Semaglutide for weight loss (Ozempic)

What are the risks of taking Ozempic for weight loss?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Wegovy, a brand name for semaglutide, for weight loss in adults who have high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, or high blood pressure.²

Although some people may benefit from taking Ozempic for weight loss if they have a comorbid medical issue, using this prescription medication for the sole purpose of losing weight medicalizes fatness and fails to address the real issue: weight stigma. The so-called “obesity epidemic” harms people living in larger bodies, contributes to anti-fatness and body weight bias, and can lead to mental health problems and eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, or bulimia nervosa.^3,4

Some people with eating disorders or patterns of disordered eating may misuse semaglutide (and other weight loss medications) for weight management since this medication can reduce appetite and caloric intake.² However, this can be risky, especially for those with anorexia nervosa who may already significantly restrict their food intake—it could increase the likelihood of undernutrition and its many dangerous consequences, such as:⁵

• Reduced muscle functioning
• Electrolyte disturbances
• Reduced kidney functioning
• Chronic gastrointestinal issues
• Colon malfunctioning
• Increased risk of infection
• Depression and anxiety

Furthermore, Ozempic is commonly prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes is associated with eating disorders, especially binge eating disorder (BED). In fact, research indicates that binge eating disorder is found in up to 20% of people with type 2 diabetes.⁶

In this case, being prescribed Ozempic or Wegovy may assist in weight loss for those who are in a higher-weight body, but it won’t address the underlying factors that can lead to binge eating disorder in the first place. This medication may also perpetuate weight cycling since research has shown that stopping use tends to result in regaining the lost weight.⁷

Ozempic side effects and health risks

There are many side effects of taking Ozempic as a weight loss medication, including:^1,2

• Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Excessive burping
• Heartburn
• Fatigue
• Flatulence
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease

These most common side effects of Ozempic don’t tend to be dangerous and may dissipate as you grow used to the medication. However, there is potential for more serious adverse effects, such as:¹

• Vision problems
• Swelling in extremities
• Dizziness or fainting
• Reduced urination
• Rash
• Rapid heart rate
• Swelling of throat, tongue, mouth, face, or eyes
• Problems swallowing or breathing
• Fever
• Yellow eyes or skin
• Chronic upper stomach pain

Wegovy, another brand name for semaglutide, may also cause damage to the retina, suicidal ideation, gallstones, pancreatitis, and acute kidney damage.²

Moreover, taking semaglutide can increase the chance of developing thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma.¹ Speak with your doctor if you are experiencing any of the side effects listed above. 

Can you overdose on Ozempic?

The maximum recommended dose of Ozempic is 1 mg, injected once per week.⁸ Using too much Ozempic or taking it too frequently can lead to an overdose and increase the risk of harmful side effects. 

Taking another glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist can increase the risk of an overdose and dangerously low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.⁹

Signs of low blood sugar may include:¹⁰

• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Excessive sweating
• Trembling
• Rapid heartbeat
• Hunger

Severe hypoglycemia may result in vision or coordination problems, extreme confusion, and even seizures.¹⁰

If you suspect someone has overdosed on semaglutide, call 911 immediately and stay by their side until first responders arrive. In the event of an Ozempic overdose, the person may need to be supervised and treated for an extended period since Ozempic’s half-life is about one week (meaning that’s how long it takes for the medication levels to be reduced to 50%).⁸

The connection between Ozempic and disordered eating

It seems like Wegovy and Ozempic are everywhere, from catchy commercials and news articles to statements from celebrities like Elon Musk, Chelsea Handler, and Kim Kardashian, who have taken them for weight loss and publicly sung their praises. And these medications have also racked up millions of views on TikTok, with people calling it a miracle weight loss cure and a wonder drug, thanks in no small part to diet culture and anti-fatness.

People have begun to misuse this medication to lose weight, especially those with eating disorders like bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. And if they can’t get a prescription, they may turn to social media to buy semaglutide from dealers, which can be dangerous since individuals can’t be sure what they’re buying and putting in their bodies.

This uptick in semaglutide popularity can be triggering for those who have struggled with disordered eating or full-blown eating disorders. Research has shown that media exposure, such as the trend and glorification of taking Ozempic as a weight loss drug, can increase the risk of disordered eating behaviors and symptoms.¹¹

When to seek help for an eating disorder

Remember, there is no such thing as a standard "healthy weight" for everyone, and body mass index (BMI) also is not an accurate indication of what is healthy or not. If you or someone you know shows signs of an eating disorder, such as an obsession with avoiding weight gain or losing "excess weight," it may be time to consult with a professional.

It can be incredibly difficult to escape the omnipresent influence of diet culture; however, you can seek help if you are struggling with disordered eating symptoms.

Whether you opt for an in-person program like inpatient or outpatient treatment or a virtual treatment program like the one offered at Within, you can receive the individualized treatment planning you need to heal your relationship with food and your body and learn how to cope with the onslaught of diet culture in the news.