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Ozempic is a form of semaglutide medication that is most commonly prescribed as a treatment for people with type 2 diabetes to help stabilise blood sugar levels. However, Ozempic has gained popularity in the media due to its weight loss effects, and many people try to seek off-license prescriptions who aren’t diabetic or clinically overweight.
While semaglutide as the brand name ‘Ozempic’ is not licensed for weight loss in the UK, you can get a prescription for other semaglutide injections, like Wegovy. In many cases, other forms of weight loss treatment can be more effective than Ozempic shots, so just because it’s a better-known brand name, doesn’t mean it’s the most desirable solution.
On this page, we share more about Ozempic injections, so you can learn more about this medication for diabetes and weight loss, including risks, results, and more. We also explore Ozempic alternatives so you can find out what treatment options are right for you.
About Ozempic
What is an Ozempic pen?
An Ozempic pen is a self-injectable device prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes. It’s prefilled with medication and can be used to inject a once-weekly dose for 4 weeks before you’ll need a new pen.
The active ingredient in Ozempic – semaglutide – helps to stabilise blood sugar levels by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which your body releases after eating. This boosts the production of insulin and signals to the brain that you’re full, while also slowing digestion.
The primary function of an Ozempic pen is diabetes management, though due to the appetite-suppressing capabilities of the medication, patients can experience some weight loss. This means your doctor may suggest Ozempic to lose weight and manage your diabetes at the same time if you could benefit from losing weight and have uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
How effective is Ozempic?
When used for diabetes management, evidence shows that Ozempic injections can reduce blood sugar levels by around 22% and reduce the blood sugar spike people experience after eating by 37%. The same studies also found that Ozempic can reduce levels of HbAC1 anywhere between 1.2 to 1.7% after 30 weeks, indicating long-term improvement in blood sugar levels.
The medication can make it easier for people to manage their diabetes symptoms – though it’s important to mention that it does not replace insulin injections.
How does Ozempic work for weight loss?
The semaglutide in the medication can support weight loss by making you feel fuller after you eat and slowing digestion. This reduces your appetite and makes it easier to stick to your diet and avoid overeating or snacking as often.
How much weight can you lose on Ozempic pens?
Studies show that people with type 2 diabetes can lose weight with Ozempic, but how much varies from person to person. After 30 weeks of taking Ozempic 1mg, the average change in body weight was -4.7kg. This was compared to a placebo group that lost 0.9kg.
After 1 year of treatment, a weight loss of at least 5% was achieved by:
- 46% of people taking 0.5mg
- 52 to 62% of people taking 1mg
After 1 year, at least 10% loss of starting body weight was achieved by:
- 13% of the 0.5mg group
- 21 to 24% in the 1 mg group
How quickly does Ozempic work for weight loss?
As Ozempic is not designed solely for weight loss, there is not much data on a week-to-week basis on how quickly it works. You might notice a difference between a few weeks to a few months after starting treatment. It can still take some time to notice a change in weight, with studies showing that people on average lose just under 5kg by week 30 of treatment.
➤ Want to know more about how quickly semaglutide works for weight loss? See our Wegovy before and after guide, which includes information on what to expect week by week when you take Wegovy, taken from clinical trials for weight loss.
Who is eligible for Ozempic in the UK?
You can only qualify for Ozempic in the UK if you have type 2 diabetes, and have an approved prescription from a doctor or licensed healthcare professional.
Ozempic may be prescribed to adults with type 2 diabetes if:
- you have tried 3 different diabetes medications and they have not been effective
- other medications are unsuitable due to side effects or existing medical conditions
- you have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg or higher
- you are from a Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background and have a BMI between 27.5kg and 32.4kg or higher
Is Ozempic safe for non-diabetics?
“Ozempic can be safe for people without diabetes, but it is only licensed for people with diabetes in the UK. It can be prescribed off-label for weight loss if a doctor approves it. Wegovy, on the other hand, is a medication with the same active ingredient for treating weight loss in people with or without diabetes. We don’t offer Ozempic prescriptions through ZAVA.”
