What to Expect in the First Month
Based on my professional experience reviewing randomised controlled trials, it’s a fair question to ask: “How much weight can you lose in a month on Ozempic?” I always explain to patients that the medication starts working almost immediately.
According to data from this type of trials, the way Ozempic (which contains Semaglutide) causes weight loss is by targeting two key areas: it reduces appetite and hunger, thereby helping you eat fewer calories. This effect tends to kick in quickly. While you won’t see your final result in the first month, the initial period often shows a promising start. It’s the beginning of a big change, not the end.
The immediate impact on your food noise and portion sizes is usually very noticeable. While it’s crucial to remember that this is a tool for weight loss and not a magic solution—and that everyone’s body responds differently—the initial momentum is encouraging. In the first month, you lose weight as Ozempic helps you effortlessly consume fewer calories, setting a positive trend.
How much weight will I lose on Ozempic?
Predicting Your Long-Term Weight Loss
When patients ask me, “How much weight will I lose on Ozempic?,” I explain that it’s important to see the medication’s effect over time, particularly when comparing it to other weight loss interventions or treatments. The loss of weight you see initially on a regular diet is a good start, but this effect often tends to plateau. Interestingly, Ozempic has a different pattern.
While you see initial weight loss, the real sustained weight loss is seen months of taking Ozempic, often beyond three months. This contrasts with no other comparable weight loss response from diet or other non-medication interventions, which makes Ozempic a uniquely powerful weight loss tool.
Ozempic is no longer available as a weight-loss injection in the UK
As a healthcare professional, I’ve had to guide many people through the changes in weight-loss medication availability. The reality is that Ozempic isn’t available anymore for weight-loss in the UK. It’s crucial to understand that Ozempic is only authorised for people living with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it’s specifically not approved for those seeking weight-loss alone. However, the good news is that there are now alternatives. The most popular two are Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Wegovy has been approved in the UK and has been suggested by clinical trials to provide better weight loss results than Ozempic for long-term weight-loss. Wegovy is manufactured by the same pharmaceutical company that makes Ozempic and it’s the same drug (semaglutide), but Wegovy is available in higher doses. It is available in the UK and was officially launched in February 2024. This provides a great option for those seeking a semaglutide-based medication.
Another excellent medication now available in the UK is Mounjaro. Mounjaro is a new weight-loss drug called tirzepatide from the company Eli Lilly. It’s called Mounjaro as the brand name. Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are powerful weight-loss medication. Second Nature also have a Mounjaro weight-loss programme for people taking this new treatment. Both drugs have shown fantastic results in clinical trials, offering clear alternatives to Ozempic.
Initial Weight Loss on Ozempic
How Fast is the Weight Loss?
Research indicates that Ozempic can lead to weight loss of approximately 1kg or around 1.1% of body weight within a month. After two months, it’s around 2kg or 2.2% of body weight. However, this data is just an average rate of weight loss. It’s important to know that it’s unclear how much weight an individual will lose in a month on Ozempic. As a clinician, I’ve seen that everyone’s body reacts differently.
Some individuals may experience faster weight loss, while others might see results over a longer period. So, while the studies give an average figure of initial weight loss, it’s unclear how much weight loss you will personally lose in that first month. Don’t be discouraged if your initial result is less than the average; consistency is key.
How much weight will I lose on Ozempic?
Studies show that Ozempic helps people lose about 6 kilograms on average after 40 weeks. However, I always tell my patients that it’s unclear how much weight each individual will be able to lose on Ozempic. This is as this is an average result, and your experience will likely be different. The amount of weight people lose on Ozempic will depend on how well they respond to the medication and their ability to make positive changes to their diet and lifestyle. It’s a partnership between the drug and their personal ability to commit to healthier habits.
The true success of Ozempic is that it gives people the headspace to finally make positive changes. The weight loss you see is not just on Ozempic alone; it’s the result of the medication making it’s core effect easier. Each individual will respond to Ozempic on their own timeline. Much will depend on how well you are able to maintain their lifestyle adjustments after the initial amount of weight loss.
Does the Dose Matter for Ozempic Weight Loss?
