Ozempic (semaglutide) promotes weight loss primarily through several interconnected mechanisms related to its action as a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist:
- Appetite suppression: Ozempic mimics the natural hormone GLP-1, which acts on the brain to increase feelings of fullness and reduce hunger. This leads to eating less food because you feel satiated sooner and for longer periods
- Slowing gastric emptying: It delays the rate at which food leaves the stomach, prolonging fullness after meals and reducing appetite further. This slower digestion also helps moderate blood sugar spikes after eating
- Improving blood sugar control: Ozempic stimulates insulin secretion and lowers glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Better blood sugar control reduces hunger and can improve metabolism, encouraging the body to use fat stores for energy instead of storing fat
- Central nervous system effects: Beyond metabolic effects, Ozempic influences brain areas that control food intake and reward, reducing food cravings and supporting sustained weight loss
Clinical studies show that patients using Ozempic for type 2 diabetes often lose an average of about 10-15% of their body weight over several months, with weight loss attributed to these combined effects on appetite, digestion, and metabolism
. In summary, Ozempic helps you lose weight by making you feel full sooner and longer, slowing digestion, improving blood sugar regulation, and reducing food cravings, leading to lower calorie intake and fat utilization