Dr Babak Ashrafi
Clinical Lead for Service Expansion
Accreditations: BSc, MBBS, MRCGP (2008)
Accreditations: BSc, MBBS, MRCGP (2008)
Will my GP prescribe Ozempic for weight loss?
Ozempic is only licensed in the UK for managing weight for people who have type 2 diabetes and need help managing their blood sugar levels. So, if you’re overweight and losing weight could help improve your diabetes symptoms, your GP or diabetes specialist may prescribe it if you meet the prescribing criteria.
However, depending on individual assessment and medical history, some prescribing services (not the NHS) may approve Ozempic for weight loss with an off-license prescription. An off-license prescription – also called ‘off-label’ – means that a doctor will approve a medication for a reason other than its primary use if it’s in the best interests of the patient.
Current government guidelines are that doctors should not prescribe Ozempic off-label to protect the supply of medication for diabetes patients, so you’re unlikely to get it prescribed only for weight loss. It’s far more likely that they’ll recommend licensed weight loss medications which work in the same way as Ozempic but have doses tailored to weight loss in non-diabetics such as Wegovy.
➤ Explore more Ozempic alternatives later in this guide.
Buying Ozempic
Can you buy Ozempic for weight loss in the UK?
You can usually only buy weekly Ozempic injections in the UK with a prescription if you have type 2 diabetes. Only a GP or healthcare professional can approve prescriptions, whether they’re licensed or off-license. Once approved, your doctor can then advise you how and where to buy Ozempic. You can get your prescription filled at most pharmacies.
It’s available on the NHS for people with type 2 diabetes, so it can cost as little as the standard NHS prescription cost, or it can be free if you don’t pay for your prescriptions. But, if it’s offered as an off-licence private prescription, you’ll need to pay full price.
Where can you buy Ozempic online in the UK?
Ozempic is not available with ZAVA for the treatment of diabetes or weight loss.
ZAVA offers an alternative to Ozempic called Wegovy which contains the exact same active ingredient, semaglutide, this means they work in a very similar way except Wegovy is safer as it has been clinically tested for the treatment of weight loss.
Previously, there have been Ozempic shortages as the NHS faced supply issues with GLP-1 agonist medications, meaning thousands of people did not have access to them. However, stocks were replenished in December 2024 and the availability issue has been resolved. The government still advises against Ozempic being prescribed for weight loss in patients without type 2 diabetes though.
If you have type 2 diabetes and are still having issues with getting hold of your prescribed semaglutide medication, you should get in touch with your doctor.
Can you buy Ozempic over the counter?
No, you can’t get Ozempic without a prescription. This means that it needs to be approved by a doctor before you can get it from a pharmacy. Ozempic is prescription-only because a doctor needs to check whether the medication will be safe and effective for you.
Using Ozempic
How to use an Ozempic pen
Whether you’re using Ozempic for weight loss or diabetes management, the dosage schedule is largely the same.
You should take your Ozempic once a week on the same day of the week and roughly the same time if possible. You can use it any time of day, no matter when you’ve eaten.
Always use Ozempic as your doctor has advised you to. Also check the information leaflet that comes with your medication. For more in-depth advice on how to use your Ozempic pen, see this patient information leaflet.
Note: When using Ozempic for diabetes, you can use the same injection site, such as your abdomen to administer your Ozempic shot and your insulin shot together, as long as there’s a good amount of space between the injection sites.
What happens when you start taking Ozempic?
Some people notice an effect right away, for others it may take a few doses before they see a reduction in their appetite. You should also notice a reduction in your blood sugar after the first week if you’re diabetic. It can take 8 weeks to see the full effect of Ozempic.
You may also notice some mild side effects when you first start taking Ozempic, as well as when you increase your dose. This can include stomach-related effects like nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, or constipation. These usually go away as your body adjusts to Ozempic.
➤ See our guide to Ozempic side effects to learn more about what to expect and get tips for managing any symptoms.
