How fast does Ozempic® work?
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How long does it take for Ozempic® to work?

PlushCare Content Team
Written by PlushCare Content Team
Stephen Vogel
Medically reviewed by Stephen Vogel, MD
*Due to the Ozempic® shortage, specific dose strengths, particularly starter doses, may be unavailable. If Ozempic® is commercially unavailable and listed on the FDA shortage list, our doctors may prescribe compounded semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic®, if deemed appropriate. These compounded medications are prepared by our preferred state-licensed sterile compounding pharmacy partner that complies with all federal and state laws and FDA regulations. However, compounded semaglutide, like all compounded drugs, is not FDA-approved and does not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing. 

How fast does Ozempic® work to help you lose weight?

Ozempic® specifically aids in weight loss by helping to reduce appetite and control cravings, starting to show effects within the first one to four weeks of usage. Most users observe a steady, ongoing reduction in weight, noticeable changes occurring over approximately a year.1 Research shows that patients typically lose an average of 10-20% of their body weight within this 12-month period 8, Consistent medication use, combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, significantly enhances the weight loss effects of Ozempic® and supports long-term weight management goals. 

How quickly does Ozempic® help reduce blood sugar?

Ozempic®’s onset of action is fast, working to lower blood sugar levels relatively quickly. It often shows initial results within the first week of reaching the maintenance dose. It is important to understand that individual responses can vary based on factors such as dosage, metabolic rate, and lifestyle choices. Our doctors are here to help you with every step of your journey. Consistent use of Ozempic®, alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise, can significantly enhance its effectiveness. Patients typically observe a noticeable reduction in blood sugar levels, which is a crucial step towards better overall health management, particularly for those with type 2 diabetes. 

What about Ozempic® and gastric emptying delay?

The effects on gastric emptying typically begin to manifest within the first few weeks of treatment. By slowing gastric emptying, Ozempic® not only helps control appetite, but it is also how it helps with the regulation of blood sugar levels. 

How soon after taking a GLP-1s will I see results?

While results vary from person to person depending on their medication dosage, rate of metabolism, and lifestyle choices (like diet, exercise, sleep quality), you can consult our doctors for tailored care. Typically, you often start to see it working within the first one to four weeks. 1 Over the course of the first year, patients typically lose an average of 10-20% of their body weight 8 with the more dramatic results occurring when patients diet and exercise regularly.1,2,3 Exercise, in particular, has been shown to be a key component of long-term success when taking any GLP1 agonist! 

Medically guided weight management with GLP-1s

Get a new prescription or refill for GLP-1 medications from a board-certified primary care doctor today.

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Compounded semaglutide

Compounded semaglutide, the active compound in Ozempic® and Wegovy®, helps manage blood sugar levels and supports substantial weight loss. Schedule a consultation today to see if compounded semaglutide is right for you.
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Compounded tirzepatide

Compounded tirzepatide contains the same active ingredient as brand name GLP-1s like Mounjaro® and Zepbound®. Schedule an appointment with our board-certified primary care doctors to determine if compounded tirzepatide is right for you.
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Wegovy®

Book an appointment today to discuss your eligibility for a Wegovy® prescription with one of our board-certified doctors. Learn more about how Wegovy® can help manage weight and provide additional health benefits.
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Zepbound™

Book an appointment with one of our board-certified physicians to discuss if Zepbound™ is right for you. Combining appetite regulation and metabolic enhancement, this innovative solution offers noticeable weight loss results within weeks.
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Mounjaro®

Book an appointment today to get a consultation for a Mounjaro® prescription. PlushCare makes it easy to access medical providers equipped to evaluate if Mounjaro® is the right choice for you.
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Ozempic®

Ozempic® is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar levels and may also aid in weight loss with diet and exercise. Consult our board-certified doctors to see if Ozempic® is right for you.
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Saxenda®

Schedule an appointment with a highly-rated primary care physician to determine if Saxenda® or another GLP-1 medication is suitable for you.
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Rybelsus®

Rybelsus® has been shown to reduce A1C levels in type 2 diabetes patients. Obtain a new prescription or refill from an online board-certified doctor today.
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Victoza®

Victoza® is an injectable medication that can help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. You can obtain a new prescription or refill for Victoza® from one of our board-certified doctors online today.
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Compounded semaglutide

