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Ozempic for Weight Loss in the Philippines: What You Need to Know

Published 03/09/2025

Updated 03/28/2025

Ozempic has gained widespread attention as a potential weight loss solution, with many claiming it helps shed weight effortlessly. But is it as effective as it seems?

There is a lot of misinformation about Ozempic online, and while it can support weight loss, it is important to understand how it works, its risks, and whether it is the right option for you.

This guide explains what Ozempic is, how it works, its effectiveness, potential side effects, and what research says about using it for weight loss.

What is Ozempic Used For?

Ozempic is a once-a-week injection that is approved by the FDA for people with type 2 diabetes, not specifically for weight loss.

When combined with diet and exercise, Ozempic helps lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death.

However, due to its effects on weight loss, some doctors prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight management. The increased demand for weight loss purposes has even led to shortages of the medication.

Ozempic contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in other medications:

• Rybelsus, an oral version of semaglutide, approved for type 2 diabetes

• Wegovy, a higher-dose semaglutide injection, approved for weight loss

Wegovy is specifically approved for weight loss in adults with obesity or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. It is also approved for children aged 12 and older who have obesity.

How Does Ozempic Work for Weight Loss?

Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, a type of medication used to treat both diabetes and obesity.

GLP-1 is a hormone released by the digestive tract when you eat. It helps regulate blood sugar levels by prompting the body to produce more insulin. High levels of GLP-1 can also suppress appetite and promote a feeling of fullness.

Ozempic mimics the GLP-1 hormone, lowering blood sugar levels and reducing hunger. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, has been linked to:

• Reduced appetite

• Fewer food cravings

• Better control over eating

• Lower preference for high-fat foods

What Research Says About Ozempic and Weight Loss

A 2021 study looked at nearly 2,000 adults without diabetes who took semaglutide injections or a placebo for 68 weeks while also making lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

After 68 weeks, those taking semaglutide lost an average of 15 percent of their body weight, while those on the placebo lost only 2.4 percent.

However, semaglutide was not free from side effects. Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation were common, causing some participants to stop treatment. Additionally, about 10 percent of participants reported serious adverse events.

One important detail about this study is that participants received a 2.4-milligram dose of semaglutide, which is higher than the standard Ozempic dose for diabetes (which typically ranges from 0.25 to 1 milligram per week).

Another factor to consider is that the study was funded by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy. While the findings align with other research, it is always good to interpret results with a critical perspective.

A 2022 study compared weekly semaglutide injections to daily liraglutide injections, another GLP-1 receptor agonist. Both groups lost weight, but those taking semaglutide experienced greater weight loss than those on liraglutide.

Is Ozempic Safe?

There is still limited long-term research on Ozempic for weight loss, especially for individuals without diabetes. While it is effective in reducing weight, its long-term risks are not yet fully understood.

Health Risks of Ozempic

Most clinical trials on Ozempic have been conducted on people with type 2 diabetes, so the risks for people using it purely for weight loss remain unclear.

One significant concern is the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Studies in mice and rats have shown that semaglutide can increase the risk of these tumors, though it is not yet confirmed whether this applies to humans.

People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should avoid Ozempic due to this potential risk.

Some participants in clinical trials also developed pancreatitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas.

For those with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has been linked to cases of diabetic retinopathy, a complication that affects vision.

GLP-1 receptor agonists as a class of drugs have also been associated with risks of:

• Acute kidney injury

• Worsening chronic kidney disease

• Severe allergic reactions

• Increased heart rate

There is not enough research on whether Ozempic is safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, so it is important to discuss this with a healthcare provider before considering treatment.

Drug Interactions to Be Aware Of

People taking insulin or insulin secretagogue drugs, such as sulfonylureas, should avoid Ozempic, as it can increase the risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels.

Ozempic may also affect how the body absorbs other oral medications by slowing down digestion. Those taking any oral medications should consult a doctor before starting Ozempic.

Potential Side Effects of Ozempic

Common side effects include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Stomach pain

• Constipation

These side effects are reported in more than five percent of people taking Ozempic.

Other possible side effects include:

• Low blood sugar

• Redness or discomfort at the injection site

• Increased levels of digestive enzymes (amylase and lipase)

• Gallstones

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Changes in taste perception

Can You Gain Weight After Stopping Ozempic?

One of the concerns with Ozempic is that weight loss may not be permanent once treatment is stopped.

A 2022 study found that people who stopped taking semaglutide after 68 weeks regained two-thirds of the weight they had lost within a year.

Since Ozempic is a relatively new drug for weight loss, there are no long-term studies on its safety and effectiveness over many years.

Cost Considerations

GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic can be expensive, costing up to PHP 20,000 per month. In many cases, they are not covered by insurance, making long-term treatment difficult for some patients.

Is Ozempic the Right Weight Loss Treatment for You?

Ozempic is primarily a diabetes medication but is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.

Key takeaways:

• Ozempic can help with weight loss by reducing appetite and promoting a feeling of fullness. When combined with diet and exercise, it has been shown to lead to significant weight loss.

• Ozempic comes with potential side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, low blood sugar, and possible long-term risks.

• More research is needed to fully understand its safety, particularly for long-term use in people without diabetes.

• Once treatment is stopped, some weight regain is likely.

For those considering Ozempic, consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to assess whether it is the right option or if other weight loss treatments might be a better fit.

If you are exploring weight loss treatments, there are multiple options available. Understanding the risks and benefits of each approach will help in making an informed decision.