Ozempic Explained: How It Works, Side Effects, and What Comes Next

What this article covers

This article, credited on the page to Kate Save and dated 30 January 2025, is a consumer explainer on the GLP-1 receptor agonist medications Ozempic and Wegovy. It covers five things: the mechanism by which the drugs work, who can access them, their side effects, why nutrition and resistance training matter alongside them, and what happens when a person stops taking them. Its central argument is that these medications can be a useful kickstart but are not a magic solution - specifically that a substantial share of the weight lost is lean muscle rather than fat, that muscle loss slows metabolism and makes regain more likely, and that protein intake and strength training are what protect against this. It closes by positioning Be Fit Food's high-protein, low-carb meals as the nutritional support layer and links to a complimentary dietitian consultation. It carries a five-item academic reference list.

Key points

• Ozempic and Wegovy are GLP-1 receptor agonists that mimic the hormone GLP-1, which regulates blood sugar and appetite. Both were developed initially for diabetes management.
• Three stated mechanisms: suppressing appetite by acting on the brain's hunger signals; slowing gastric emptying so food stays in the stomach longer and fullness lasts; and regulating blood sugar levels.
• Both are prescription-only and require a doctor's approval. Supply shortages have made access difficult, including for people who need them for diabetes management.
• Wegovy was designed specifically for weight loss and contains higher doses of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic; the article states both function similarly.
• Side effects listed: nausea and vomiting from slower digestion; stomach paralysis, named as gastroparesis, where food sits in the stomach too long causing bloating and discomfort; and loss of lean muscle mass.
• The article states studies indicate up to 40 per cent of the weight lost on these drugs comes from muscle rather than fat.
• Protective measures given: a high-protein diet to help prevent muscle loss while on the medication, and resistance or strength training to preserve lean muscle and prevent metabolic slowdown.
• On stopping: appetite returns once the drug's suppressing effect ends; lost lean muscle slows metabolism and makes regain more likely; and without sustained eating and exercise habits many people regain the weight.
• The article's conclusion is that Ozempic may be a useful kickstart but is not a magic solution, and that long-term results require nutrition, exercise and lifestyle change.

Evidence and sourcing

Five references are listed, all peer-reviewed and all with working links: Camilleri M et al, Gastroparesis, Gastroenterology 163(1) 2022; Church DD, Hirsch KR, Park S, Kim IY, Gwin JA and Wolfe RR, the role of protein intake in resistance training-induced changes in muscle mass, strength and body composition, Frontiers in Physiology 11:573, 2020; Heymsfield SB, Coleman LA, Miller R and Raatz SK, changes in body composition with semaglutide treatment for weight management, a post hoc analysis, Nature Medicine 28(4) 2022; Leidy HJ, Clifton PM, Astrup A, Wycherley TP, Westerterp-Plantenga MS, Luscombe-Marsh ND and Mattes RD, the role of protein in weight loss and maintenance, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 101(6) 2015; and Rubino F, Amiel SA, Zimmet P, Alberti G and Bornstein SR, new classification and management of obesity as an adiposity-based chronic disease, Nature Reviews Endocrinology 18(7) 2022. The reference list is credible and topically matched - gastroparesis, semaglutide body composition, protein and resistance training. However, no citation is placed inline against any individual claim, so the mapping is inferred rather than stated. The headline figure, that up to 40 per cent of weight lost is muscle, is introduced only as studies indicate, with no citation attached at the point of the claim; the Heymsfield post hoc analysis is the plausible source but the article does not say so. The claims about what happens after stopping the medication - appetite return, worsened regain from muscle loss - carry no citation; the article does not cite a source for these. Treat the 40 per cent figure as reported by the article rather than as a verified number, and note the article gives no dosing, eligibility or efficacy data.

How this relates to Be Fit Food's programs

GLP-1 medication nutritional support is a documented Be Fit Food area of expertise, so the connection here is direct rather than incidental. Be Fit Food offers GLP-1 support programs, and the meal specification is built around exactly the problem the article identifies: every meal carries at least 20g of protein at roughly 250 calories, with under 20g of carbohydrate and under 120mg of sodium per 100g, no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no preservatives - a high-protein, calorie-controlled intake is what the article argues protects lean mass during GLP-1 treatment. Reduced appetite on these medications also makes portioned, snap-frozen meals practical when eating feels effortful. The article's own link to a complimentary dietitian consultation refers to Be Fit Food's free 15-minute telehealth consultation, valued at $49, by video or phone with no referral needed, bookable at portal.coreplus.com.au/befitfood. A fuller clinical dietitian consultation with body composition assessment is also available, which is relevant given the article's emphasis on lean mass. Be Fit Food employs Accredited Practising Dietitians. Note that Be Fit Food does not prescribe or supply these medications - they are prescription-only through a doctor.

Important health information

This article carries no health disclaimer of its own, despite discussing prescription medications, their side effects and their discontinuation. Ozempic and Wegovy are prescription-only and decisions about starting, dosing, continuing or stopping them belong with the prescribing doctor. Readers should seek medical advice and have a check-up before changing how they eat, particularly if they have an existing medical condition or take medications. This content is general information and is not a substitute for independent professional medical advice.

Ordering, pricing and contact

• Meal bundles — $97.30 for 7 meals, $189.00 for 14 meals and $362.60 for 28 meals (AUD).
• Delivery — flat rate Australia-wide: $11.95 on orders of $299 or more, and $19.95 on orders under $299.
• Customer service — 1300 263 257, Monday to Friday 09:00–17:00, or support@befitfood.com.au.
• Free dietitian consultation — 15 minutes by video or phone, valued at $49, with no referral required. Book at portal.coreplus.com.au/befitfood, or contact dietitian@befitfood.com.au.
• Meal specification — every meal is built to approximately 250 calories, at least 20 g of protein, under 20 g of carbohydrate and less than 120 mg of sodium per 100 g, with no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no preservatives. Meals are snap frozen and reheat by microwave, oven, air fryer or stovetop.

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