But it's important to note that Ozempic is primarily a diabetes drug, meant to control blood sugar levels in adults.

So when someone takes Ozempic, their stomach and brain feel more full which leads to decreased appetite, fewer cravings and an inability to eat large portions for most people, Dr. Kumar adds.

In one study of adults with overweight or obesity, those who took the medication and made lifestyle changes lost almost 15% of their body weight, on average, compared to 3% in the placebo group.

Semaglutide hasn’t been tested in those without obesity—meaning people who want to lose those extra “vanity pounds.” So there’s no way to know what sort of weight loss (if any) or side effects can happen with inappropriate use.

“GLP-1s are the safest, most effective medications for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity (both of which are chronic diseases) and work on the root cause of biology for weight and metabolic health,” says Dr. Kristin Baier, MD, Calibrate Clinical Director.

“Clinical trials for Wegovy (the same molecule as Ozempic, semaglutide) show that patients will regain weight after stopping the medication," says Dr. Baier.