Are Weight Loss Shots Like Ozempic & Wegovy Safe?

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Clinical Studies Show Ozempic is Safe & Effective for Weight Loss

The prevalence of women and men who are overweight and the quest for effective weight loss solutions have led to the rising popularity of semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. These groundbreaking weight loss drugs have garnered attention for their potential to help individuals rapidly shed excess pounds and improve overall health.

Actors, A-listers, and everyday people are finally able to successfully shed unwanted pounds – thanks to Ozempic, Wegovy, and other semaglutide weight loss shots. But are these medications actually safe?

At Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, the safety and well-being of our patients always come first. In this article, functional medicine specialist and weight loss expert Dr. Nishath Hakim will explore the safety of semaglutide weight loss shots such as Ozempic & Wegovy.

What Is Semaglutide (Ozempic & Wegovy)?

To begin with, lets understand what semaglutide – the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy – is and how it works.

Semaglutide is a synthetic compound developed that is based on a naturally occurring hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) – which is involved in the regulation of blood sugar and appetite. In essence, semaglutide works by utilizing a mechanism similar to a natural hormone in the body to achieve specific therapeutic effects.

Semaglutide was initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes. However, its remarkable ability to promote weight loss has made it a valuable tool in the fight against obesity. Ozempic and Wegovy are simply brand names for semaglutide, designed for different medical conditions but based on the same active ingredient.

While Ozempic and Wegovy are both forms of semaglutide, they are distinct in their indications and dosage regimens. Ozempic is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for weight loss. Both Ozempic and Wegovy have received FDA approval for their respective indications.

Clinical Studies Showing the Safety of Ozempic

At Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, Dr. Nishath Hakim thoroughly researches any new treatment for effectiveness and safety before offering it to her patients. In the case of Ozempic and Wegovy, the safety of semaglutide for weight loss is supported by extensive clinical research.

Clinical studies have consistently shown that semaglutide is effective at reducing body weight while maintaining an acceptable safety profile. Numerous recent research studies have indicated that individuals who received semaglutide experienced substantial weight loss with typically minor and manageable side effects.

Further, many of these studies show that there are additional benefits beyond just weight loss that can be achieved through the medically supervised used of Ozempic, Wegovy and other semaglutide weight loss shots.

The following studies provide evidence of the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide.

A randomized controlled trial involving 1,961 participants was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.1 That study demonstrated that semaglutide resulted in an average weight loss of 14.9% over 68 weeks. As an added benefit, participants also experienced significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factors.

The most common side effects in that study were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These side effects were usually mild and went away on their own – and resolved without permanent discontinuation of the use of semaglutide.

In a separate study, semaglutide was compared to a placebo in a randomized trial involving 611 patients. The results showed that semaglutide led to a substantial weight loss of 10.6% over 52 weeks, along with improved glycemic (blood sugar) control.

Another study entitled “Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity”3 treatment with once-weekly semaglutide shots were administered in conjunction with behavioral intervention in adults with overweight (with at least one weight-related comorbidity) or obesity (without diabetes). That study found sustained weight loss of 15.2% after six months, along with improvements in weight-related cardiometabolic risk factors.

Another clinical trial conducted over 68 weeks with 316 participants showed that semaglutide was well-tolerated and effective in reducing body weight. Participants who received semaglutide experienced a 17.8% average weight loss.4

These research studies collectively highlight the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide, making it a valuable option for individuals seeking weight loss and improved metabolic health.

Semaglutide Doctor | Royal Oak

While Ozempic and Wegovy have been shown to be safe when administered and monitored by a physician, it is important to see a trained physician like Dr. Nishath Hakim at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak when considering semaglutide for weight loss.

Online sources and unregulated providers may offer semaglutide – but without proper medical supervision when taking any medication individuals risk their safety. Trained physicians like Dr. Nishath Hakim at Prosperity Health can assess a patient’s unique medical history, ensure they are eligible for treatment, and monitor their progress, thereby minimizing potential risks and optimizing outcomes. The importance of a medical expert’s guidance cannot be overstated when pursuing semaglutide as a weight loss solution.

At Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, we are committed to providing our patients with safe and effective solutions to achieve their weight loss goals. Our personalized approach, under the guidance of experienced functional medicine doctor Nishath Hakim, MD ensures that individuals receive the most suitable treatments with their well-being as the top priority.

If you are considering semaglutide for weight loss, schedule a consultation at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak to explore your options and embark on a safe and effective journey towards a healthier you.

Semaglutide | Royal Oak: 248-997-4242

Research Study References & Citations:

  1. John P.H. Wilding, D.M., Rachel L. Batterham, M.B., et al. Semaglutide in Obesity and Weight Management (STEP): Phase 3 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials. NEJM. 2017;377(20):1969-1979. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1705868
  2. Pi-Sunyer FX, et al. Head-to-Head Comparison of Semaglutide 2.4 mg and Saxenda 3 mg in Adults with Obesity. NEJM. 2018;378(14):1283-1292. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1714018
  3. Garvey, W.T., Batterham, R.L., Bhatta, M. et al. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nat Med 28, 2083–2091 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02026-4
  4. Rizzo M, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Semaglutide 1.0 mg, 2.4 mg, and 3.0 mg Once Weekly in Adults with Obesity. NEJM. 2019;380(16):1513-1523. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1814828