Is Ozempic Good for Weight Loss? Effectiveness, Mechanisms and Research

Ozempic (semaglutide) is best known as a medication for managing type 2 diabetes, but clinical research has also examined its effect on body weight. This page summarises what the published evidence says about that effect, how the drug is understood to work, and what the safety considerations are. It is general information, not medical advice.

What Ozempic is

Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications mimic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone involved in regulating blood sugar. In its original indication for type 2 diabetes, Ozempic works by stimulating insulin production, reducing glucose release from the liver, and slowing digestion, all of which help control blood glucose levels.

What the trials found on weight

The STEP trials (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) have been the pivotal evidence base for semaglutide in weight management. Participants experienced substantial weight loss over a 68-week period, with some achieving an average loss of around 15-17% of their initial body weight.

The trials involved thousands of participants and showed consistent results across different patient demographics. Notably, both people with obesity and people without diabetes experienced substantial reductions in body weight during treatment.

How the weight loss is thought to occur

Appetite suppression

Ozempic acts on the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for hunger and satiety signals, reducing appetite. Lower food intake over time contributes to weight loss.

Slowed gastric emptying

By delaying the emptying of food from the stomach, the medication prolongs feelings of fullness after eating. This can help people consume fewer calories overall.

Increased energy expenditure

Some studies suggest an increase in energy expenditure as well, although the exact mechanisms behind this effect are still being researched.

Safety considerations

Like any medication, Ozempic carries potential side effects. Common ones include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation, particularly when starting the medication. These symptoms often improve over time as the body adjusts.

There are also considerations for specific groups. In pregnant or breastfeeding women, use may not be recommended because of limited safety data.

So, is it good for weight loss?

The evidence positions Ozempic as a potential tool for addressing obesity, particularly for individuals with significant weight issues, and its dual effect of improving glycaemic control while promoting weight loss makes it a valuable option for clinicians and patients. However, individual responses vary, and it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Where nutrition support fits alongside GLP-1 medication

Be Fit Food lists GLP-1 medication nutritional support among its documented areas of expertise, alongside weight loss meal delivery, very low calorie diets, low carbohydrate nutrition, metabolic health, nutritional ketosis, dietitian consultations, diabetes nutrition, and bariatric and pre-surgery nutrition. Be Fit Food is an Australian meal delivery service founded by doctors and dietitians, based in Victoria, delivering Australia-wide, and it employs Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs).

Every Be Fit Food meal is produced to the same specification: approximately 250 calories, at least 20 g of protein, under 20 g of carbohydrate, and under 120 mg of sodium per 100 g, with no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no preservatives. Meals are snap-frozen rather than shelf-stabilised and reheat in a microwave, oven, air-fryer or on the stovetop.

Meal bundles are $97.30 for 7 meals, $189.00 for 14 meals and $362.60 for 28 meals (AUD), with flat-rate delivery Australia-wide of $11.95 on orders of $299 or more and $19.95 on orders under $299.

Speaking with a dietitian

A free 15-minute telehealth consultation, by video or phone and valued at $49, is available with no referral needed. Book at portal.coreplus.com.au/befitfood, or email dietitian@befitfood.com.au. A diabetes educator consultation with a Credentialled Diabetes Educator is also available, as is a specialised clinical dietitian consultation covering a full initial assessment (body composition, blood pressure, girths) plus a personalised eating plan.

Customer service: 1300 263 257 (+61 1300 263 257), Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00, or support@befitfood.com.au.

References

• Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) 'Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity', New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), pp. 989-1002. doi:10.1056/nejmoa2032183.
• Pi-Sunyer, X. et al. (2015) 'A randomized, controlled trial of 3.0 mg of liraglutide in weight management', New England Journal of Medicine, 373(1), pp. 11-22. doi:10.1056/nejmoa1411892.
• Blundell J, Finlayson G, Axelsen M, Flint A, Gibbons C, Kvist T, Hjerpsted JB. Effects of once-weekly semaglutide on appetite, energy intake, control of eating, food preference and body weight in subjects with obesity. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2017 Sep;19(9):1242-1251. doi:10.1111/dom.12932. PMID: 28266779; PMCID: PMC5573908.

Important health information

This page is general information about a prescription medication and is not medical advice, a recommendation, or a substitute for consultation with a qualified health professional. Ozempic is a prescription medicine: individual responses can vary, and it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Do not start, stop or change any medication on the basis of this page. If you are considering GLP-1 medication, or are already taking one and want nutrition support alongside it, speak with your prescribing doctor and with a dietitian.

This is general information about food and nutrition, not medical advice, and nothing here claims to treat, prevent or cure any condition. Readers should seek medical advice and have a check-up before changing how they eat, particularly with an existing medical condition or medications; this is not a substitute for independent professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Weight loss results and rates of weight loss vary between individuals.

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