Ozempic, known for its effects on emptying gastrointestinal content and appetite control, has been a commonly recommended weight loss drug and in some cases, its effect on type 2 diabetes has also been proven.
Just like metformin is used purposely for type II diabetes control, and generally in some cases for weight loss. It works for blood sugar level control and also has been proven to have positive effects and weight loss.
A popular question by regular users and diabetics is the possibility of taking metformin and Ozempic for weight loss. Will there be any side effects when taken together? this and many more are what we are going to discuss in this write-up.
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic is an antidiabetic drug that belongs to the family of long-acting GLP-1 analogs. We also find Victoza (Liraglutide), Bydureon, Zepbound, or Trulicity (Dulaglutide) in this drug family.
Furthermore, the active ingredient in ozempic is semaglutide. This is a long-acting injectable solution. In this, only one injection per week is necessary. Reviews of the Ozempic show ease of use, thanks to its prefilled pen.
This medication is used for type 2 diabetes in adults. Indeed, it stimulates the release of insulin when blood glucose levels increase. However, it will be noted that Ozempic is not used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
How does it work?
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in this drug, acts as an agonist of the GLP 1 receptor in the body. It increases insulin secretion and decreases glucagon secretion, in a glucose-dependent manner (acts depending on the blood sugar levels).
This is a big advantage of this medication because its glucose-dependent action greatly reduces the risk of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients unlike other medications or insulin injections.
This mode of action will help reduce fasting blood sugar levels as well as blood sugar levels after meals. So it is important to note here that it is not insulin as some may think.
In addition to its effects on blood sugar, Ozempic tends to reduce patient appetite and slow gastric emptying (feeling of fullness). This allows the patient to lose weight.
What is metformin?
It is a treatment frequently prescribed by doctors to treat patients with type 2 diabetes when preventive measures are not effective in reducing blood sugar levels.
It is an anti-diabetic tablet. It is indicated to treat type diabetic patients. This medication helps regulate the levels of sugar present in the blood.
For greater effectiveness, it must be associated with a lifetime that includes daily physical activity and a balanced diet. If the doctor deems it necessary, he or she may prescribe this drug along with other medications and insulin
Benefits of taking ozempic with metformin
It is however possible to take these two drugs together in the treatment of type 2 diabetes as prescribed by doctors for efficacious treatment of this condition. most especially when a patient is not responding effectively to previous treatments.
However, as the years progress, the treatment of diabetes has evolved over the years with pharmaceutical companies investing huge amounts in diabetes medication research.
Metformin and ozempic are known to have positive effects in the treatment of diabetes and some cases weight loss, they both act on blood sugar levels differently. But they are known to be highly effective for weight loss
Ozempic vs Metformin Similarities And Differences
Achieving the necessary glycemic index with type 2 diabetes can require a couple of remedies for a few sufferers. Ozempic and metformin may be taken collectively with a prescriber’s approval and supervision.
- These pills can work thoroughly collectively but with different actions on body organs. Why ozempic promotes the increased production of insulin, metformin works to assist the body in higher use of insulin that is produced in the body.
- However, ozempic and metformin can pair properly as a team to assist in accomplishing ideal blood sugar levels
- Ozempic is a once-weekly injection that ought to be taken at the same time every week.
- Metformin is a once everyday or twice everyday oral remedy regimen
- Ozempic may be given without attention to meals
- Metformin must be taken with the patient consuming enough or needed meals
Concerns can also additionally come up with the mixed side effects of taking metformin and ozempic for weight loss. Ozempic and metformin are known to have gastrointestinal side effects when taken. These side effects may be on the higher side when taken together.
However, this complication can be minimized with controlled or reduced doses, but it must be done under the recommendation of a doctor. The prescriber will regulate the intake of these doses to achieve optimal results.
How to use metformin and ozempic for weight loss?
At the start of treatment, a low dose of drugs (usually 0.25 mg) will be given. In this way, the presence of side effects can be assessed.
After about a month, the dose could be increased to 0.5 mg and then to 1 mg per week, depending on the blood sugar values observed and the side effects present.
After a few months of use, the effectiveness of the medication can be observed, as well as the effect of metformin and ozempic for weight loss which could reach up to 25 pounds and even more in some cases.
Can ozempic be taken together with metformin to promote weight loss?
From available scientific research and the premises of this write-up, it is possible to combine metformin and ozempic for weight loss. However, this must be done under a professional prescriber.
After examining more than 630 patients with type 2 diabetes for more than 30 weeks, researchers concluded that taking drugs like ozempic and metformin for weight loss would significantly improve patient blood sugar levels and weight loss.
Indeed, glycated haemoglobin (also called hemoglobin A1C) would have decreased on average by 0.018 (1.8%) with semaglutide compared to only 0.003 (0.3%) in the control groups.
This notable improvement in blood sugar levels and weight loss among semaglutide users in this study allowed nearly 90% of patients to achieve the hemoglobin A1C target value of 0.065 (6.5%).
The glycated haemoglobin test shows the average blood sugar level over the past 4 to 6 weeks.
Foods to avoid while taking ozempic and metformin together
Although you do not have to completely avoid any particular foods while taking ozempic and metformin for weight loss.
However, some foods may make the process more difficult to control blood sugar levels. These foods also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
These effects are similar to the side effects of ozempic and metformin. Below are some examples of these foods:
- Fried and fatty foods
- Sweet foods and drinks
- Refined carbohydrates
- Alcohol
- High glycemic index vegan
Bottom Line
This medication helps you lose weight! And this is one of the reasons that makes this medication interesting for many.
Olympic has direct effects on glucagon 1 (GLP-1) receptors that mediate areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation, including in the hypothalamus and hindbrain, ultimately leading to a reduction in energy intake.
Reducing appetite, and food cravings and increasing the feeling of satiety makes ozempic and metformin for weight loss a good combination when prescribed.
These drugs help reduce food intake. On the other hand, metformin works directly on the insulin sensitivity of the body thereby helping control blood sugar levels and weight loss.
Are you looking to control your blood sugar level and fight weight loss? Now that you know these drugs can be taken together, will you consult your health provider after reading this article?
References
- medlineplus.gov(n.d) Metformin Available online at: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696005.html
- UC Davis Medical Center Health Center in Sacramento, California(2023) Ozempic for weight loss: Does it work, and what do experts recommend? Available online at: https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/ozempic-for-weight-loss-does-it-work-and-what-do-experts-recommend/2023/07
