What is Ozempic?

‍Ozempic® has quickly become a well-known name in the world of weight loss. But what is it exactly? In this blog, you can read what Ozempic is, what it is intended for and why more and more people are using it as part of their weight loss process, for example through the program of Goodweigh.

Ozempic contains the active substance semaglutide, which was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Several studies now show that the drug also helps with weight loss in people without diabetes. That success has ensured that Ozempic, along with similar resources such as Wegovy®, receives a lot of attention from both doctors and patients.

What was Ozempic originally developed for?

Ozempic was developed as a medicine for people with type 2 diabetes. In this condition, the body responds less well to insulin, so that blood sugar levels remain too high. Semaglutide, the active substance in Ozempic, helps to better regulate blood sugar levels.

It belongs to the group of GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic the natural hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone stimulates insulin release when blood sugar rises and at the same time inhibits the release of glucagon, which increases blood sugar. Through this effect, Ozempic helps to keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce the risk of complications. (see, among others GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes - state-of-the-art, PubMed)

Why is Ozempic also used for overweight?

In addition to its beneficial effect on blood sugar levels, research showed that Ozempic also affects appetite and satiety. People taking the drug had less appetite and ate smaller portions, leading to weight loss.

In the big STEP-1 study it was shown that overweight or obese people who used semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weight in 6-8 weeks, compared to only 2.4% in the placebo group (Wilding et al., 2021, New England Journal of Medicine).

These findings have meant that semaglutide, although originally intended for diabetes, off-label is also used for obesity. In some countries, a separate variant of the drug has now been approved for weight loss: Wegovy®, containing the same active substance.

Which drug class does Ozempic belong to?

Ozempic is part of the group GLP-1 receptor agonists. These are medications that mimic the effects of the natural GLP-1 hormone in the body. They have three major effects:

1. Improved blood sugar control: they stimulate insulin production when blood sugar levels rise;
2. Decreased appetite: they delay gastric emptying, making you feel full faster and longer;
3. Positive effect on weight: due to less hunger and more stable blood sugars, you will gradually lose weight.

For full information about the effects and possible side effects, please visit the official Ozempic (EMA) package insert consult.

What does treatment with Ozempic look like?

A treatment with Ozempic always starts with a medical assessment by a doctor. Bee Goodweigh you first fill out an online intake, after which a doctor will see if Ozempic is suitable for you.

If approved, you will receive a prescription and start treatment. Ozempic is given via a weekly injection with an easy-to-use pen. The dose is slowly built up to allow the body to get used to it and to limit any side effects.

During the process, you will receive guidance from doctors and coaches. They help you adjust your lifestyle, diet and behavior so that the medication can work optimally. From a systematic review it appears that people who use semaglutide in combination with lifestyle guidance achieve significantly better results than without guidance (Qin et al., 2023, Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism).

Who do Ozempic prescribe?

Ozempic is a prescription medication and should only be prescribed by a doctor. The doctor assesses your health, medical history and any risks.

Within the program of Goodweigh the focus is on safety and personal medical guidance. This means that a doctor is always involved in the start, dosage and follow-up of your treatment. You will receive the medicine via a certified Dutch pharmacy, with chilled home delivery and a track & trace code.

In addition, the support team will contact you to explain the administration and discuss together what the first few weeks look like. So you can start safely and with confidence.

What's the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy or Saxenda?

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

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

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

What does Goodweigh offer around Ozempic?

Bee Goodweigh you get more than just a prescription. The program combines medical assessment, lifestyle coaching and continuous guidance in one process. Everything takes place online: from intake and prescription to delivery and follow-up.

Your process is tailored to your personal situation, with regular contact moments to discuss progress. In addition, Goodweigh helps you learn healthy habits so that the results are not temporary but sustainable.

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

Ozempic as the starting point of your weight loss process

Ozempic is a powerful tool that can help you lose weight, but it really comes into its own with the right medical and personal guidance. At Goodweigh, safety always comes first. You will receive professional support from doctors and coaches who will guide you step by step to a healthier weight.

Do you want to know if Ozempic is right for you? Do the intake and find out if you are eligible for treatment with Ozempic. This is how you take the first step towards sustainable weight loss: safely, discreetly and completely online.