Ozempic has gained serious attention as a treatment for type 2 diabetes and as a weight loss aid. But how does Ozempic work—and what should you know before taking it?
Whether you’re considering Ozempic to manage blood sugar or lose weight, this article covers how it works in the body and the potential side effects worth being aware of.
How Does Ozempic Work?
Ozempic is a brand name for semaglutide, which mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone plays a role in:
- Helping your pancreas release insulin when your blood sugar is high
- Slowing down how quickly your stomach empties food
- Reducing appetite by acting on areas of the brain that regulate hunger
The result? You feel full longer, have fewer blood sugar spikes after meals, and often eat less overall.
That’s why Ozempic is effective for people with type 2 diabetes, and increasingly used off-label to help people with weight loss.
Common Side Effects of Ozempic
Although Ozempic can help with weight and blood sugar control, side effects are common—especially when starting out:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Bloating or stomach discomfort
- Fatigue
- Headaches
Most of these symptoms ease over time as your body adjusts.
Does Ozempic Cause Muscle Loss?
One of the most overlooked concerns is that Ozempic may contribute to muscle loss. When people lose weight quickly, especially without strength training, they often lose lean mass along with fat.
But why does this happen? Because Ozempic reduces your appetite, you eat less food and this is often less food than you need to keep the muscle you have.
This matters because:
- Less muscle = slower metabolism
- Muscle protects joints and bones
- Losing lean mass can lower your strength and energy
- Reduced muscle strength can negatively affect bone density
To offset this, it’s essential to include resistance training and protein-rich meals while using Ozempic.
Can Ozempic Lead to Nutrient Deficiencies?
Because Ozempic reduces appetite, many people end up eating far less. That can lead to nutritional gaps if you’re not careful. You might not get enough:
- Protein
- Iron
- Calcium
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
These deficiencies can impact your energy levels, immune system, bone health, and recovery.
Eating enough quality food becomes even more important when your appetite is lower. Focus on nutrient-dense meals and avoid skipping meals regularly.
Bone Health and Ozempic: Is There a Link?
Yes—especially when paired with muscle loss. Bones rely on resistance and impact to stay strong. If muscle mass drops and physical activity decreases, bone density can suffer too.
Over time, this may increase the risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis, particularly in older adults or women after menopause.
Other Risks and Considerations
Ozempic may also carry some less common but more serious risks:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallbladder problems, especially from rapid weight loss
- Diabetic retinopathy complications (if you already have it)
- Possible thyroid tumors (found in animal studies)
Always discuss your personal health history with your doctor before starting Ozempic or any GLP-1 medication.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Ozempic?
Many people regain weight after stopping Ozempic, particularly if they haven’t built new eating or exercise habits. When the drug is no longer in your system, your appetite and cravings return.
To maintain results:
- Strength train at least 2–3x/week
- Prioritise high-protein meals
- Build consistent habits while on the medication
- Don’t rely on Ozempic alone—create a long-term plan
Other GLP-1 Medications Available in Australia
Ozempic isn’t the only GLP-1 medication being used for weight loss. Other commonly prescribed options in Australia include:
- Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
These medications work in similar ways to Ozempic—they help regulate blood sugar, reduce appetite, and slow digestion. Because they act on the same biological pathways, they also come with many of the same side effects, such as nausea, digestive discomfort, and the risk of losing muscle mass if diet and exercise aren’t addressed.
If you’re considering weight loss medication, it’s worth discussing all of these options with your doctor to find the right fit for your goals and lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
So—how does Ozempic work? It helps manage hunger, slow digestion, and balance blood sugar. But those effects come with a few risks if the medication is used without a solid strategy behind it.
Muscle loss, bone health issues, and nutrient deficiencies can all be part of the picture if you don’t take a thoughtful approach. Used well, Ozempic can be a tool. But it should be part of a bigger lifestyle plan, not the only solution.
Because taking Ozempic doesn’t directly improve the underlying habits that need to be formed for healthy weight, things like exercise and diet, once people come off of the medication, often the weight gain returns.
Looking for support that goes beyond just a number on the scale? We help clients build sustainable, strength-based plans that work with or without medication.