What are the available Ozempic dosages?
There are 4 doses of Ozempic used for treating diabetes, containing different amounts of the active ingredient semaglutide.
You start on the lowest dose (0.25mg) and then move up to higher doses (1 to 2mg) during the start of your treatment. You can usually increase your dose after 4 weeks, though this can also depend on how you’re responding to the medication.
| Week (s) | Ozempic Dosage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 4 | 0.25 mg once a week | Starting dose to allow the body to adjust. |
| 5 onward | 0.5 mg once a week | Standard maintenance dose for most patients |
| After several months (if needed) | 1 mg once a week | Increased for additional blood sugar control if prescribed by a doctor. |
| Maximum dose (if needed) | 2 mg once a week | Highest available dose for those requiring further blood sugar control. |
How many doses are in an Ozempic pen?
Each pen is only meant to deliver 4 doses over 4 weeks. You should never take more than one dose of Ozempic at any given time.
As your dosage increases from 0.25mg, to 0.5mg, and to 1mg, the amount of medication in each pen also goes up.
Do Ozempic injections have any side effects?
Yes, the most common side effects of Ozempic pens are feeling sick and diarrhoea (affecting over 10% of users). However, these symptoms are typically mild and improve over time as your body gets used to the medication.
➤ Read more about the side effects of Ozempic to know what to look out for.
What happens if you take too much Ozempic?
If you realise you’ve taken too much Ozempic, talk to a doctor as soon as possible. You might get side effects like feeling sick. You may also be at risk of rare and more serious side effects. Always take the dose you’ve been prescribed and don’t change your dose without discussing it with a doctor first.
If you’ve taken more than one Ozempic injection and are experiencing serious side effects or symptoms of an allergic reaction, please call 999 or get someone to take you straight to A&E.
How long can you take Ozempic for weight loss?
Ozempic is safe to use long-term for diabetes. It has not been licensed for weight loss alone so there is no official advice about how long to use it for this purpose. Your doctor will let you know when you’re ready to come off your medication. Don’t stop using your medication without talking to your doctor, unless you have serious side effects. If you’re not sure whether you still need Ozempic, your doctor will be able to advise you.
Can you take Ozempic permanently?
Ozempic can be used as a long-term treatment for type 2 diabetes. It doesn’t have to be permanent though. If lifestyle changes can bring weight and blood sugar levels under control, Ozempic treatment can be discontinued.
Ozempic is often used when doctors believe weight loss could help better manage your diabetes so that you can eventually reduce the amount of medication you need to take. It’s also prescribed alongside diet and lifestyle changes to further improve your blood sugar levels.
What foods should be avoided when using Ozempic injections?
No foods will react badly with Ozempic, but a poor diet can make some of the side effects of Ozempic more likely. Also, a good diet is an important part of managing weight and blood sugar. So, we recommend avoiding:
- high-sugar foods, even ones that are sold as healthy, like breakfast bars
- sugary drinks
- high-fat foods
- foods that are calorie-dense, like big portions of carbohydrates and red meats
➤ If you decide you want to lose weight with semaglutide, you can find more information on foods to avoid while taking Wegovy (the approved weight loss alternative to Ozempic) and which foods to include more of in your diet.
Is it safe to mix Ozempic and alcohol?
It’s safe in small quantities to mix Ozempic and alcohol, but both can lower your blood sugar so watch out for dizziness if you do drink on your treatment. If you are having side effects, it’s best to avoid drinking.
Excessive drinking can increase your risk of complications from diabetes so it’s a good idea to limit drinking anyway.
Alcohol also has a lot of calories and often leads to overeating so there are a lot of benefits to cutting down on alcohol when taking treatments like Ozempic.
Ozempic alternatives
Ozempic vs other medications
Here are some other medications that are also used for weight loss or diabetes:
Ozempic alternatives for weight loss:
Mounjaro
Mounjaro is a weight loss injection that contains tirzepatide, and works similarly to Ozempic, mimicking GLP-1 alongside a second hormone that further regulates appetite. It’s the most effective weight loss injection currently available and has been proven to help people lose up to 22.5% of their starting weight after taking the maximum 15mg tirzepatide dose for 72 weeks.
