OZEMPIC® Semaglutide Injection 0.25 – 0.5 mg/dose, Prefilled Pen 3 mL, Each

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Here’s a breakdown of what it is:

What it is: A once-weekly injectable drug that mimics a naturally occurring hormone in the body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which is released after eating.

What it was approved for: It was originally approved by the FDA in 2017 specifically to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin release, reducing glucose production in the liver, and slowing digestion.

Why it became widely talked about: Doctors and patients noticed significant weight loss as a side effect, which led to it being widely prescribed off-label for weight loss. This exploded in popularity around 2022–2023, particularly after celebrities were linked to its use. Novo Nordisk actually produces a separate, higher-dose version of the same drug called Wegovy, which is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management.

How it works for weight loss: It slows how quickly food leaves the stomach, reduces appetite, and affects hunger signals in the brain — leading people to eat significantly less without feeling as hungry.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Stomach pain
• Fatigue
• In rare cases, more serious effects like pancreatitis or thyroid concerns

The controversy around it: Its massive popularity has caused global shortages, pricing concerns (it can cost over $900/month without insurance), and debate about its long-term use, whether people regain weight after stopping it, and whether it is being overprescribed for cosmetic weight loss rather than medical need.

It is a prescription-only medication and should only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. It is not suitable for people with a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers or pancreatitis.