Overweight but not diabetic. OK to take Ozempic-like drugs?

@yearningmaple all medications have side effects. Once in awhile a medication has a surprisingly pleasant one such as weight loss. BUT I personally wouldn’t take something unless I had the ailment it was designed for. Even then I would consider all other options first. Weight loss is difficult and requires commitment to tried and true methods of healthy living such as clean eating, exercise … etc. There is no such thing as a one and done magic pill to change everything overnight. If it sounds too good to be true…..

I already tried Topamax (yikes! Talk about side effects! On the other hand, I didn’t think I could eat for a week) and Naltrexone, to no effect.

But what is your A1C. One glucose test could be in range. You need A1C to see how your BS doing over months.
Weight watchers also offers it for a fee. Its expensive even with a prescription. Drs really need more tools(diet clinics) to help with weight issues.

I personally would not take Ozempic for weight loss. My husband is diabetic and took it. Lost a good amount of weight on it. But he quit taking it and 10 pounds of the weight loss came back on in a week! He also suffered digestive issues with it. I’d try using life style changes for weight loss first. Maybe intermittent fasting, carb restriction, no snacking. Also have you had your insulin levels checked? Different than a glucose check. You can have higher than normal insulin levels and still be okay with your glucose levels.

The others here have expressed the need for an A1C test to be done which will categorize your level of diabetes should you have it. This is quite important. It is also important to check your previous A1C lab tests if you have been using one particular lab in the past; there should be results online. The trend of an A1C is important for your level of diabetes should it exist.

Regarding Ozempic, a diabetic doc or endocrinologist will typically administer for you up to 1 mg per week to help control your diabetes. For weight loss, you must see either a functional medicine doc or some other doc for weight loss which requires 2 mg per week. Endocrinologists do not take care of weight loss programs but manage diabetes and thyroid conditions mainly.

Lastly, there are some who prefer not to take 2mg of Ozempic weekly as the weight loss can be a temporary solution. When stopping this drug, weight can come back quickly for some, but meeting regularly with a dietitian can help prevent regaining those lost pounds.

Went to obesity doctor at the hospital near me. She put me on metformin. I am not diabetic. I ended up in the ER with fatigue and severe muscle pains in legs and hard to catch my breath. I lost 100 lbs 40 years ago on the Duke Rice Diet and have kept it off. I am still 50 lbs over ideal weight. I went to her because I am preparing for knee surgery and ortho doc said lose 30 lbs. I exercise daily, and eat 1500 cals per day. If I eat less than that, my hair falls out. Medicare will not pay for Ozempic for me. Other than being fat, I am considered healthy - except for ortho and bone health - blood pressure, great labs, etc...Still, need to lose weight for surgery. I have erosive arthritis in hands and osteopenia. Everyone in my family had osteoporosis. I am trying to avoid it. It has been suggested that I have gastric bypass surgery. At my age, I am reluctant to do so. I don't know how to lose more pounds.

@fatlikeus Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, has a patience assistance program, should you qualify. The medication will be sent to your doctor that you select, who will prescribe and fax your application for approval. There will be no charge for the 2mg weekly Ozempic pen. They are taking applications now for 2025. Again. should you qualify, the medication will be renewed each year. The medication is shipped to your doctor quarterly. For many, this medication does work well, however, one of the big side effects for some is constipation Hope this helps! Call them today!

@fatlikeus Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, has a patience assistance program, should you qualify. It will be sent to your doctor that you select, who will prescribe and send your application for approval. There will be no charge for the 2mg weekly Ozempic. They are taking applications now for 2025. Again. should you qualify, the medication will be renewed each year.