Mounjaro is both a weight loss medication and a type 2 diabetes medication, and can be prescribed for each separately, or as a combination treatment in diabetics if your doctor believes it’s a suitable option.
Wegovy
Wegovy is another semaglutide injection medication which is approved for supporting weight loss in people who don’t have diabetes as well. It comes in higher doses than Ozempic for more effective weight loss, with people losing an average of up to 15% of their starting weight taking the maximum 2.4mg semaglutide dose by week 68 of treatment.
Nevolat
Nevolat is another similar medication for reducing appetite that uses a similar but slightly different ingredient called liraglutide, which also mimics GLP-1. Nevolat is the generic version of Saxenda that is now unavailable due to stock shortages. Patients have seen an 8% reduction in their body weight in just 56 weeks of taking liraglutide.
Weight loss pills
Other weight loss medications that work slightly differently to Ozempic include branded Xenical and generic orlistat. These reduce the amount of fat you absorb from meals containing fat when taken alongside them. Excess fat is removed from your body in your stools.
There’s also Mysimba, a private prescription weight loss pill that works on the appetite and cravings centres in your brain, helping you to eat less and follow a reduced-calorie diet plan.
Ozempic alternatives for diabetes:
Rybelsus
Rybelsus is a tablet form of semaglutide which works in a similar way to the injections, but like Ozempic it’s only for people with diabetes.
Metformin
Metformin tablets are another kind of diabetes treatment that works by lowering your blood sugar levels.
Trulicity
Trulicity is similar to metformin but comes as an injection instead of a tablet.
Insulin
Insulin is the hormone your body makes to manage blood sugar itself, but it’s also available as a diabetic medication as well.
Is there any difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
Yes. Although they have the same active ingredient, Wegovy and Ozempic are licensed for different conditions and there are different doses for each.
Ozempic is licensed for treating type 2 diabetes and is available in 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg and 2mg doses. On the other hand, Wegovy is licensed for weight loss and is available in 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg and 2.4mg doses.
Other non-medication alternatives to Ozempic
For some people, managing weight loss and controlling blood sugar can be done without medication. Instead, it can be done through:
- diet
- exercise
- weight loss programmes
Even if you are using medication, lifestyle changes like the ones listed above can help improve the effectiveness of your weight loss and blood sugar treatment.
How Our Weight Loss Service Works
Ozempic FAQs
Does Ozempic make you tired?
Yes, Ozempic can make you tired. Up to 10% of people who use Ozempic with other diabetes medications get low blood sugar, which can also cause tiredness. A doctor can help you manage the side effects of low blood sugar.
How much is Ozempic?
The price of Ozempic will be different depending on how it’s prescribed to you. Ozempic can be less expensive if it’s prescribed on the NHS for diabetic treatment, in which case it can be free or else it only costs the standard prescription fee. If it’s obtained as an unlicensed treatment for weight loss then you will have to pay full price.
How overweight do you have to be for Ozempic?
According to guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Ozempic should only be prescribed to white individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 35kg/m² or higher. For those who are black, Asian or an ethnic minority due to a lower threshold for higher risk, the recommended NHS prescribing criteria for BMI is between 27.5 kg and 32.4 kg.
Some people with type 2 diabetes and a BMI below 35kg/m² may also be eligible for Ozempic for other reasons, including insulin use affecting their work, or if your doctor believes that obesity-related health issues can be improved.
How old do you have to be for Ozempic?
Ozempic is only approved for patients over the age of 18. Though the effects of Ozempic in children and teens have not been adequately studied, there is some concern that taking the medication at a young age could impact growth and development.
Will Ozempic get rid of belly fat?
