The #1 Mistake People Make While on Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic, According to an Obesity Doctor
Ozempic pen
Prescriptions for Ozempic—a drug used to manage type 2 diabetes and that many also take for weight loss—have quadrupled in the past three years. Wegovy, a drug made by the same company as Ozempic but is approved for weight loss, has also skyrocketed.
These drugs are popular for a reason; they can be life-changing for people who truly need them. But to actually benefit from them, it’s important to know if you are a good candidate to take one of them as well as take the drug properly. While some people may think that all there is to taking Ozempic or Wegovy is to inject the drug weekly as instructed, there’s a bit more to it than that. In fact, there’s one mistake that people taking Ozempic or Wegovy often make that could greatly jeopardize their health.
Who Can Benefit from Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic?
Just because you want to lose weight doesn’t mean that a weight loss drug like Wegovy or Ozempic is a good fit for you. Dr. Jihad Kudsi, MD, the Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at the University of Chicago/LaGrange Hospital and chair of Surgery at Duly Health and Care, says that if someone has an allergy to semaglutide (the generic form of Ozempic), a history of thyroid cancer, or certain medical conditions (particularly related to the thyroid), they are not a good fit for these types of weight loss drugs. “Additionally, Ozempic is not recommended for pregnant individuals, those with a history of pancreatitis, individuals with type 1 diabetes, and those diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy,” Dr. Kudsi adds.
It’s also important to know that prescription drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic are not meant to be taken to lose a few pounds before an event, such as a wedding or class reunion. Ozempic is only approved to help with the management of type 2 diabetes while Wegovy is approved for weight loss for individuals who are obese and have certain health conditions, such as high cholesterol, or are at risk for them.
Related: Thinking About Trying Ozempic? Here's What You Can Expect, Week by Week
The #1 Mistake People Make While Taking Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic
If you are a good fit for Ozempic or Wegovy and are prescribed it, it’s important to take it properly. Otherwise, it won’t have the desired effects and you could even put your health in jeopardy. Dr. Kudsi says that there’s one mistake in particular he often sees people who are prescribed weight loss drugs like these making. “One common mistake individuals may make is not adhering to the prescribed dosage or schedule,” he explains.
According to Dr. Kudsi, skipping doses—or taking more than what’s recommended—can negatively impact blood sugar levels. This, he says, could potentially lead to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Hyperglycemia, the medical term for when blood sugar levels remain high for a prolonged period, is harmful because it can permanently damage parts of the body including the eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels. Hypoglycemia, the medical term for having low blood sugar for a prolonged period, is dangerous too. It can lead to seizures, coma, and (while rare) death.
Related: The Unexpected Benefit of Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic That No One Is Talking About
Another common mistake Dr. Kudsi says he sees people taking drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy making is not changing their diet or lifestyle. “Medication alone is not a complete solution for managing diabetes. Individuals may sometimes overlook the significance of maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress. Neglecting these healthy lifestyle habits can impact overall health and undermine the effectiveness of Ozempic,” he says. “Therefore, a balanced approach that combines medication adherence with a healthy lifestyle is essential for optimal diabetes management and weight loss.”
If you really want to experience the benefits of a weight loss drug like Ozempic and Wegovy (and not harm your health in the process), Dr. Kudsi says that maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet is crucial. “Focus on incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods and sugary snacks,” he suggests.
Regular exercise is important too. Dr. Kudsi recommends combining aerobic exercises, strength training and flexibility exercises. In addition to these diet and lifestyle habits, he says that staying hydrated and managing stress are also important. Last, he says it’s important to schedule regular check-ups to track progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Prescription drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can truly transform the health and lives of people with health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. But they must be taken consistently to work and should not be seen as a substitute for a nutrient-rich diet and regularly exercising.
If you want to lose weight in a healthy way or manage chronic conditions such as high cholesterol and diabetes, talk to your doctor about the best actions to take. Together, you can take steps toward living a healthier life—whether that includes taking prescription medication or not.
Next up, find out what happens when you stop taking Ozempic.
Sources
Dr. Jihad Kudsi, MD, obesity medicine specialist and bariatric surgeon, Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at the University of Chicago/LaGrange Hospital, Chair of Surgery at Duly Health and Care
Prescriptions for Ozempic and similar drugs have skyrocketed, data shows. The Washington Post.
Focus: Obesity drug Wegovy’s popularity has US employers rethinking insurance coverage. Reuters.
Safety of Semaglutide. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2021.
Hyperglycemia in diabetes. Mayo Clinic.
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose). American Diabetes Association.
Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Open Network.
