Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is part of class of medications called GLP-1 agonists. Like other medications in this class (including Saxenda, Trulicity, Wegovy, and Mounjaro), Ozempic has been celebrated as a game changer because of its remarkable effectiveness on both diabetes and weight loss. While originally developed to manage diabetes in 1992 and approved by the FDA in 2005, researchers discovered that Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications also have remarkable effects on weight loss. In clinical trials, patients treated with first generation GLP-1 agonists experienced significant body weight reductions, ranging from 4-6% within just a few months. Almost 2 decades later, newer more effective GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Mounjaro have led to weight loss in the 15 to 22% range within just over a year, with most of the weight loss occurring in the first 6 months.
The potential of GLP-1 agonists to effectively combat both diabetes and obesity is game changing, and new research has led to more widespread use of these drugs as an effective treatment option for overweight and obesity.
Ozempic and Weight Loss: What to Expect
On average, patients can expect at least a 5% weight loss in 3 months, and a 10% weight loss in 6 months. After 15 months, the STEP 1 Trial showed that 55% of participants on semaglutide lost at least 15% of body weight (compared to 5% with placebo) and 35% of participants on semaglutide lost at least 20% of body weight (compared to 2% on placebo).
How Ozempic Helps with Weigh Loss
What makes medications like Ozempic so effective? It all comes down to their ability to mimic GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced in the gut that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. But unlike naturally produced GLP-1, which is very short acting, Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists provide long acting appetite suppression. They do this by suppressing appetite in the brain, by modulating reward signals in the brain, and by delaying stomach emptying, resulting in prolonged feelings of fullness and satisfaction, and leading to less frequent snacking and reduced caloric intake.
Robust blood sugar control
A1c reduction by an average of 1.8%.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Research has shown that Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications offer cardiovascular benefits beyond their blood sugar lowering effects, reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death by 14 to 24%. They may also improve cardiac function, reduce arterial stiffness, and lower blood pressure. These benefits are thought to be due in part to a combination of factors including weight loss and the effects of GLP-1 on the cardiovascular system, including improved endothelial function and reduced inflammation.
Overall, the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1 medications make them a valuable treatment option not only for diabetes but also for patients with high cardiovascular risk.
Decrease in risk of worsening kidney function
via a 21% decrease in progressive albuminuria.
