What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a once weekly semaglutide injection that works by inducing satiety. This feeling of
being satisfied or “full”, suppresses appetite. Ozempic works by binding to GLP-1 receptors which stimulates
insulin release from the pancreas when you need insulin, Ozempic also helps to reduce the amount of sugar
released by your liver and slows down food leaving your stomach. GLP-1 is part of the signaling
pathway that tells your body you have eaten and prepares it to use the energy that comes from your
food. This is why it works for weight loss. It’s also important to remember weight is only one part of
the health equation. Our body needs insulin to move the glucose (or blood sugar) we get from food
inside cells, so we can use it as energy. Ozempic® improves blood sugar and helps the pancreas
produce insulin, which is how Ozempic helps manage insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is also used to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events like stroke, heart attack, for adults with type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic® should be used along with diet and exercise. If you suppress your appetite but maintain a
diet high in ultra-processed foods low in micronutrients, you could lose weight but not increase your
actual nourishment. So, support to improve dietary choices is needed, regardless of medication use or
weight loss, for true health improvements. In the Ghanaian Society, our busy modern lifestyles, costs, times, skills,
accessibility and other pressures can also be barriers to healthy eating, feeling full and insulin levels
being stable. Which is why Ozempic® is helpful to put your health and life back on track.
What are the different types of weight loss injections available?
The different types of weight loss jabs are semaglutide (Ozempic®/Wegovy®), liraglutide
(Saxenda®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®). All three types of injection work in a similar way.
Liraglutide is a daily injection as compared to semaglutide and tirzepatide. Some people prefer taking
their injections daily and others prefer taking them weekly. All of these jabs are available at
PREMIER AESTHETIC CLINIC in Ghana
Will these jabs help reduce belly fat?
The answer appears to be yes. A study of almost 2,000 overweight or obese adults without diabetes
also found their visceral fat (the type that accumulates in the belly) was reduced from baseline with
semaglutide injections, along with their total fat mass.
How Long Can You Stay on these jabs?
A person can stay on any of the weight loss jabs discussed in the previous paragraphs so long as they
are tolerating the medications and it is deemed appropriate by their treating provider. There is no
specific time frame when someone should stop taking them as it is a medication that is intended for
chronic (long-term) use.
