It’s 2025, and by now you’ve likely heard about Ozempic for weight loss either from a friend, family member, or even your doctor. Maybe you’ve seen success stories claiming people lost up to 20% of their body weight using Ozempic. Sounds promising, right?
Before you rush to your doctor for a prescription, you need to understand the risks, side effects, and what happens after you stop taking Ozempic.
Like every drug, Ozempic has its share of side effects and importantly, rebound weight gain—a critical topic that many doctors fail to mention. The truth is, most people regain the weight after stopping Ozempic, and in some cases, they gain even more.
This article will explain why weight regain happens and how to minimize it. I’ll also briefly discuss alternatives to Ozempic like ZepBound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Trulicity, so you can make an informed decision about your weight loss journey.
What Is Ozempic and How Does It Work?
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a natural hormone in your body. Here’s what it does:
✅ Increases insulin production, lowering blood sugar.
✅ Reduces glucagon release, preventing spikes in blood sugar.
✅ Slows digestion, keeping you full longer and reducing appetite.
This makes Ozempic effective for weight loss, especially for those with type 2 diabetes. However, it doesn’t work for everyone, and the weight loss results vary.
How Long Does Ozempic Take to Work?
You won’t see instant results. Weight loss with Ozempic takes time—typically 6 to 12 months.
The longer you stay on Ozempic, the more weight you’re likely to lose.
If you have a significant amount of weight to lose, your doctor may recommend staying on it for over a year.
But here’s the catch: What happens when you stop taking it?
The Biggest Downside of Ozempic: Weight Regain
Most people assume that once they lose weight, they can stop the drug and keep the weight off. That’s not what happens.
I'll be blunt: You will regain weight after stopping Ozempic.
In an important clinical trial (SURMOUNT-4) on ZepBound (similar to Ozempic), participants lost 20% of their body weight in one year—but regained 15% back after stopping the drug.
But there's good news. You can keep some of the weight off with exercise!
Another study on liraglutide (a drug similar to semaglutide) found that participants who exercised after stopping the drug regained less weight than those who didn’t. However, they still only maintained a 10-pound sustained weight loss.
💡 Key takeaway: Exercise is the most important factor in keeping weight off after stopping Ozempic.
If you don’t already have an exercise routine, why is your doctor recommending a drug for weight loss when the data shows that won’t provide lasting results?
Did your doctor ask if you exercise before prescribing Ozempic? If not, that’s a red flag.
Ozempic Side Effects: What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You
Like any medication, Ozempic has risks—some mild, some serious. Here are the side effects you need to know about.
1. “Ozempic Face” (Facial Fat Loss Due to Rapid Weight Loss)
Hollowed cheeks and sunken eyes
Wrinkles and sagging skin
Loss of volume in lips and chin
💡 Why does this happen? Rapid weight loss depletes facial fat, making aging signs more noticeable.
2. Common Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Abdominal pain
3. Severe Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the pancreas)
Gastroparesis (Slow stomach emptying, causing severe nausea)
Bowel obstruction (Blockage preventing digestion)
Gallstones or bile duct obstruction (Severe and potentially life-threatening)
4. Psychiatric Side Effects
Depression
Anxiety
Low sex drive
Lack of pleasure (Anhedonia)
Ozempic and Long-Term Toxicity: What’s Happening to Your Body?
Beyond the side effects, there’s another big concern: How does Ozempic affect your body over time?
💀 Drug toxicity is real.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, is a synthetic hormone. This means:
⚠️ Your body must work hard to eliminate it, placing stress on your liver and kidneys.
⚠️ Your pancreas is overstimulated, like whipping a tired horse to run faster.
⚠️ Your natural hormone regulation is disrupted, possibly leading to long-term metabolic issues.
⚠️ Your microbiome is disrupted, which can leads to all kinds of stomach issues.
Many patients taking Ozempic already struggle with weight regulation, insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome. Adding a drug like Ozempic into the mix puts even more strain on your body’s ability to regulate weight naturally.
Are ZepBound, Mounjaro, and Wegovy Any Different?
Not really. These drugs work almost the same way as Ozempic.
ZepBound and Mounjaro also affect GIP receptors, which may give them an edge in appetite suppression.
Wegovy is simply a higher dose of semaglutide, marketed for weight loss instead of diabetes.
👉 Bottom line: The results and side effects are virtually identical.
How to Lose Weight Naturally and Keep It Off
If you’re serious about losing weight and maintaining it, you need a customized plan that addresses your metabolism, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions. You need a plan that will:
✔️ Assess your nutrition and exercise habits
✔️ Check for metabolic disorders (diabetes, thyroid issues, adrenal fatigue)
✔️ Use a continuous glucose monitor to track blood sugar responses
✔️ Prioritize long-term changes instead of quick fixes
✔️ Support the function of your pancreas, liver, kidney, and adrenals
As a naturopathic doctor, my focus is on sustainable solutions—without drugs that disrupt your hormones or overburden your liver.
The Bottom Line on Ozempic for Weight Loss
Before you take Ozempic, ask yourself this question:
👉 How will I keep the weight off after stopping the drug? If you don’t have a clear answer, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
💡 Sustainable weight loss requires lifestyle changes—not just a prescription. If you’re ready to lose weight the right way—without relying on medication—I can help.
📞 Book a consultation today to start your personalized weight loss journey—and keep the weight off for good!
