How Does Ozempic Work?

Ozempic has been praised for its ability to increase feelings of fullness, reduce calorie intake, and lower blood sugar levels. Collectively, these factors can aid in weight loss for type 2 diabetic patients. Here, we’ll discuss how Ozempic works and decipher the science behind its effectiveness.

Ozempic contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as the weight loss injection Wegovy. Because Ozempic isn’t licensed as a weight loss medication in the UK, so instead you’ll need to buy Wegovy.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a brand name for the active ingredient, semaglutide, which belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, also known as incretin mimetics or GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Several GLP-1 agonists are available in the UK for weight loss, including Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Saxenda. Ozempic, on the other hand, is licensed to treat type 2 diabetes in the UK and not weight loss, although some private weight loss clinics may prescribe it ‘off-label’ – prescribing a medication for a different purpose than what it has been approved for.

What is Ozempic Used For?

Ozempic is licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the UK, not for weight loss. Wegovy is an alternative to Ozempic for weight loss that’s available privately and on the NHS.

Ozempic can help manage blood sugar levels if you have type 2 diabetes. It is injected weekly and can be taken either on its own or with other diabetes medications, such as metformin.

How Does Ozempic Work?

Ozempic works in the same way as Wegovy, except that the highest maintenance dose of Wegovy is higher than the maintenance dose of Ozempic. That means Wegovy has better weight loss results than Ozempic.

Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that’s naturally produced by your stomach when you eat. By doing so, semaglutide works to lower your appetite, slow down the time it takes for food to move through your digestive system, and stimulate the release of insulin.

Makes you feel full

Semaglutide acts like GLP-1 by binding to the receptors in the brain that regulate appetite, particularly after you have eaten. When bound to these receptors, your brain gets the message that you are full, so you’ll stop eating. It can also activate nerve cells that reduce hunger and cravings while preventing the release of chemicals that make you want to eat. Because Wegovy also contains semaglutide, it also suppresses your appetite, reducing hunger and causing you to eat less.

Slows digestion

Alongside suppressing your appetite to prevent excessive calorie consumption, semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) also slows down digestion.

When food is digested and your stomach is empty, hormones are released that signal to the brain that you feel hungry, topping up your energy levels. It usually takes around 4 hours for your stomach to empty fully after a meal; however, semaglutide can slow gastric emptying, allowing you to feel fuller for longer.

Releases insulin

When you eat, the body breaks down food into glucose, also known as sugar. To help your cells absorb the sugar from the blood and use it for energy, the pancreas releases insulin. When the body’s energy demands are met, insulin levels increase to deal with the rapid rise in blood sugar, signalling to the brain that we’re full.

Semaglutide mimics this signal as blood sugar levels rise, allowing your pancreas to release insulin in response. This not only aids in weight loss by reducing the amount you eat, but it also helps manage type 2 diabetes, which is what Ozempic is licensed for in the UK.

Will Ozempic help me lose weight?

The active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, can help you lose weight; however, Wegovy is more effective and available as a weight-loss injection. Studies show that Wegovy can help you lose 15% of your body weight at the maximum dose over 68 weeks.

Can I get Ozempic for Weight Loss in the UK?

No, Ozempic is not licensed for use as a weight loss injection in the UK. Instead, Wegovy is available for weight loss in the UK. Like Ozempic, Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide at a slightly higher dose, making it approved for effective weight loss.

You can buy Wegovy online from Prescription Doctor after completing a brief online health consultation with one of our clinicians. Once they have approved that Wegovy is safe and suitable for you, we can send your order for next-day delivery, provided it is approved by 3pm on a weekday.

Summary

Ozempic is a once-weekly injection that’s approved for treating type 2 diabetes in the UK. It contains the same active ingredient as the weight loss injection, Wegovy, called semaglutide.

Semaglutide mimics the effects of GLP-1, a digestive hormone that signals to the brain when you feel full, slows down digestion and lowers your blood sugar levels. If you are interested in Ozempic for weight loss, you may want to consider its alternative, Wegovy.

Authored By

Leanne Edermaniger

Medical Content Writer

Leanne is a science and health content writer focusing on human health and biology while utilising her solid academic background.

Published on: 24/01/2025

Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Reviewed on: 05/06/2025