MEDICAL & METABOLIC HEALTH
Ozempic®
Medical Weight Management
Explore how Semaglutide works through GLP-1 pathways, the clinical research on blood glucose and body weight, and important medical considerations before using prescription medication. A doctor will review your individual health circumstances and discuss appropriate approaches to metabolic health management.
ABOUT OZEMPIC
What Is Ozempic®?
Ozempic® is a prescription injectable medicine containing Semaglutide . It belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class and is primarily used for blood glucose management in people with type 2 diabetes who meet the approved indications.
Semaglutide mimics certain effects of the natural GLP-1 hormone. It stimulates insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, suppresses inappropriate glucagon secretion, and delays gastric emptying.
These actions may also affect appetite, feelings of fullness and body weight. Although Ozempic® and Wegovy®, a product specifically indicated for weight management, contain the same active ingredient, they differ in product specifications, approved uses and prescribing considerations.
Prescription Medication · Personalized Medical Assessment
Before use, a doctor should review your medical history, current medications, blood glucose status, and potential risks, and confirm the applicable product information.
- ✓ Active ingredient: Semaglutide
- ✓ Drug class: GLP-1 receptor agonist
- ✓ Dosage form: Subcutaneous injection
- ✓ Frequency of use: Generally once weekly
- ✓ Legal classification in Hong Kong: Prescription medication
HOW IT WORKS
How Does GLP-1 Affect Blood Glucose and Body Weight?
01 / GLUCOSE
Blood Glucose Regulation
When blood glucose levels are elevated, Semaglutide promotes insulin secretion and reduces inappropriate glucagon secretion, helping improve glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.
02 / APPETITE
Appetite and Satiety
Semaglutide can influence physiological signals related to appetite and satiety, which may help some users reduce food intake.
03 / GASTRIC FUNCTION
Gastric Emptying
The medication can delay gastric emptying, which contributes to some of its post-meal blood glucose effects. This is also one reason gastrointestinal discomfort and potential interactions with other medications should be considered.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical Evidence for Ozempic®
Clinical studies involving Ozempic® have primarily examined blood glucose control and body weight changes in people with type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in selected higher-risk populations. Results from studies with different eligibility criteria should not be applied directly to people seeking general weight loss.
Blood Glucose and HbA1c Management
Multiple studies in the SUSTAIN programme evaluated the effects of Semaglutide on HbA1c and glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. Individual outcomes may vary according to the study dose, baseline blood glucose levels, and concomitant medications.
Cardiovascular Research in Selected Patients
The SUSTAIN-6 trial included people with type 2 diabetes who were at higher cardiovascular risk and evaluated the effects of Semaglutide on major cardiovascular events. The study findings do not mean that every user will experience the same benefits.
Diabetes-Related Kidney Research
The FLOW trial evaluated kidney and cardiovascular outcomes with Semaglutide in people with both type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. These findings cannot be directly extrapolated to people without these conditions.
How Should Changes in Body Weight Be Interpreted?
In some Ozempic® clinical studies, participants using Semaglutide also experienced reductions in body weight. However, changes in weight may be influenced by the study population, medication dose, follow-up duration, lifestyle factors, and other variables. Average weight-loss results from higher-dose Wegovy® weight management studies should not be directly interpreted as the expected effect of Ozempic®.
PATIENT ASSESSMENT
Who May Consider a Medical Assessment?
The following circumstances may be reasons to seek advice about metabolic health or weight management, but they do not necessarily meet the approved prescribing indications for Ozempic®.
People with Type 2 Diabetes
People diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who require a doctor to review their blood glucose targets, current medications, and overall metabolic health status.
With Metabolic Health Risks
People who are overweight and also have concerns such as abnormal blood glucose, blood pressure, or blood lipid levels may undergo medical assessment to understand suitable health management approaches and medication options.
Seeking Personalized Weight Management
People who have already tried dietary and exercise adjustments but would like to further explore medical weight management options may discuss health risks, suitability, and other alternatives with a doctor.
SAFETY & PRECAUTIONS
Side Effects, Precautions and Medical Assessment
Ozempic® is not suitable for everyone. Before use, inform your doctor about your medical history, current medications, eye and kidney health, and any pregnancy or plans to become pregnant.
More Common Side Effects
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal pain are relatively common. If symptoms persist or interfere with eating or drinking, contact your doctor.
Conditions Requiring Careful Assessment
A history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe gastrointestinal problems, diabetic retinopathy, kidney problems, pregnancy, or plans to become pregnant requires particular medical assessment.
Serious Risks to Be Aware Of
Seek medical attention promptly if persistent severe abdominal pain, a serious allergic reaction, prolonged vomiting and dehydration, or sudden changes in vision occur.
Other Important Medication Considerations
Before using Semaglutide, a doctor should also review the product information regarding warnings related to thyroid C-cell tumours, relevant personal or family medical history, as well as risks associated with hypoglycaemia, anaesthesia, or sedation procedures. If insulin or sulfonylurea medications are used at the same time, the risk of hypoglycaemia may increase.
MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP
BMS Clinic Medical Assessment and Ongoing Follow-Up
Body weight and metabolic health are influenced by many factors. BMS Clinic emphasises a comprehensive review of individual health information, helping patients discuss appropriate management options with their doctor. Tests and follow-up arrangements depend on individual needs.
Initial Health Assessment
Review of medical history, body weight and blood glucose status, current medications, and individual health goals, together with an assessment of whether further examinations may be required.
Personalized Medical Discussion
Based on the assessment findings, the doctor will discuss diet, physical activity, metabolic risks, and suitable medical management options.
Health Monitoring and Follow-Up
Blood glucose, changes in body weight, tolerability, and other relevant health indicators may be monitored according to individual needs, with subsequent arrangements assessed by the doctor.
Is Ozempic® specifically approved for weight loss?
Ozempic® is primarily a prescription medication for indications related to type 2 diabetes and is not a product specifically approved by the U.S. FDA for weight loss. Some users may experience weight reduction, but whether it is appropriate should be determined by a doctor based on the approved indications and the individual’s health condition.
What is the difference between Ozempic® and Wegovy®?
Both contain Semaglutide as the active ingredient, but their product specifications, approved indications, and related clinical studies are not identical. They should not be substituted for one another or used according to the dosing schedule of the other product without medical advice.
Is Ozempic® used once a week?
Ozempic® is generally administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. The starting regimen, dose adjustments, and ongoing use should be determined by the prescribing doctor according to the product information and individual tolerability.
Will everyone lose weight with Ozempic®?
Not necessarily. Some clinical studies have reported reductions in body weight, but the degree of change may be influenced by individual health status, dosage, study conditions, lifestyle factors, and other variables. Research findings from other Semaglutide products should not be directly interpreted as the expected effect of Ozempic®.
Is Ozempic® suitable for everyone?
No. A doctor should assess the relevant indication, medical history, current medications, and potential risks, particularly gastrointestinal, pancreatic, gallbladder, eye, and kidney-related health conditions, as well as the warnings and contraindications listed in the product information.
Can body weight increase again after stopping the medication?
Some users may experience weight regain after discontinuing GLP-1 medications. The extent of change varies between individuals. Discontinuation and subsequent weight management should be discussed with a doctor, and prescription arrangements should not be changed without medical advice.
Can Ozempic® replace diet and lifestyle management?
No. A healthy diet, appropriate physical activity, adequate sleep, and long-term health monitoring remain important components of metabolic health management. Whether prescription medication is required should be determined according to the individual clinical situation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is provided for medical education, general health information, and service introduction purposes only. It does not replace diagnosis, prescription, personalised metabolic health assessment, or medical advice from a Hong Kong-registered doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.
Ozempic® (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist primarily intended for patients with type 2 diabetes who meet the approved indications. It is not specifically approved as a medication for general weight loss. Although some clinical studies have observed improvements in blood glucose control and reductions in body weight, the findings depend on the study population, dosage, and research conditions. These results do not guarantee equivalent outcomes for any individual, and weight management findings from Wegovy® studies should not be directly applied to Ozempic®.
Ozempic® may cause gastrointestinal symptoms and other adverse reactions and is associated with specific precautions involving the pancreas, gallbladder, kidneys, diabetic retinopathy, and other medication-related risks. Before use, a doctor should assess relevant medical history, current medications, contraindications, and product warnings. Approved indications, prescribing decisions, dose adjustments, and monitoring arrangements should follow the latest applicable Hong Kong-registered product information and a doctor's individual assessment. Do not use, adjust, or discontinue prescription medication without appropriate medical guidance. Seek prompt medical attention if severe or persistent adverse symptoms occur.
Learn More About Whether Ozempic® May Be Suitable for Your Metabolic Health Needs
Ozempic® is a prescription medication containing Semaglutide and is primarily used for eligible patients with type 2 diabetes. Whether it is appropriate should be assessed based on blood glucose status, weight and metabolic risk, medical history, current medications, kidney and eye health, as well as pregnancy or pregnancy planning. Prescribing, dose adjustments, and ongoing monitoring should be guided by a doctor, and weight-loss data from other Semaglutide products should not be directly applied to Ozempic®.
MEDICAL REFERENCES
Medical Reference Materials
- Novo Nordisk. Ozempic® Official Website. Official Product Information
- Drug Office, Department of Health, Hong Kong. Ozempic Hong Kong Registered Pharmaceutical Product Information, HK-66485 (specified strength). Drug Registration Details
- Marso SP, Bain SC, Consoli A, et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2016;375:1834–1844. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1607141
- Perkovic V, Tuttle KR, Rossing P, et al. Effects of Semaglutide on Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2024;391:109–121. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2403347
Medical information and approved indications may be updated; before publication, the clinic doctor should verify the latest product information applicable in Hong Kong at that time.