Otto Huertas, MD

As an expert in weight loss management, I understand your concerns about your issues correlated with menopause-related weight gain and further difficulties with other weight loss modalities. Ozempic (Semaglutide) is FDA-approved in that it has been studied and shown to be effective for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and further to aid in weight loss.

Small clinical trials have shown that Ozempic can cause significant weight loss in people without diabetes as well as with it, but it’s not currently approved by any regulators to be a weight loss intervention; rather, it’s considered a serendipitous, or ‘off-label’, side-benefit derived from diabetes trials.

All that said, however, a lot of providers are prescribing Ozempic off-label for weight loss, especially if people have tried various other means and haven’t been able to see success. And since you have more than 50 pounds to lose, and you’ve tried a variety of strategies and haven’t been able to trim the pounds, I would ask your healthcare provider about the possibility of trying Ozempic.

Your provider will consider factors such as your overall health, your medical history, medications you’re currently taking, and your individual risk factors in determining whether or not Ozempic is a good intervention or not for you. Your provider may also talk to you about the possible side effects of Ozempic use, as gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea are commonly reported with its use.

Furthermore, your clinician may advise you to make lifestyle changes (such as dietary adjustments and physical activity) as a part of your treatment and in addition to Ozempic to facilitate weight loss.

Just make sure to always check with your physician before trying any medication for weight loss – not all medications are safe or appropriate for all bodies. When your goal is weight loss, you will benefit from your provider’s guidance for a comprehensive approach to getting to your goal.