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The popular diabetes and weight loss medication Ozempic has been introduced in India. Novo Nordisk announced the availability of a weekly injection of semaglutide on Friday, with an initial cost of Rs 8,800 for a month or four weeks. In India, Ozempic is approved to help manage diabetes, along with proper diet and lifestyle changes. This drug is offered in three strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg, delivered through a single-use pen called Novofine Needles, designed for painless skin injection, according to the company. The lowest dosage of 0.25 mg costs Rs 8,800, while the 0.5 mg is priced at Rs 10,170 and the 1 mg at Rs 11,175. For those who don’t know, Ozempic is the trade name for semaglutide, a medication primarily used for controlling type 2 diabetes. It falls under the category of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs act similarly to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that plays a key role in controlling blood sugar levels.

The medication functions by promoting insulin release when blood sugar rises, reducing glucagon release (which increases blood sugar), and delaying gastric emptying. By doing so, it lowers blood sugar levels and enhances overall blood sugar control. Besides assisting with blood sugar management, Ozempic also supports weight loss by suppressing the feeling of hunger. It helps you feel satisfied more quickly and reduces how much you eat by acting on the brain's appetite centers. Furthermore, it slows this emptying process of the stomach, which results in feeling full after meals and leads to lower calorie intake. Ozempic can cause a modest weight loss of 5-15% over a year when used with a proper diet and exercise. It is important to note that it is not a miracle solution, and results can differ based on the dose and other personal factors.

While Ozempic is not specifically approved for weight loss for those without diabetes, it may still help non-diabetics lose weight. It may be considered for adults who are obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related health issue, as long as they are under a doctor's care. For cosmetic weight loss (like losing a few pounds), the risks outweigh the benefits, so it's crucial to talk to your doctor before using Ozempic for this purpose. They can evaluate individual health circumstances and potential risks. Generally, Ozempic is well-tolerated, although common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. There are rare but serious risks such as pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and possible thyroid C-cell tumors based on animal studies. Currently, there is no long-term data on cardiovascular outcomes for those without diabetes.

Precautions and safety tips:

If you are thinking about using Ozempic or have received a prescription for it, here are some helpful pointers for safe and effective usage:

It is very important to talk to a doctor before starting Ozempic so you can find out if it is right for you, particularly if you want to use it for losing weight. Never use this medication without getting a prescription from your doctor.

Follow the dosage and instructions from your healthcare provider carefully. Dr. Jhingan suggests, “Begin with a small amount, adjust carefully, and watch for stomach issues. You can increase the amount after three to four weeks.”

If you have diabetes, make sure to monitor your blood sugar levels often to prevent hypoglycemia, which is when blood sugar goes too low.

Use Ozempic along with a healthy diet that includes whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to get the best results.

Make sure to add regular physical activity to your daily life to boost weight loss and improve your general health.

Keep an eye out for possible side effects like feeling sick or having stomach problems, and let your healthcare provider know about them. It is also advised to have regular check-ups every four to six weeks at the beginning to assess how well you are handling it and to check your weight changes.

Obesity is a condition related to lifestyle, and it can be controlled with effective diet and lifestyle changes. While medications such as Ozempic can help with losing weight, they should be part of a broader weight management approach that includes making lifestyle adjustments for lasting success.