How does Ozempic dosage work for weight loss?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is primarily used for the management of type 2 diabetes, but it also has an effect on weight loss. It works by mimicking a hormone in the body (GLP-1) that slows stomach emptying and makes you feel more full, which can help reduce the amount of food you eat.The dosage of Ozempic is typically started at a low dose and gradually increased over time. This is to help minimize side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, that can occur when starting the medication.
Here's a general guideline on how the dosage might be increased:
1. Start with 0.25 mg once a week for 4 weeks. This is the initial dose and it's not for glycemic control but to improve gastrointestinal tolerability.2. After 4 weeks, increase the dose to 0.5 mg once a week.3. If after at least 4 weeks more control is needed (based on your doctor's assessment), the dose may be increased to 1 mg once a week.

Hello RealSelf Admin, it depends on if you are taking Ozempic for type 2 diabetes or for weight loss. Ozempic and Wegovy are both semaglutide, however, their prescribing guidelines differ slightly for the intended purpose. Ozempic is administered in 4-week intervals starting at 0.25 mg. The next increase would be 0.5 mg for 4 weeks, 1.0 mg for 4 weeks until a max dose of 2.0 mg for 4 weeks is reached. Timeline is 16 weeks. Wegovy is administered in 4-week intervals as well, but titration is slightly different. Dosing is as follows: 0.25 mg x 4 weeks, 0.5 mg x 4 weeks, 1 mg x 4 weeks, 1.5 mg or 1.7 mg x 4 weeks, with or without 2.0 mg x 4 weeks, until a max dose of 2.4 mg is reached. Wegovy has several options for treatment, so you could reach max dose in anywhere between 20-24 weeks.Additional points to consider, if prescribed through insurance, Wegovy and Ozempic come in pre-filled syringes. If received at a clinic outside of insurance, most products come in a vial and the staff will draw up your specific dose for each month.Each increase varies for patients. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, hypoglycemia, and headaches. More serious complications include kidney failure, gallstones, pancreatitis, and the possibility of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). It is difficult to predict how each patient will respond, so it is important you consult with your healthcare provider to see if Ozempic/Wegovy is safe for you.