Yes, but not more than anywhere else on your body. Your body burns fat evenly across your body as you lose weight. Some people are prone to storing more fat around their bellies than others. As Ozempic helps you lose weight, some of the fat from around your belly will be removed. There is no way of targeting a part of the body to remove fat without surgeries like liposuction.
Will I gain weight after stopping Ozempic?
It is possible to gain back weight after stopping Ozempic. Once you stop Ozempic, your appetite will return to normal. This means you need to keep your diet and exercise routine up or you will be at risk of overeating and gaining back the weight.
What are the downsides of Ozempic for weight loss?
The main drawback of Ozempic is the fact that it’s not designed for weight loss. If you have type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is an effective treatment that may lead to weight loss, but if you don’t, there are other treatments which are targeted to and clinically proven and safe to help you lose weight.
Another downside to Ozempic is that there’s also the risk of unpleasant side effects including nausea, diarrhoea, and other digestive issues. However, these tend to subside after a while as your body gets used to the treatment and there are side effects to any weight loss medication. Serious or life-threatening side effects are rare.
Another potential downside is the cost of treatment – since it’s not licensed for weight loss in the UK, you’ll likely be paying the full cost of Ozempic.
What does Ozempic do to your face?
Ozempic doesn’t do anything to your face directly. The so-called ‘Ozempic face’ can be a result of rapid weight loss. As fat is lost from your face, the skin that was previously stretched over this fat becomes loose and can sag. This effect may fade over time as your weight stabilises.
What drugs can’t you take with Ozempic pens?
It’s important to tell your doctor if you’re using warfarin or insulin before you start using Ozempic. You should also tell your prescribing doctor about any other prescriptions or herbal treatments you’re using.
What is the generic form of Ozempic for weight loss?
There is currently no generic Ozempic available. Generic medications cost less than branded ones like Ozempic, but they’re only available once a patent for a branded medication has run out.
Even when a generic version of Ozempic becomes available, it may still only be licensed for treating diabetes and not for weight loss.
How long has Ozempic been on the market?
Ozempic was launched in the UK on 2nd January 2019 for treating diabetes. It is still not licensed for weight loss in people without diabetes.
Wegovy, which has the same active ingredient, has been available for weight loss in the UK since Sept 2023.
Conclusion on Ozempic pens
Ozempic pens can be an effective treatment for diabetes. They can also support weight loss alongside diet and exercise. But, since Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss treatment in people without diabetes, Wegovy may be a better option. Wegovy is licensed for weight loss in people without diabetes, and you can request it with ZAVA by completing an online questionnaire.
Zoe initially studied biological sciences at Aston University, with an integrated placement year working as a mental health care assistant and volunteering abroad. After completing her first degree, she went on to study graduate-entry medicine at Warwick University. After graduating as a doctor, she worked within the West Midlands in Urology, Respiratory Medicine, Infectious Disease, and Psychiatry before transitioning into a full-time medical communications role. Zoe currently works as a freelance medical writer and editor for various health communications agencies, charities, pharmaceutical companies, and health organisations.
Last reviewed: 26 Mar 2025
Sources
Ozempic 0.5 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen, emc [accessed 03 March 2025]
Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity, PubMed [accessed 03 March 2025]
Liraglutide for weight management: a critical review of the evidence, PubMed [accessed 03 March 2025]
Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity, NICE [accessed 03 March 2025]
What is Ozempic?, Diabetes.org.uk [accessed 03 March 2025]
Unintended consequences of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists medications in children and adolescents: A call to action, Cambridge University Press [accessed 03 March 2025]
Accessing Wegovy for weight loss: Everything you need to know, GOV.UK [accessed 03 March 2025]
Mounjaro KwikPen 10mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen, emc [accessed 03 March 2025]
Wegovy 0.25 mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen, emc [accessed 03 March 2025]
Nevolat 6 mg/ml solution for injection in pre-filled pen, emc [accessed 03 March 2025]
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- Switching From Saxenda to Wegovy
- Liraglutide Side Effects
- Ozempic on the NHS
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- Weight Loss Injections Side Effects
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