Ozempic for Weight Loss And Its Surprising Side Effects

Semaglutide, commonly known by its brand name Ozempic, is a medication used in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Approved in 2017 by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this weekly injectable drug works to lower blood sugar levels, however in recent years, it has gained worldwide popularity due to its weight loss benefits.

While Ozempic for weight loss has not been technically approved by the FDA or other drug administrations around the globe, this medication has Hollywood stars, Tik Tok fanatics and almost everybody talking about it. However, while it may boast favourable weight loss outcomes, recent findings have highlighted that weight isn’t the only thing people are losing. Users of ozempic are also experiencing an unwanted side effect – hair loss.

In this article we will explore:

• How does ozempic work for weight loss?
• What happens when you stop taking ozempic for weight loss?
• What are the side effects of ozempic?
• Will my hair grow back after stopping Ozempic?
• Are there any ways to prevent or reduce hair loss while taking Ozempic?

There are several ways in which Ozempic works to favour weight loss:

• Appetite Suppression: Ozempic influences the hunger centre in the brain, suppressing appetite and promoting a feeling of fullness, which can subsequently lead to a reduction in calorie intake (1).
• Slowing Down Digestion: The medication slows down stomach emptying, further aiding in reducing hunger and helping you remain fuller for longer (1).
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Ozempic helps regulate blood sugar levels, potentially preventing rapid fluctuations that can induce hunger and cravings (1).
• Metabolic Impact: While the exact mechanisms are still under research, Ozempic may have impacts on metabolism that contribute to weight loss (1).

While Ozempic is not yet approved for weight loss, this class of medication has been marketed as a “miracle” drug. In 2021, the FDA approved Wegovy for weight management – a similar drug to Ozempic with higher quantities of its key ingredient semaglutide, boasting ~15% weight loss results in adults.

Ozempic is a medication that is intended for long term use. However like with most weight loss drugs, weight loss is only typically sustained as long as you’re taking the medication. Therefore, it is possible that most, or all of the weight can be regained once the medication is ceased. Also, given the drug is relatively new, there are minimal studies looking at the long-term weight loss outcomes.

This is why it is important to pair the use of these medications with healthy dietary and lifestyle changes. Establishing habits that benefit your overall health is important for long term weight management (2).

Like any medication, taking Ozempic for weight loss and in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes does not come without potential side effects. Ozempic users might experience various side effects, including but not limited to:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased appetite
• Increased heart rate
• Risk of thyroid tumours (3).

Hair loss is not a common side effect of Ozempic (Semaglutide), nor does it appear to be a known complication of this medication. However, any medication has the potential to cause side effects in some individuals and it is the reported hair loss that is really gaining attention of late.

In a recent clinical trial from Tirzepatide (a medication in the same drug class that is approved for weight loss), alopecia, most commonly referred to as hair loss, was shown in 5 – 6% of the treatment group compared to 1% in the placebo (4). While this might sound like a side effect of the medication itself, it is more likely caused by weight loss itself.

‘Telogen effluvium’ is a temporary form of hair loss which is triggered in response to emotional or physical forms of stress. Now, when you lose a lot of weight, especially if it’s quick your body goes, “Whoa, what’s happening?” This sudden change can stress your body, causing it to shut off some non-essential functions, such as hair growth. This luckily isn’t permanent, though and typically lasts anywhere from 3 – 12 months. So, once your body adjusts either to the medication or to the change in your energy intake and things get back to normal, your hair cycle usually returns to its regular rhythm. This is a sigh of relief as hair starts to grow back. (5)

Here are some tips that may help you prevent or reduce hair loss while taking Ozempic:

• Follow a balanced and nutritious diet. Eating a healthy diet can help support hair growth. Be sure to include plenty of protein and nutrient dense foods in your meals.
• Practise good hair hygiene. Avoid using harsh chemicals or hairstyles that can put stress on your hair, such as tight ponytails or braids, and use gentle hair products.
• Give it time. Some people may experience temporary hair loss when starting a new medication. Give your body time to adjust to the medication before determining if hair loss is a persistent side effect.

If you are concerned about hair loss while taking Ozempic for weight loss or Diabetes management, speak to your doctor.

Medications such as Ozempic are not without undesirable side effects and are not the holy grail for long term weight loss results. If you are wanting Diabetes management and weight loss without the hair loss, receiving individualised support from an Accredited Practising Dietitian can be a great starting point. Book your free assessment to learn more about our programs at Diabetes Wellness Australia and to speak to one of our friendly staff today.