In the United States, approximately 38 million people have diabetes. Within that population, about 95% have type 2 diabetes, a condition that affects your body’s ability to metabolize sugar, otherwise known as glucose. 

One such medication is Ozempic, an injectable drug approved by the FDA in 2017 to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Since its introduction, Ozempic has become widely used—not only for its ability to lower blood sugar but also for a notable side effect: weight loss. While Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight management, its impact on appetite and metabolism has drawn attention beyond the diabetes community.

In this article, we’ll explore how Ozempic works, its role in diabetes management, and why it has gained so much popularity.

What Is Ozempic — and What Does It Treat? 

Ozempic is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by improving blood sugar levels over the long term, which is measured by reducing a person’s HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c) levels. Additionally, regular use of Ozempic may help lower the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes in individuals with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. 

How Does Ozempic Work? 

The active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). When it activates the GLP-1 receptors, Ozempic enhances your body’s ability to control blood sugar by:  

• Telling your pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is high

• Blocking the release of a hormone called glucagon, which can make your liver release extra sugar into your blood

• Slowing down the rate at which food moves through your intestines, lowering the amount of sugar that enters your bloodstream after you eat

• Making you feel full, leading to less food consumption

Is Ozempic a Weight Loss Aid? 

In short, no — although one of the common side effects of Ozempic is its ability to help some users lose weight. In a recent Forbes article, Dr. Christopher McGowan explained that in addition to Ozempic’s effects on blood glucose, the active ingredient, semaglutide, also impacts the hunger centers in the brain, reducing feelings of hunger and food cravings. 

While not approved by the FDA as a weight-loss medication, its sister drug, Wegovy, received approval for use by overweight individuals or those with cardiovascular disease in 2021. The key difference between Ozempic and Wegovy is the dosage, with Wegovy offering a higher dose of semaglutide to aid weight loss (alongside a healthy diet and exercise). 

So, although the main function of Ozempic isn’t to help people lose weight, its inclusion of semaglutide often results in weight loss as a side effect experienced by many users. Because type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity, its potential to assist in weight loss may also help individuals manage their condition more effectively and improve their overall health.  

Amp Up Your Career in Medicine with a Graduate Credential from UF 

Whether you’re interested in a career in drug development or sales and marketing, the University of Florida offers an online master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology tailored to helping you achieve your goals in the medical industry.  

This entirely online program, developed by two renowned departments at UF, consists of 30 credits divided into two core areas, each comprising 15 credits. The program aims to provide you with an advanced scientific understanding of medical physiology, which focuses on the major human body systems, and medical pharmacology, which examines the impact of drugs on living organisms at the cellular and molecular levels.  

With asynchronous courses, you can complete coursework on a timeline that coordinates with your busy schedule, finishing the program in as little as two semesters. 

If you’re curious about some of our other medical physiology programs, we have several other specialized programs, depending on your interests and career aspirations, including: 

• Master’s Degree in Medical Physiology and Aging 
• Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology 
• Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology with a specialization in Cardiovascular/Renal Physiology 

If you have questions about any of our programs, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information. And when you’re ready to make the first move toward making your career dreams a reality, the application is only a click away. 

Sources: 
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/medications-containing-semaglutide-marketed-type-2-diabetes-or-weight-loss
https://www.ozempic.com/why-ozempic/how-ozempic-works.html
https://www.forbes.com/health/weight-loss/ozempic-for-weight-loss/
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-reduce-risk-serious-heart-problems-specifically-adults-obesity-or