How does Ozempic work, and what are the side effects?

Ozempic, a drug designed to treat diabetes, has been used off-label by some for weight loss. But how does the medication work and what are the side effects people are experiencing? NBC’s senior medical correspondent Dr. John Torres weighs in. 

About: TODAY brings you the latest headlines and expert tips on money, health and parenting. We wake up every morning to give you and your family all you need to start your day. If it matters to you, it matters to us. We are in the people business. Subscribe to our channel for exclusive TODAY archival footage & our original web series.

Connect with TODAY Online!

About: TODAY All Day is a 24/7 streaming channel bringing you the top stories in news and pop culture, celebrity interviews, cooking, and more. All in one place.

#weightloss #health #diabetes

[luvride]

You do not crave food that's for sure. I tend to get real bad headaches. Im diabetic but i wont be taking it after this pen is done. I can't handle the side effects.

[harriettpavonrosado]

I stopped taking it. I stayed nauseated for a long time. I lost 20 pounds because of so much vomiting and diarrhea. Also, my kidneys are malfunctioning now, I stopped on the dime.

[jessicakirk]

I think having articles regarding these medications and posting about it in the light of being an easy to use and quick fix for weight loss can be potentially dangerous for patients. This medicine is historically used for diabetes. Diabetics who are put on Ozempic or Wegovy must follow a very strict meal plan, spend time with diabetes educators and specialized dieticians to help plan meals, carb counts, and protein counts. I do not believe that patients who to take a diabetes medication only for weight loss will be setting them up for long-term success. These medications have some serious side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, even malnutrition due to the reduction in eating. While physicians offering these drugs to patients struggling with obesity are treating these patients with the intent of non-maleficence, it makes me wonder if this treatment could be causing harm in the long term. From my perspective it seems that these medications are utilized as a “quick and easy” fix for these patients who want to lose weight. It does not seem like there is a strict regimen for placing obese patients on these medications. If something like Ozempic will be used I think that there needs to be a discussion with the patient to review other options for weight loss, plans for exercise and a plan to eventually discontinue this medication. It is my hope that this medication will be used for patients to begin their weight loss journey, but to not utilize it long term as their only method. From the patient interviews in the video, it seems like this medication is used as the only method for becoming healthier. I found it alarming that a lot of people on this medication will ignore serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea just so they can lose weight. I think this is an unfortunate miscommunication between patients and doctors and a lack of discussion about alternative options for treatment or healthier treatment options for weight loss treatments. Hopefully further articles can highlight issues with using this medication as the only treatment for weight loss, and open up discussions for utilizing other methods for helping patients achieve weight loss goals.

[OldJoe]

After taking one injection I stayed in bed on day 2, never felt so miserable in my life. Never again.

[videorocketzmillarmilla]

Pancreatitis can get cancer. Kidney failure, stomach doesnt empty anymore. I lost 20 pounds just exercising.

[twitchster]

I take this for diabetes and live in a small town. The shortages because of how popular it has become for weight loss is very frustrating for me. I rely on this stuff and have to go without because no one can get it in stock. Last time took almost 2 weeks to get another pen of this stuff.

[dianejohanson]

I’ve been on Ozempic for my Diabetes for 4 months now and also down 22 pounds and A1C lowered from 7.8 to 7.3 so far, which is good. At first I didn’t experience any side affects but after opening this new box on 1.0, which I have been for almost 3 months now, I’ve started having a lot of nausea and can’t swallow my other medications because I throw everything up. I wake up nauseated and am nauseated at bedtime too. I am going to talk to my doctor at my next visits about this.

[beyondthesea]

It's poison, I was nauseous 🤢 and vomiting daily. 9 months after stopping it, I'm still sick. Nasty stuff!!!

[heistbros]

So its a bandaid ti peopel terirble life styles. Theu ar stil gonna eat mcdonalds just less and therfore, "healthier" but are they really? They still lack the nutrition and exercise just eat less calories.

[Robindalmiras]

Terrible vomiting was my experience and lost work. I stopped after my 2nd shot

[jahleelmonet]

I've heard that when you stop using this, you gain the weight back.

[mechmodguy]

No way y’all are spotlighting specific medications!

[aaliyahford]

If ozempic was safe it wouldn’t be available to us

[BraveFencer]

Ozempic is like crack when you do it you lose weight when you stop you gain weight just like crack

[ga-booga]

Do the side effects outweigh the dangers of obesity?

[matt]

ive been taking ozempic for 14 weeks now. 8 weeks on 0.25. 4 weeks on 0.5 2 weeks on 1mg. i am type 2 diabetes and was in hospital in may with dka

i’ve been fine on it up until i started taking 1mg. ive had the flu last week for about 5 days after my first 1mg. than i ended up in hospital with viral gastroenteritis with high (not severe) levels in my pancreas. and also celluliits in near my jaw and just under my eye. something i have never had before

[marypreston]

I have side effects, but I do have an side effects that no one have mention.