Ozempic, a diabetes medication known globally for its role in weight management, is now being studied for possible effects on hormones, including testosterone, in men.Originally designed to help manage blood sugar, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) has shown remarkable effects on weight loss, appetite, and even hormonal balance. For Filipino men struggling with low energy, low libido, or obesity-related hormonal shifts, this raises an important question: could Ozempic indirectly influence testosterone levels through its effects on weight and metabolism?
Let's unpack what the science says, and what it means if you’re living in the Philippines.
What is Ozempic and why is everyone talking about it?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally approved for managing type 2 diabetes. Its ability to help users feel fuller for longer, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite has made it a go-to for medical weight loss globally.
In the Philippines, the demand for Ozempic has surged as more people look for effective, science-backed solutions to obesity and metabolic health - especially with alternatives like Saxenda often priced similarly but with different mechanisms.
More Filipinos are now learning that Ozempic affects multiple body systems, including those related to metabolism, appetite, and blood sugar regulation, and ongoing studies are exploring whether it may influence hormones as well.
Does Ozempic increase testosterone in men?
Early studies suggest there may be a connection between semaglutide use and improved testosterone levels in men with obesity or metabolic dysfunction.
A recent Vice article explored how semaglutide use led to significant increases in testosterone in overweight men. This isn't because Ozempic directly stimulates the testes. Instead, it tackles visceral fat - the deep abdominal fat that converts testosterone into estrogen.
By reducing fat mass, semaglutide allows the body to naturally rebalance its hormones.
According to a 2023 study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, men treated with semaglutide saw increases of 100–300 ng/dL in testosterone levels after several months - without taking any testosterone medication.
In fact, many men with symptoms like low energy, poor concentration, or lack of sex drive may be dealing with hormone imbalance linked to excess weight, even if they've never considered it.
How Ozempic compares to testosterone therapy
Not quite - but it might help you avoid needing it.
Traditional testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) involves injections or gels to artificially raise testosterone levels. While effective, TRT can suppress the body's natural hormone production and carry risks like acne, infertility, and cardiovascular strain. Ozempic, on the other hand, doesn’t supply hormones - it fixes the upstream cause. By reducing fat, improving insulin sensitivity, and optimizing metabolic health, it supports testosterone naturally.
How much weight (and testosterone) do people actually lose with Ozempic?
On average, patients on Ozempic lose 10–15% of their body weight over 3 to 6 months. Some studies observed average testosterone increases among obese men after significant weight loss with semaglutide treatment, though individual results vary. These changes also correlate with improvements in energy, sleep, focus, and sexual function - all areas commonly affected by testosterone deficiency. Filipino men, especially those with sedentary lifestyles or diets high in refined carbs, may experience more dramatic effects due to higher baseline insulin resistance and central fat storage. Of course, results vary, and weight loss should be monitored by a professional.
Are there other benefits of Ozempic beyond weight loss?
Yes - and they’re worth paying attention to.
Studies from the Cleveland Clinic and PubMed show that semaglutide also helps with:
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Blood sugar control and insulin resistance
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women
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Fatty liver disease
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Blood pressure and cholesterol management
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Emotional or binge eating behavior
Some of these, like PCOS or prediabetes, are surprisingly common in Filipinos. And the link between metabolic dysfunction and hormonal imbalance is stronger than most people think. There’s also growing evidence that Ozempic may reduce inflammation markers, improve gut microbiota, and even influence mental clarity - areas that indirectly affect hormonal balance, performance, and long-term vitality.
Want to learn more about GLP-1s in local context? Check our GLP-1 explainer here.
Is Ozempic available in the Philippines?
Yes, but with limitations.
Ozempic requires a doctor’s prescription and is typically available in large pharmacies or through telemedicine providers like Andyou. Due to rising global demand, Ozempic stock in the Philippines fluctuates. Some patients are switching to compounded versions or considering alternatives like Wegovy, which is the higher-dose, weight-loss-specific version of semaglutide.
Who should consider Ozempic for testosterone-related concerns?
You may be a candidate if:
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You're male, overweight or obese
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You experience fatigue, low libido, or brain fog
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Blood tests show low or borderline-low testosterone
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You prefer to fix root causes instead of jumping to TRT
We recommend getting a full hormone panel, lifestyle assessment, and professional evaluation before making a decision.
How to get started with Ozempic in the Philippines
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Consult a licensed healthcare provider to discuss whether semaglutide or any GLP-1–based therapy is suitable for your individual health goals.
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Get lab tests if needed (testosterone panel, lipid profile, glucose)
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Receive your prescription and first dose
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Track progress weekly - weight, appetite, energy, sleep, libido
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Adjust dosage under medical guidance over 3–6 months
This process ensures you’re not just losing weight but improving key markers of male health.
Is Ozempic the future of hormone health for Filipino men?
Ozempic probably won’t replace testosterone therapy - but for overweight men dealing with low T, it might offer a metabolic shortcut to better hormonal balance. It's not a magic fix. But it's science-backed, clinically tested, and increasingly accessible to Filipinos who want better health without the side effects of hormonal medication. If you’ve been feeling off and suspect your hormones are part of the issue, Ozempic might be worth a second look - not just for your weight, but your energy, mood, and libido too. Explore how it works, who it's for, and whether it fits into your health plan by booking a free screening through Andyou.
