Ozempic and other semaglutide medications have skyrocketed in popularity as weight-loss aids, with prescriptions surging by over 300% in the past year alone. Developed as a treatment for managing Type 2 diabetes, these medications have become household names in health and wellness circles as well. You may even know someone who's currently taking it—whether it's to control their blood sugar, shed a few pounds before their wedding or help slim down before the racing season.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is part of a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which were developed to help manage blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. Ozempic received FDA approval in 2017 and has since surged in popularity due to its weight-loss benefits, even among non-diabetic individuals. Ozempic works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite. It suppresses appetite, slows gastric emptying and promotes feelings of fullness, often leading to reduced calorie consumption. When a person burns more calories than they consume, they are in a calorie deficit, which results in weight loss.
