How Fast Do You Lose Weight On Ozempic: Promising Drug Offers Hope for Type 2 Diabetes Patients

In a significant medical breakthrough, type 2 diabetes patients may soon find relief from their symptoms, thanks to high doses of drugs known as GLP-1 analogues. Renowned Professor Sten Madsbad suggests that a substantial number of patients might soon become symptom-free of type 2 diabetes, owing to significant weight loss achieved by these drugs. These claims are backed by the latest data from the STEP program, presented at the European Diabetes Congress (EASD) and press releases from Novo Nordisk.

How Fast Do You Lose Weight on Ozempic?

Ozempic, a medication primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes, has been gaining attention for its potential weight loss benefits. According to clinical studies, individuals taking Ozempic experienced a notable reduction in weight. For instance, in one specific group that was administered Ozempic, 58% of participants witnessed significant weight loss. When comparing the effects of different doses, the higher 2-milligram dosage led to a more pronounced weight loss than the 1-milligram dose. After 40 weeks, those on the higher dose lost an average of 6.9 kilograms (about 15.2 pounds), while those on the lower dose shed about 6.0 kilograms (approximately 13.2 pounds). Initially, these individuals had an average weight of roughly 99.3 kilograms.

How Much Weight Can You Lose on Ozempic in 3 Months?

Many prospective users of Ozempic are curious about the weight loss they might expect over a shorter time frame, such as three months. In one study, participants who were given weekly semaglutide injections (the active ingredient in Ozempic) experienced an average weight loss of around 15 pounds after just three months. This translates to an average monthly weight loss of about 5 pounds. It’s essential to remember that individual results can vary based on various factors, including diet, activity level, and metabolism. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting or changing a medication regimen.

Scientific Writing

An advanced dose (2.4 mg) of the GLP-1 analogue, semaglutid (marketed as Ozempic in its 1-gram form), has been shown to cause an average weight loss of up to 17.4% in severely overweight individuals weighing approximately 100 kg. These promising results were consistent regardless of whether the individuals had type 2 diabetes.

For those severely overweight with a high Body Mass Index (BMI) and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, many could potentially no longer have diabetes after such weight loss, as per Professor Sten Madsbad, a senior doctor at Hvidovre Hospital’s endocrinology department.

“With this approach, patients might not need other blood sugar treatments and could essentially be free of type 2 diabetes. This could revolutionize the future of diabetes treatments,” stated Madsbad, who wasn’t directly involved in the STEP program, which currently encompasses four phase III studies with more in the pipeline.

High-dose semaglutid, already used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes as Ozempic (1 mg semaglutid), has been shown to reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases and diabetic kidney disease. Novo Nordisk is currently investigating whether an increased dose (2.4 mg) of semaglutid might offer even greater cardiovascular protection in a comprehensive study involving 17,500 overweight participants, named SELECT.

Appetite control is the key to the drug’s effectiveness. Semaglutid and other GLP-1 analogues regulate appetite, giving a prolonged feeling of fullness which results in significant weight loss, as observed in the STEP-4 study. However, Madsbad warns that weight might return if patients stop the treatment without adopting lifestyle changes, implying a long-term use of GLP-1 analogues even if diabetes symptoms subside.

Supporting Madsbad’s statement, Professor Jens Meldgaard of Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus and Aarhus University mentioned, “Medical treatment cannot stand alone; it must be accompanied by lifestyle interventions and dietitian guidance. There’s an urgent need to research effective ways to maintain weight post-weight loss.”

In the STEP-4 study, 803 overweight patients were administered 2.4 mg of semaglutid weekly for 20 weeks. Afterwards, for 48 weeks, participants either continued with semaglutid or were switched to a placebo. By the end of the study, those on semaglutid saw a further 7.9% reduction in body weight, while those on the placebo experienced a 6.9% weight increase. The study also verified the safety of semaglutid treatment, with mild to moderate gastrointestinal events being the most common side effects.

While the results from the STEP program await peer review, Madsbad remains optimistic about their authenticity. “Several other published studies support the STEP program’s findings. The evidence suggests that the higher the dose of GLP-1 analogue taken, the more significant the weight loss in severely overweight individuals,” Madsbad expressed.

He anticipates that semaglutid, in both 2 mg and 2.4 mg doses, will be approved for treating type 2 diabetes by 2021 or 2022, contingent upon the drug’s price relative to its proven effectiveness.

Another recent study, SUSTAIN FORTE, also vouched for the efficacy of high-dose GLP-1 analogues, showing a significant weight loss and a significant drop in long-term blood sugar, HbA1c, after 40 weeks of treatment with 2 milligrams of semaglutid.