Ozempic side effects: 10 ways this weight loss drug can affect your body

As a result of its function in managing diabetes, Ozempic, the model identify for the treatment semaglutide, is gaining a variety of consideration. It is usually recognized for being an efficient weight reduction drug. However the advantages are sometimes accompanied by opposed results. A few of them, together with nausea and constipation, are fairly widespread. However the record is solely rising, with some experiencing opposed results like Ozempic face and hair loss. So, earlier than taking the weekly photographs to handle sort 2 diabetes and drop some pounds, get to know concerning the Ozempic negative effects.

What are the advantages of Ozempic?

Earlier than shifting on to Ozempic negative effects, undergo its advantages:

1. Blood sugar management

This treatment improves blood sugar regulation by mimicking the pure hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). “It stimulates the discharge of insulin, which is a hormone that lowers blood glucose, and reduces the discharge of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood glucose,” explains endocrinologist Dr Sandeep Kharb.

2. Weight reduction

It is among the fashionable weight reduction medication, though it isn’t authorised by the US Meals and Drug Administration for this function. “It acts on areas of the mind concerned in urge for food regulation, significantly the hypothalamus, which helps cut back starvation and meals cravings,” says the professional.

3. Might assist enhance liver well being

Research are being performed on the advantages of Ozempic. One such research, revealed in The New England Journal Of Drugs in April 2025, confirmed that semaglutide will help to enhance liver well being in folks with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, which is a kind of liver illness.

What are the Ozempic negative effects?

Listed below are among the Ozempic negative effects:

1. Nausea

A gastrointestinal challenge comparable to nausea is among the widespread opposed results of semaglutide, in line with analysis revealed in Frontiers In Public Well being. “It happens as a result of the medication slows down gastric emptying, which may make customers really feel overly full. It’s normally outstanding whereas beginning the treatment and tends to subside inside a couple of weeks because the physique adapts,” says Dr Kharb.

2. Vomiting

Vomiting, one of many Ozempic negative effects, is commonly linked to the identical mechanism inflicting nausea. “This implies delayed abdomen emptying and modifications within the intestine perform can result in vomiting,” says the professional. The episodes normally reduce with continued use and dose adjustment.

3. Diarrhea

This occurs resulting from modifications in gastrointestinal motility (the motion of meals from the mouth by means of the throat, abdomen, intestines, and out of the physique) attributable to the burden loss drug. It tends to be gentle to average in depth and normally resolves inside a couple of weeks.

4. Constipation

If not diarrhea, some folks could expertise constipation. Slowed bowel actions could also be one in all Ozempic negative effects resulting from delayed digestion. It may well final for a number of weeks however usually improves with hydration, fibre consumption, and time.

5. Stomach ache

“Many individuals who use Ozempic for weight reduction or diabetes administration expertise abdomen discomfort or cramps,” says the professional. It’s usually associated to gastrointestinal changes. It normally improves as soon as the physique will get used to the treatment.

6. Fatigue

Feeling drained or low in vitality could happen resulting from diminished calorie consumption, particularly through the preliminary weight reduction part. “Fatigue, one in all Ozempic negative effects, is often short-lived and should resolve because the physique adjusts,” says the professional.

7. Hair loss

Hair loss could also be skilled by some people utilizing Ozempic, however it isn’t one of many widespread Ozempic negative effects. “The drugs usually results in vital and fast weight discount, which can result in telogen effluvium, a brief sort of hair loss,” says the professional. Additionally, as folks drop some pounds, particularly if dietary consumption is restricted, they could not get sufficient important vitamins like iron, zinc, protein, and B nutritional vitamins. A deficiency in these vitamins can even contribute to hair loss.

8. Ozempic face

Ozempic face can be not one of many widespread Ozempic negative effects. It’s a colloquial time period coined to explain the facial modifications some folks expertise after shortly reducing weight with the assistance of Ozempic. “Individuals could expertise sagging pores and skin and hole cheeks,” says the professional. There’s one other aspect impact related to it. Ozempic mouth is one other time period utilized by some folks to discuss with the pronounced folds on the corners of the mouth, and sagging pores and skin, particularly alongside the lip and chin areas. “These modifications are resulting from quantity loss within the face, particularly fats and muscle, because of fast weight reduction,” says Dr Kharb.

9. Pancreatitis

Semaglutide could have a hyperlink to the event of acute pancreatitis, in line with analysis revealed in Cureus. “It’s a uncommon, however critical situation involving irritation of the pancreas,” says the professional. Signs of this situation embody extreme belly ache, nausea and vomiting.

10. Kidney issues

Ozempic negative effects comparable to vomiting and diarrhea can result in dehydration. “It might negatively influence kidney perform, significantly in folks with pre-existing kidney situations,” says the professional.

Tips on how to keep away from Ozempic negative effects?

Right here’s what you are able to do to keep away from Ozempic negative effects:

• Begin with a low dose: Docs normally prescribe a decrease dose initially and improve it regularly in order that the physique will get time to regulate. The Ozempic dose begins with 0.25 mg as soon as every week then at week 5, your physician will improve it to 0.5 mg as soon as every week.
• Keep hydration: Consuming loads of fluids will help stop dehydration, which in flip helps minimise kidney points and helps wholesome digestion.
• Eat wholesome: Guarantee a nutrient-rich weight-reduction plan with enough protein, fibre and nutritional vitamins, iron, and zinc to forestall gastrointestinal issues and hair loss.
• Monitor signs: To keep away from Ozempic negative effects, intently look ahead to any indicators of opposed reactions, and search medical recommendation promptly.

There may be a variety of curiosity round Ozempic, due to its effectiveness in managing diabetes and reducing weight. Nevertheless, you must also find out about Ozempic negative effects together with its advantages in the event you want to use the medication.