elevated.
- Reducing glucose production by the liver: It decreases the amount of glucose the liver releases into the bloodstream.
- Reducing appetite: GLP-1 agonists act on the intestine and send a signal to our brain to make us feel full. This helps reduce food intake, which can contribute to weight loss.
As a result of the previous point, this medication has become a trend for weight loss.
Why does Ozempic sometimes not have the expected effect?
Semaglutide drugs have been shown to promote a weight loss of about 15% of the initial weight. Experts advise combining Ozempic treatment with a hypocaloric diet and regular exercise to maximize the effects. However, even when applying the doctors' advice, it has been found that the expected results are not always achieved. The 15% of the initial weight is an average.
A recent study presented at the "Digestive Disease Week" in 2024 explains why the use of Ozempic does not always have the expected effect. Since semaglutide sends satiety signals to the brain, the researchers studied the genes involved in this process in people with a higher weight loss response after using Ozempic and people with a lower than expected response.
The study summary explains that, after analysing 84 people, those with what is known as ‘starving gut’ respond much better to treatment (losing an average of 8.8 kilos compared to 4.5 kilos in the other group).
Does the same happen with Saxenda?
Other drugs similar to the GLP1 molecule, such as Saxenda (liraglutide), have shown comparable effects on weight loss, with results ranging from 5% to 10% of the initial weight. However, some patients have experienced greater losses.
A genetic study in people with diabetes and overweight has identified genetic variants that influence the response to weight loss with this drug. Thanks to companies like ADNTRO, it is now possible to know your genetic predisposition to respond to this type of treatment with an easy genetic test.
What are the side effects of Ozempic?
Like all drugs, Ozempic can have adverse effects on patients.
Among the most frequent adverse effects are: vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, hypoglycemia in case of use with oral diabetes medications other than sulfonylureas or insulin, gastritis, stomach pain, fatigue, constipation, dizziness, retinopathy...
Allergic reactions such as rash, rapid pulse, changes in the taste of food and beverages, acute pancreatitis and thyroid tumors have also been reported as rare effects.
