Ozempic's Impact on Diabetes and Obesity Treatment

Key Points

• 1Semaglutide, available in oral (Rybelsus) and injectable (Ozempic/Wegovy) forms, is used to treat diabetes and obesity.
• 2Ozempic was approved by the FDA in 2017 for adults with type 2 diabetes.
• 3Wegovy was approved in 2021 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight.
• 4Semaglutide mimics the actions of the hormone GLP-1, slowing digestion and reducing appetite.
• 5Injectable semaglutide results in weight losses of about 10 to 15%.
• 6The drug is not for simple weight management and is not a first-line option.
• 7Side effects include bloating, nausea, and vomiting, with cost being a major barrier.