In 2023, Jimmy Kimmel stood on stage at the Oscars delivering his opening monologue. As the applause died down, he gazed out in appreciation of Hollywood’s undeniable beauty.
“When I look around this room, I can’t help but wonder, is Ozempic right for me?”
The crowd laughed in good humor. After all, Ozempic has been called “Hollywood’s worst-kept secret,” because of its rampant use for weight loss among celebrities.
But Ozempic is not reserved for Hollywood’s elite, and in fact, since Kimmel’s Oscars quip in 2023, the drug (along with others like Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound) has become so popular that there is now a national shortage.
The real question is, should we be clamoring for this “miracle drug”? Perhaps this shortage is, in fact, a blessing in disguise—a chance for people to pause and learn more. So, before you go sticking a needle into your belly (yes, that is how it is administered), let’s take a closer look at Ozempic: What it is, how it works, and its potential side effects.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic (generic name: Semaglutide) may now be known as a weight loss drug, but let’s be clear: It is only prescribed for weight loss off label. Meaning, it is not FDA-approved as a weight loss drug. (Wegovy, on the other hand, is.) Instead, Ozempic was created to help adults manage Type 2 Diabetes.
This drug is a GLP-1 agonist, which is a class of drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity. There are several different types of GLP-1 agonists, but they generally all work the same way.
What is GLP-1?
- The small intestine naturally makes a hormone called GLP-1. Among many other roles, this hormone is responsible for triggering insulin’s release from the pancreas.
- GLP-1 also prevents more glucose from going into your bloodstream.
- GLP-1 slows the emptying of your stomach. Slower digestion helps the body release less sugar from the food you eat into your bloodstream.
- Finally, GLP-1 increases how full you feel after eating, because it affects the parts of your brain that process hunger and satiety.
So a GLP-1 agonist like Ozempic works by mimicking this naturally-occurring hormone. For those with diabetes, the medication can help by giving the body a boost of insulin as well as slowing down digestion to decrease blood sugar spikes.
How Does Ozempic Work for Weight Loss?
Ozempic works for weight loss in a few ways all at once. It regulates blood sugar spikes, which over time, can lead to weight gain. It slows down digestion by increasing the time it takes for food to leave the body. And, it reduces food intake overall by basically telling the brain you’re less hungry and more full. So all of these things combine to create about a 15 to 20 percent average weight loss.
It’s worth noting that experts believe the weight lost on Ozempic will likely be regained within a year after stopping its use. It’s called “Ozempic rebound.”
Does Ozempic Affect Your Digestive System?
The short answer is yes. In fact, that’s part of how Ozempic works: it’s designed to slow down the digestive system and increase the time it takes for food to leave the body. But for many users, this translates to some pretty uncomfortable—and in some cases, dangerous—digestive side effects.
Most commonly, this looks like nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, or constipation (the top side effects listed on the Ozempic website). Less commonly, however, this can look like stomach paralysis, pancreatitis, and bowel obstructions—all of which are medical emergencies.
In fact, the FDA now requires Ozempic to list intestinal blockages (medically known as “ileus”) as a possible side effect after several reports—and two deaths. Ileus may sound like a background character from The Odyssey, but it is a serious medical condition where the intestines can’t properly move waste through the body.
“Like a year ago, I tried it. I was one of those people that felt so sick and couldn’t play with my son. I was so skinny and he’s throwing a ball at me and [I couldn’t].” - Amy Schumer
Does Ozempic Affect Your Hormones?
As of right now, there aren’t any studies looking at Ozempic’s impact on female sex hormones—after all, these drugs are relatively new, and let’s not forget, science hates learning about women’s bodies.
However, there is plenty of anecdotal information coming in from reputable sources.
In a recent blog post, Dr. Lucky Sekhon, a double-board certified OBGYN in New York, said that Ozempic seems to reduce levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are essential for regular ovulation. Plus, if Ozempic causes someone to drop a dramatic amount of weight, it could lead to the loss of your period, or amenorrhea.
On the other hand, Sekhon says that Ozempic may actually increase fertility in those who were struggling to conceive because of obesity. The term “Ozempic babies” has even been born because of this.
Please note, you can also have an “Ozempic baby” because Ozempic may make your birth control less effective. We repeat:
Ozempic may make your birth control less effective!
This is likely because the drug slows down digestion—and oral birth control is absorbed in the gut.
The FDA recommends all genders to discontinue the use of all semaglutide drugs (like Ozempic) at least two months before a planned pregnancy.
(Other) Ozempic Side Effects
Digestive issues, possible fertility effects... is there anything else we should know about Ozempic? (Why yes, yes there is).
"Ozempic face": If you lose weight rapidly, it can result in facial skin sagging or appearing hollowed out. This term has become popularized as “Ozempic Face.”
"Ozempic butt": Same as above. When you lose weight rapidly, it may result in saggy-looking skin. In fact, people losing weight on Ozempic are not only losing fat, but likely losing muscle mass as well. This could mean less toned and saggier-looking glutes—or—"Ozempic Butt."
Ozempic personality changes: As more and more people are taking Ozempic, more reports are coming in of something called “Ozempic Personality.” This is a change in mood or personality that may include increased anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, a reduced ability to feel pleasure, and a decreased libido. This is largely because Ozempic impacts levels of dopamine in the brain, the chemical responsible for pleasure, motivation, and satisfaction. This is why many people taking Ozempic not only stop craving food, but other pleasurable activities in day-to-day life, too.
In a study published early in 2024, researchers revealed that semaglutide (Ozempic) leads to an increase in depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among some participants—particularly women. The team behind the study stated, “Patients starting treatment with these medications should be screened for pre-existing psychiatric conditions and monitored regularly for signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.”
Ozempic hair loss: People are reporting hair loss on Ozempic. This may not be a direct side effect of the drug itself—but of the stress of losing rapid weight.
From the official Ozempic website, other “more serious side effects” may include:
- Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Changes in vision
- Low blood sugar
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney failure
- Serious allergic reactions
Now, this is a long list of possible side effects, however, many people still choose to use semaglutide drugs. This may be appropriate for those diagnosed with diabetes or obesity—but if you’re just trying to lose a little weight, consider doing something a little less risky.