Weight Loss Dosage Findings
When discussing Ozempic with my patients, the question of whether higher doses support more weight loss often comes up. A key study showed that the dose definitely makes a difference. For example, in one study, after 30 weeks, people taking Ozempic 1 mg led to a weight loss of 4.5kg, compared to 3.7kg with Ozempic 0.5 mg. The data is clear: higher doses correlate with more weight loss. This indicates a dose-dependent effect, where increasing the dose of Ozempic provides incremental support for shedding weight.
Does the Dose Matter for Ozempic Weight Loss?
Individual Response and Dosage
However, as we’ve discussed already, everyone responds differently to medication, and this is very true with Ozempic. How much weight you lose will depend on how well you respond to the medication and the changes you’re able to make to your lifestyle. From my experience, some patients are highly sensitive; for example, some people may lose more weight on the lower doses of Ozempic as they’re more sensitive to the drug’s effects and don’t need to increase the dosage. This shows that you shouldn’t focus solely on a fixed number. Your body’s unique reaction is what matters most, and your doctor will guide you to the right dose so you lose weight.
Alternatives to Ozempic for Weight Loss
UK Regulation Changes
From a professional standpoint, it’s important to be clear about the new government regulations: healthcare providers can no longer prescribe Ozempic to patients for weight loss. This means Ozempic is officially not an option for weight loss anymore, and this is because it’s only approved for people living with type 2 diabetes. Essentially, the rules changed to protect the supply for those who have a medical need for it.
Wegovy Availability and Efficacy
However, Wegovy is now available in the UK, offering a licensed weight loss option. Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, semaglutide, but it is specifically formulated and approved for chronic weight management. Research suggests it leads to more weight loss than Ozempic. This enhanced effectiveness is due to the fact that Wegovy is available at higher doses. Based on my experience and research, having a dedicated, licensed weight-loss product available in the UK is a huge positive step forward for those seeking medical support for their weight loss journey.
Drug Composition and Dosage
It is essential for people to know that, despite the different brand names, Wegovy and Ozempic are the same drugs with the active ingredient of semaglutide. However, Wegovy is available in higher doses (up to 2.4 mg compared to 1 mg with Ozempic). This difference in dosage is why you see stronger results. Based on research, the higher doses in Wegovy mean it supports an average weight loss of 17%. This clearly shows that the active ingredient is potent, but for optimal weight loss, the maximum approved dosage is key.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Ozempic isn’t a magic pill
From years of helping people on their weight-loss journey, I always emphasize that weight-loss injections are designed as additional tools for weight management interventions and shouldn’t be considered lifelong medications.Rephrase the following: ‘Instead, they should be used to help you kickstart your weight loss and healthy journey while you commit to living a healthier lifestyle. Think of it this way: Consider the use of antidepressants for people living with depression. They’re not designed to cure the condition. Instead, they’re designed to allow room for therapy to treat the condition’s underlying cause. Ozempic and other weight loss injections, like Mounjaro and Wegovy, are similar.
Mounjaro and Wegovy are especially powerful because they can allow you to make lifestyle changes to support long-term weight loss maintenance. They can help silence food-related thoughts and also give you a boost of confidence with more immediate weight-loss results. The core focus of our medication programmes is to calm down the feeling of food noise, lower your cravings, and allow you to build healthier habits to keep the weight off for good.
The ultimate goal is to make losing weight feel second nature. These injections give you the essential time to focus on the root causes of your weight struggles. You can finally allow your body to build a new and healthier foundation. This approach is about gaining control and understanding of your body and mind, ensuring that your weight loss is long-term and sustainable, not just a quick fix.
Second Nature’s Approach to Weight Loss
Second Nature’s Medication Programme
The real question is: Why should you choose Second Nature over other medication providers if you’ve decided to try Mounjaro (assuming you’re eligible)? The simple answer is for peace of mind. Second Nature has worked with the NHS for over 6 years, providing weight-loss programmes across the UK. This extensive track record is what sets us apart.
We hope that our 6+ years of working with the NHS and building a track record of effective weight-loss results will give you peace of mind to give us a try. You are choosing a provider that brings years of experience and commitment to your weight-loss programme.