If you do decide to give Ozempic or another similar medication a try, be aware that while they may seem like miracle drugs, they are not without downsides. Here are some factors to consider.
Cost
Depending on your insurance coverage, semaglutide can be quite expensive. According to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, the list price for a 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2 milligram (mg) injection pen is $997.58. Fortunately, some insurance plans may bring this cost down. Higher doses of Zepbound for weight loss cost more than $1,000 before insurance.
Delivery Method
Afraid of needles? Most of these medications are delivered via injection, but Wegovy and Rybelsus (a semaglutide that is primarily prescribed to treat diabetes) are FDA-approved oral GLP-1s.
Treatment Length
Once you start taking weight loss medications, you’ll likely need to stay on them to maintain results. “Patients considering any anti-obesity medication as a treatment option should be prepared to take these medications long-term — [that’s how] we see the best outcomes in the scenario for achieving and, most importantly, sustaining all the health benefits achieved,” says Gudzune.
Side Effects
Your Other Health Conditions
Some evidence suggests that people with certain other medical conditions should avoid these drugs, too. “People who have a history or family history of a rare thyroid cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma) should not use this medication,” says Gudzune. Similarly, anyone with a history of pancreatitis should discuss the safety of these medications with a healthcare provider.
Finally, individuals with a history of disordered eating should discuss the drugs with their doctor and therapist before starting.
Unknowns
As prescription drugs go, semaglutide and tirzepatide are relatively new, so there’s a lot we still don’t know about them. Studies have not documented the effects of decades-long use of semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Kumar points out that there’s minimal research on their effects on people with normal weight. “While it is true that taking [these drugs] may benefit those with overweight or obesity, testing hasn’t assessed the effects of Ozempic in those without obesity — meaning people who want to lose those extra ‘vanity pounds.’ So there’s no way to know what sort of weight loss or side effects can happen with inappropriate use.”
Remember, too, that as effective as these medications may be, they can’t solve emotional issues related to eating and weight. Depending on your relationship to food, it may be best to approach weight loss from a more comprehensive perspective that addresses the physical and the emotional.
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