Ozempic (Semaglutide) 101 Guide: What Is It and How To Use It For Weight Loss Treatment

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a prescription medication that contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of drugs that mimic the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which is released by the intestine after eating. GLP-1 helps to regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production, reducing glucose production in the liver, and slowing down digestion.

How Does Ozempic Work for Weight Loss Treatment?

Ozempic works for weight loss treatment by suppressing appetite, reducing food cravings, and slowing down digestion. The medication stimulates the release of GLP-1, which signals to the brain that the stomach is full, reducing the desire to eat. Ozempic also slows down digestion, which prolongs the feeling of fullness and reduces the frequency of hunger.

Studies have shown that Ozempic can lead to significant weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. In a clinical trial involving over 1,900 patients, those who took Ozempic lost an average of 14.9 pounds over 52 weeks, compared to 2.6 pounds in the placebo group. Another study showed that patients who took Ozempic lost an average of 5.6% of their body weight, compared to 1.5% in the placebo group.

Potential Benefits of Ozempic for Weight Loss Treatment

In addition to weight loss, Ozempic has other potential benefits for people with type 2 diabetes. The medication can help to regulate blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall health. Some studies have also shown that Ozempic can lead to a reduction in liver fat and an improvement in liver function.

Side Effects of Ozempic

Like all medications, Ozempic has potential side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. However, these side effects usually go away after a few weeks. Rare side effects include pancreatitis and thyroid tumors, but these are very uncommon.

Other Weight Loss Medication Available In Singapore

Panbesy

Panbesy is a brand-name prescription oral medication taken over a short period of time (about 12 weeks) used to aid weight loss by reducing your appetite or making you feel fuller for longer. Panbesy is to be used in tandem with regular exercise and diet changes.

So how does Panbesy work?

The main active ingredient in Panbesy is phentermine, which belongs to a classification of drugs called anorectics (otherwise also known as appetite suppressants). While it is still unclear how exactly Panbesy works for weight loss, phentermine has been thought to reduce appetite by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters present in the brain.

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals to other cells to regulate vital bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate and (more specifically) appetite. By increasing the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, you will find that your appetite wanes and decreases, helping you to eat less and lose weight.  

However, there is a possibility that your body might build a tolerance towards the medication within weeks of taking it. If that happens, your doctor will recommend against raising the dosage but instead to stop using Panbesy altogether.

If you are currently struggling to lose weight in spite of dietary and lifestyle changes, it is advisable that you consult a doctor. Here at Noah, doctors on our platform are best equipped with the knowledge to determine whether Panbesy is suitable for you as part of your weight loss plan. They will be able to advise you on the best treatment suitable for you, and can also prescribe you the right medication should you need it.