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Weight loss · Plain answers

Weight-Loss Shots Like Ozempic and Wegovy: Plain Answers

What these shots are, who they are for, the side effects to know and why you need a prescription.

HealthStylz Editors
· 3 min read

Photo: cottonbro studio

The short version

  • They are prescription shots, not a quick fix.
  • Common side effects are stomach problems like nausea.
  • Ask your doctor if one is right for you.

Nutrition facts

Protein-rich foods worth knowing about. One normal serving of each.

Fiber per serving

  1. Eggs1 large egg (50 g)0 g
  2. Greek yogurt1 container, 7 oz (200 g)0 g
  3. Lentils1/2 cup cooked (99 g)7.8 g
  4. Chicken breast3 oz cooked (85 g)0 g
  5. Salmon3 oz raw (85 g)0 g

Protein per serving

  1. Eggs1 large egg (50 g)6.3 g
  2. Greek yogurt1 container, 7 oz (200 g)19.9 g
  3. Lentils1/2 cup cooked (99 g)8.9 g
  4. Chicken breast3 oz cooked (85 g)26.4 g
  5. Salmon3 oz raw (85 g)17.4 g

Calories per serving

  1. Eggs1 large egg (50 g)71.5 cal
  2. Greek yogurt1 container, 7 oz (200 g)146 cal
  3. Lentils1/2 cup cooked (99 g)114.8 cal
  4. Chicken breast3 oz cooked (85 g)140.3 cal
  5. Salmon3 oz raw (85 g)176.8 cal

Source: USDA FoodData Central.

You have probably heard of Ozempic and Wegovy. Maybe a friend takes one. Maybe you saw an ad. Here are plain answers from trusted U.S. health agencies. This is not medical advice, and it does not cover doses. Your own doctor decides that.

What are they?

Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names for semaglutide. MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, says semaglutide is a shot given under the skin with a prefilled pen. You use it once a week. A doctor or nurse teaches you how to use the pen. It needs a prescription. You cannot just buy it at the store.

MedlinePlus also says it helps control diabetes and weight, but it does not cure either one.

Who is it for?

MedlinePlus lists several uses for semaglutide shots:

  • To control blood sugar in some adults with type 2 diabetes
  • To lower the risk of heart attack, stroke or death in certain adults with heart or blood vessel disease
  • To slow worsening kidney disease in some adults with type 2 diabetes
  • To support weight loss in people with obesity or overweight who also have weight-related medical problems
  • To treat a liver disease called MASH

Which product treats which problem depends on the label. Ask your doctor which one fits you.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) explains who can be prescribed a weight-loss medicine. It is adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. It can also be adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who have a weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. NIDDK says these medicines are not meant for everyone. Lifestyle programs may be enough for some people.

What results can you expect?

NIDDK says medicines do not replace healthy eating and exercise. They work best along with a lifestyle program. After one year, adults who took a medicine plus a lifestyle program lost about 3% to 12% more of their starting weight than adults who changed their lifestyle alone. Results differ from person to person. Most weight loss happens in the first 6 months.

If you stop the medicine, NIDDK says you will probably regain some weight.

Common side effects

MedlinePlus lists these common ones: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, heartburn, burping, a runny nose or sore throat, and headache. NIDDK says most side effects are mild and often get better, and serious ones are rare.

Call your doctor right away if you have

  • Pain in the upper stomach that does not go away, which may spread to your back
  • A rash, itching, or swelling of the face, mouth or throat, or trouble breathing
  • A lump in the neck, hoarseness or trouble swallowing
  • Yellow skin or eyes
  • Vision changes, a pounding heartbeat or fainting

Who should not use it?

MedlinePlus has a boxed warning. In rats, the drug caused thyroid tumors. Doctors do not know if it does this in people. People with a personal or family history of thyroid tumors, thyroid cancer or a condition called MEN 2 may be told not to use it. NIDDK says semaglutide should not be taken by people with a history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2.

Tell your doctor if you have had pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney disease or eye problems from diabetes. MedlinePlus says to stop using it 2 months before a planned pregnancy and to call your doctor if you get pregnant. NIDDK says weight-loss medicines are not recommended while breastfeeding.

Beware of fake and knock-off products

The FDA says unapproved versions do not go through its review for safety, effectiveness and quality. It says fake Ozempic has been found in the U.S. supply. Some compounded semaglutide has carried false pharmacy names. The FDA advises getting a prescription from your doctor and filling it at a state-licensed pharmacy. Be careful of prices that seem too good to be true and online services with no licensed doctor check.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • Is this safe with my health conditions and my other medicines?
  • What eating and activity plan goes with it?
  • What side effects should I watch for?
  • What is the plan if I stop?

Where this comes from