Ozempic (semaglutide) is authorised in the EU for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and is not authorised specifically for weight management.
This page explains how Ozempic works, why it may be associated with weight loss, and how it differs from medicines that are authorised for weight management.
If you are looking for medical support with weight management, a licensed doctor can assess your health and discuss the treatment options that may be appropriate for you.
Dr. Chrysoula I. Liakou MD, PhD
Speak with a licensed doctor about your weight, medical history, current treatment and goals. Your doctor will assess your individual circumstances and discuss suitable weight-management options, including approaches that do not involve medication.
Any decision to prescribe medication is made solely by the treating doctor following an individual medical assessment and in accordance with applicable prescribing rules. A consultation does not guarantee a prescription.
Discuss available treatment options, potential benefits and risks, and practical approaches to nutrition, physical activity and other lifestyle factors. Your doctor may recommend follow-up, further investigations or in-person care depending on your individual needs.
Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and other digestive symptoms can occur.
Severe abdominal pain, major vision changes or serious allergic symptoms require urgent medical attention.
Read the official patient leaflet and speak with a doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns.
Ozempic can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. This summary does not replace the official patient information supplied with the medicine.
Nausea and diarrhoea are very common. Other commonly reported side effects include:
Vomiting
Constipation
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Indigestion
These symptoms may improve over time. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if side effects are persistent, worsening or difficult to manage.
Vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, which may be particularly important for people with kidney problems.
Low blood sugar is more likely when Ozempic is used together with insulin or certain diabetes medicines such as sulfonylureas. Your healthcare professional can advise you on recognising and managing symptoms of low blood sugar.
Seek urgent medical assessment if you experience:
Severe and persistent abdominal pain
Sudden loss of vision or rapidly worsening eyesight
Severe constipation together with abdominal pain, bloating or vomiting
Seek emergency medical help immediately if you develop difficulty breathing or significant swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, as these may indicate a serious allergic reaction.
Other side effects, precautions and interactions may apply depending on your individual circumstances and other medicines you use.
Read the official patient information supplied with Ozempic and discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not start, stop or change your prescribed dose without medical advice.
Ozempic is a prescription-only medicine. Mobidoctor provides medical consultations and does not sell or dispense Ozempic or any other medicine. Any prescribing decision is made solely by the treating doctor following an individual medical assessment.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medicine authorised in the EU for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes.
No. Ozempic is not authorised in the EU specifically for weight management. Other medicines containing semaglutide are authorised for weight management in certain people.
Semaglutide acts on GLP-1 receptors involved in appetite, digestion and blood-sugar regulation. Some people using Ozempic experience reduced appetite and weight loss as a result.
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal discomfort and indigestion.
Ozempic itself has a relatively low risk of causing low blood sugar, but the risk increases when it is used with insulin or certain other diabetes medicines.
Read the patient leaflet supplied with your medicine and the current product information published by the European Medicines Agency. Your doctor or pharmacist can explain the instructions, precautions and warnings relevant to your treatment. This page does not replace the patient leaflet or individual medical advice. European Medicines Agency (EMA)
Serious side effects are less common but can occur. Severe persistent abdominal pain, sudden or rapidly worsening vision problems, severe allergic symptoms or significant gastrointestinal symptoms require medical attention.
Read the official patient information supplied with Ozempic and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about side effects, precautions or interactions.
Dr. Chrysoula I. Liakou MD, PhD