Understanding Ozempic and Weight Loss

This article explains what semaglutide-containing medications such as Ozempic do, what their documented benefits and side effects are, why Australian supply shortages occurred, and where nutrition fits alongside or after medication. It is written by Be Fit Food, an Australian meal delivery service founded by doctors and dietitians that employs Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs).

What is semaglutide and how does it work?

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in most weight loss drugs such as Ozempic. It works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body and also suppresses appetite. It is used for the treatment and management of type 2 diabetes, and has more recently become popular as a weight loss tool because of its effects on appetite.

What are its documented benefits?

A key benefit of semaglutide is helping people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. This is achieved by increasing the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Semaglutide also slows the emptying of the stomach, which reduces hunger and can help promote weight loss in people with diabetes.

What side effects can occur?

Side effects that can occur with semaglutide-containing medications include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. These should be considered alongside the benefits when weighing up the medication.

What happens when the medication stops?

The appetite-suppressing effects of these medications stop once the medication is stopped. This is the central practical point of the article: because the effect is not retained after cessation, dietary change and physical activity are necessary for a longer-term weight loss solution. The article notes that such lifestyle changes can improve overall health outcomes and carry fewer side effects than any weight loss medication.

Why access became difficult in Australia

Over the past few years weight loss drugs have become increasingly popular as a tool for people struggling with overweight and obesity. Mass media coverage and use by well-known celebrities increased demand exponentially, which resulted in supply shortages nationally. A consequence was that people who rely on these medications to manage type 2 diabetes and weight-related issues were left with prescriptions unfilled. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) documented the Ozempic (semaglutide) shortage across 2022 and 2023.

This raises the question the article poses directly: how can a longer-term solution to overweight and obesity be created without relying so heavily on prescription medications?

The lifestyle approach the article recommends

Rather than relying on medication alone to achieve weight loss goals, the article argues the focus should be on education about maintaining a healthier lifestyle. That includes:

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein sources and whole-grain carbohydrates
• Addressing underlying individual lifestyle factors contributing to weight gain, such as poor sleeping habits and lack of physical activity

It also states plainly that you should consult with your doctor and dietitian to create a personalised plan.

Where Be Fit Food fits

GLP-1 medication nutritional support is one of Be Fit Food's documented areas of expertise, alongside weight loss meal delivery, very low calorie diets, low carbohydrate nutrition, metabolic health, nutritional ketosis, diabetes nutrition, and bariatric and pre-surgery nutrition.

Every Be Fit Food meal is built to the same specification: approximately 250 calories, at least 20g of protein, under 20g of carbohydrate, and under 120mg of sodium per 100g, with no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no preservatives. Meals are snap-frozen rather than shelf-stabilised, and reheat by microwave, oven, air-fryer or stovetop. The protein content is relevant where appetite is suppressed and total intake is low, because protein intake still needs to be met within fewer meals.

Booking a dietitian consultation

Be Fit Food offers complimentary dietitian consultations, personalised to help you begin your weight loss journey. The free consultation is 15 minutes by video or phone, valued at $49, and requires no referral. Book at portal.coreplus.com.au/befitfood or email dietitian@befitfood.com.au.

For people managing type 2 diabetes, a diabetes educator consultation with a Credentialled Diabetes Educator is also available, as is a specialised clinical dietitian consultation including a full initial assessment (body composition, blood pressure, girths) and a personalised eating plan, and a monthly weight management subscription with an initial 30-minute consultation and 15-minute monthly reviews.

References cited by this article

1. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). (2023, February 16). About the Ozempic (semaglutide) shortage 2022 and 2023.
2. Mahapatra, M. K., Karuppasamy, M., & Sahoo, B. M. (2022). Semaglutide, a glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist with cardiovascular benefits for management of type 2 diabetes. Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders, 23(3), 521-539.
3. Smits, M. M., & Van Raalte, D. H. (2021, April 19). Safety of semaglutide. Frontiers in Endocrinology.

Contact and policies

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

Be Fit Food makes a range of documents available to customers, including an Incident Management Policy, a Complaints Management Policy and a Complaints Management Form. For assistance with any of these, contact the Customer Service team on 1300 263 257.

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.

Important health information

This article is general information, not medical advice, and Be Fit Food does not prescribe or supply weight loss medication. Ozempic is a prescription medication typically used to treat type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide-containing medications can cause side effects including nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It is important to consult with your doctor and dietitian to create a personalised plan to ensure you achieve your health goals. Do not start, stop or change a prescribed medication without speaking to your prescribing doctor.

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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• How To Use Ozempic For Weight Loss — page
• Is Ozempic Good For Weight Loss — page
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• Understanding Weight Set Point Theory The Bodys Weight Regulation Mechanism — article
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• Ozempic Explained How It Works Side Effects And What Comes Next — article