Benefits of Ozempic for Medical Weight Loss Q&A

Although Ozempic was created for the management of type 2 diabetes, it is frequently used for off-label use as a weight loss medication due to its efficacy in supporting medical weight loss programs. When provided in certain doses, Ozempic works as an appetite suppressant, making it much easier for those undergoing weight loss programs to consume fewer calories. Maintaining a caloric deficit is an important component of weight loss programs as it forces the body to start using stored excess fat to burn for energy rather than using consumed calories, allowing the stored fat to gradually decrease, but this diet can be very difficult to maintain as most people will experience intense cravings and binge eating with restrictive diets.

Ozempic needs to be injected every week for months to sometimes multiple years to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Also, the dosage of the medication will be gradually increased to ensure that the patient is not experiencing any serious side effects of the medication, but it is only really effective once the maximum dose is administered. So, good candidates for Ozempic will be either obese or overweight, with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher along with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, or have a BMI of 30 or higher, and will respond well to the medication. The medication will also only be administered to patients who are closely following a medical weight loss program that includes a calorie-deficient diet and a recommended exercise regimen.

Weight loss through a medical weight loss program that includes Ozempic will be gradual to ensure that it is safe and sustainable. Individual results will also vary quite a bit depending on how each patient responds to the medication if they can increase the doses of the medication at the recommended rate, and if they are closely following any other included components of their weight loss program. Patients will work with their healthcare provider who is supervising the weight loss to determine a personalized program and timeline that will take their current weight, weight loss goals, and any other influencing factors such as health conditions or physical limitations into account to provide a better idea of when weight loss will start and how long it will take to achieve a healthy weight. Generally, patients can expect to see some weight loss within a few weeks after starting the medical weight loss program and will continue to see positive results over the following months until they have reached their goal weight.

All individuals living in the United States will require a prescription to receive Ozempic as it is a strong medication that comes with some potential side effects. It is to only be administered in specific doses and may not be the best weight loss option for everyone, so the requirement of a prescription helps to ensure that only those who are likely to respond well to the medication and who will be able to safely take it under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider will have access to Ozempic.

Ozempic requires a prescription from a qualified healthcare provider regardless of what it is being used to treat, including weight loss. To receive a prescription, patients will need to consult with their healthcare provider to assess their individual needs and to discuss the benefits and risks of the medication as all patients should be well-informed before starting any medication. Other requirements include having a certain BMI to indicate that there is a medical need to be taking a weight loss medication, as well as to be partaking in a medically-supervised weight loss program to ensure that the patient will have professional guidance and support throughout the process to ensure that it remains an appropriate treatment option for them.

At Quick Family Urgent Care, we understand the challenges of weight management and the impact it can have on your overall well-being. That’s why Dr. Diana Sood, M.D., and our experienced team are excited to offer Ozempic (semaglutide) as part of our comprehensive weight loss solutions. Schedule your appointment today and let us help you achieve your weight loss goals. For more information contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 4301 S Flamingo Rd Ste 102 Davie, FL 33330. We serve patients from Davie FL, Pembroke Pines FL, Miramar FL, Pine Island Ridge FL, Plantation FL, Sunrise FL, and surrounding areas.