Ozempic produces the same hormone, which is why it works so well to treat diabetes or insulin resistance. It also reduces your appetite by sending signals to your brain that you've eaten and feel full, giving you a reduced appetite.
No specific foods need to be avoided while taking Ozempic and there is no fixed Ozempic diet or meal plans — one less thing for you to worry about! For certain people, carbohydrates, sugary, high-fat, heavily processed and calorie-dense foods are off-limits when dieting.
The anti-diabetic medication “Ozempic” (semaglutide) made by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. Patients taking blockbuster obesity drugs Ozempic or Wegovy will pack the pounds back on after they stop taking the medications.
Ozempic to ramp up production driven by off-label demand
"There's nothing better than you not only losing weight, but also overall eating much healthier food." For those on the drug, Rubin recommends increasing your intake of lean protein such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, beans, soy and low-fat dairy.
You start feeling those usual hunger pangs again, and consequently, you may start eating more to satisfy that hunger. An increase in your consumption can lead to the regaining of weight that was lost. A 2022 study found that most individuals gain weight back a year after stopping the medication.
Ozempic can cause nausea and vomiting if taken after eating foods high in fat or sugar. It is recommended that you take Ozempic before meals, rather than after, to minimise any potential side effects from eating high-fat or high-sugar foods.
Common Side Effects of Ozempic
“The most common side effects are gastrointestinal in nature: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.” While the majority of people who take Ozempic will most likely experience these symptoms at some point during their treatment, they should subside over time, continues Dr. McGowan.
How Long Can You Stay on Ozempic (semaglutide)? A person can stay on Ozempic® so long as they are tolerating the medication and it is deemed appropriate by their treating provider. There is no specific time frame when someone should stop taking Ozempic as it is a medication that is intended for chronic (long-term) use.
Protein-rich foods, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, support the benefits of Ozempic and may help you reach your health goals.
So, on average, with the recommended starting Ozempic dose of 0.25 mg, a 500 to 1000 calorie reduced diet, and exercise 3 times a week, you can expect to lose 3-5 pounds in the first month of treatment, which works out to about 3% of body weight for most overweight or obese individuals.
Seeing results. Ozempic starts working within the first week of beginning your maintenance dose. Your blood sugar levels will start to decline during this time. Reaching the steady state can take about four to five weeks of once-a-week Ozempic doses.
You should inject Ozempic once a week — on the same day of the week, every week. It doesn't make a big difference whether you take it in the morning or at night.
The prescription drug Ozempic helps people with diabetes control their blood sugar. But its wild popularity is due to a side effect: rapid weight loss.
Refined carbohydrates
This can make it harder to manage blood sugar levels in people both with and without diabetes. These types of foods are typically lacking fiber, which can send blood sugar levels soaring. It is best to avoid refined carbohydrates if you're taking Ozempic.
It may last for a few weeks while your body gets used to the medication and while your dose is increasing. Fatigue may be caused by other factors, however, so how long it lasts can vary. Lower your sleep debt and get in sync with your circadian rhythm to boost your energy levels.
The starting Ozempic dosage is usually 0.25 mg once weekly. This dose isn't intended to have an effect on your blood glucose. Instead, it's meant to help your body start adjusting to digestion-related side effects.
Avoiding alcohol and caffeine with Ozempic®
Caffeine may also cause your blood sugar levels to fluctuate, possibly increasing the risk for hypoglycemia when taking Ozempic® at the same time.
“Ozempic face” is a term for common side effects of the type 2 diabetes medication semaglutide (Ozempic). It can cause sagging and aging of facial skin. A doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications or facial fillers to treat these effects.
You've hit a plateau
It's normal to eventually hit a point where your weight loss slows down, especially if you're not working on keeping or building up your muscle mass. Losing muscle along with fat slows your metabolism and can slow down your weight loss.
For most people, stopping Ozempic cold turkey is not recommended. When to stop Ozempic is an individual decision you should come to with the help of your healthcare provider. If your health provider agrees it's time to stop taking Ozempic, they will provide you with instructions for tapering off your dose.
The short answer is that, yes, Ozempic can make you feel tired, but it's a rare side effect of the drug. Ozempic and its active ingredient, semaglutide, have been extensively studied for safety and efficacy for blood sugar control and weight loss.
Will Ozempic or Wegovy reduce belly fat? The answer appears to be yes. That Novo Nordisk-funded study of almost 2,000 overweight or obese adults without diabetes also found their visceral fat — the type that accumulates in the belly — was reduced from baseline with semaglutide, along with their total fat mass.