Compounded semaglutide, the active compound in Ozempic® and Wegovy®, helps manage blood sugar levels and supports substantial weight loss. Schedule a consultation today to see if compounded semaglutide is right for you.
Compounded tirzepatide - 1600x800px

Compounded tirzepatide

Compounded tirzepatide contains the same active ingredient as brand name GLP-1s like Mounjaro® and Zepbound®. Schedule an appointment with our board-certified primary care doctors to determine if compounded tirzepatide is right for you.
Wegovy® - 1600x800px

Wegovy®

Book an appointment today to discuss your eligibility for a Wegovy® prescription with one of our board-certified doctors. Learn more about how Wegovy® can help manage weight and provide additional health benefits.
ZepboundTM - 1600x800px

Zepbound™

Book an appointment with one of our board-certified physicians to discuss if Zepbound™ is right for you. Combining appetite regulation and metabolic enhancement, this innovative solution offers noticeable weight loss results within weeks.
Mounjaro® - 1600x800px

Mounjaro®

Book an appointment today to get a consultation for a Mounjaro® prescription. PlushCare makes it easy to access medical providers equipped to evaluate if Mounjaro® is the right choice for you.
Ozempic® - 1600x800px

Ozempic®

Ozempic® is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar levels and may also aid in weight loss with diet and exercise. Consult our board-certified doctors to see if Ozempic® is right for you.
Saxenda® - 1600x800px

Saxenda®

Schedule an appointment with a highly-rated primary care physician to determine if Saxenda® or another GLP-1 medication is suitable for you.
Rybelsus® - 1600x800px

Rybelsus®

Rybelsus® has been shown to reduce A1C levels in type 2 diabetes patients. Obtain a new prescription or refill from an online board-certified doctor today.
Victoza® - 1600x800px

Victoza®

Victoza® is an injectable medication that can help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. You can obtain a new prescription or refill for Victoza® from one of our board-certified doctors online today.

How long can I take Ozempic®?

  • GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic® are intended for long-term use to treat diabetes. 
  • Weight loss medications like Wegovy® and Zepbound® have no specific time limit for use. 
  • Some patients stay on GLP-1 agonists until they reach their goal weight, while others continue for maintenance. 

What happens if I stop taking Ozempic®?

  • Some patients stop taking Ozempic® after reaching their goal weight or stabilizing blood sugar levels. 
  • Common side effects: nausea, constipation, acid reflux. 
  • No rebound or withdrawal symptoms, but weight gain can occur if eating habits return to pre-medication levels. 
  • Medication should be weaned off slowly to maintain healthy habits. 
  • Always consult with your doctor for customized medical advice. 

3 simple steps to discuss Ozempic®

Ozempic® pricing details

Join our monthly membership to speak with a physician about starting or refilling an Ozempic® prescription and enjoy discounted visits.

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  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week
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Paying with insurance

$19.99

First month free

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Copay

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less! We accept these insurance plans and many more:
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Paying without insurance

$19.99

First month free

+

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

Other Ozempic® Resources:

Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.

  1. Diet, M. C. (2024, April 22). How fast does semaglutide kick in? Mayo Clinic Diet. https://diet.mayoclinic.org/us/blog/2024/how-fast-does-semaglutide-kick-in/ 
  2. Bergmann, N. C., Davies, M. J., Lingvay, I., & Knop, F. K. (2022). Semaglutide for the treatment of overweight and obesity: A review. Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism, 25(1), 18–35. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.14863 
  3. Chao, A. M., Tronieri, J. S., Amaro, A., & Wadden, T. A. (2023). Semaglutide for the treatment of obesity. Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine, 33(3), 159–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcm.2021.12.008 
  4. https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/ozempic-for-weight-loss-does-it-work-and-what-do-experts-recommend/2023/07 
  5. Els, L. C. (2024, February 5). GLP-1 diabetes and weight-loss drug side effects: “Ozempic face” and more. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/glp-1-diabetes-and-weight-loss-drug-side-effects-ozempic-face-and-more 
  6. Ozempic® side effects. (2024). Ozempic® (Semaglutide) Injection. Retrieved September 22, 2024, from https://www.ozempic.com/how-to-take/side-effects.html 
  7. Wilding, J. P., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Lingvay, I., McGowan, B. M., Rosenstock, J., Tran, M. T., Wadden, T. A., Wharton, S., Yokote, K., Zeuthen, N., & Kushner, R. F. (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989–1002. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2032183 
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9807016/#
 


PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.