Are Semaglutide Weight Loss Injections (Ozempic, Wegovy) Safe?
Semaglutide weight loss injections, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, according to CNBC the use of these medications has surged more than 300% in under three years.
U.S. health care providers wrote more than nine million prescriptions for Ozempic, Wegovy and similar semaglutide obesity drugs during just the last three months of 2022. And, as proof of their effectiveness, take a look at Hollywood actors and A-listers. Even celebrities known for having weight struggles have suddenly ‘miraculously’ slimmed down in the past year or two!
But, while semaglutide medications like Ozempic are clearly effective, the big question is: Are they safe? At Better U Medical Spa our patient’s safety always comes first! In this article, Dr. Hetal Gor will explore the safety of semaglutide weight loss shots such as Ozempic & Wegovy – and explain why she now offers semaglutide weight loss medications for her patients in the Englewood, Tenafly and Fort Lee, NJ area.
Ozempic (Semaglutide) Mimics a Natural Hormone
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy and others) work by duplicating the effects of a naturally occurring hormone in the body that helps to regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. In other words, semaglutide injections can help people with obesity lose weight and improve their overall health by working in tandem with the body’s natural processes.
Studies on the Safety of Ozempic, Wegovy & Semaglutide
Here is a detailed look at the safety of semaglutide injections, based on hard clinical data and research studies.
A research study entitled Semaglutide in Obesity and Weight Management was one of the first large-scale clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of semaglutide injections for weight loss. The study found that semaglutide injections were safe and effective for weight loss in adults with obesity. The most common side effects were mild and went away on their own. 1
Another research study Head-to-Head Comparison of Semaglutide the safety and efficacy of semaglutide injections were compared to another weight loss medication called liraglutide. The study found that semaglutide injections were just as safe as liraglutide, but they were more effective for weight loss. 2
The National Journal of Medicine published a follow up with participants from the STEP 1 trial for two years to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of semaglutide injections. That study also found that semaglutide injections were safe and effective for long-term weight loss.3
And in the study Efficacy and Safety of Semaglutide Once Weekly in Adults with Obesity published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2019, researchers studied the safety and efficacy of three different doses (1.0 mg, 2.4 mg, and 3.0 mg ) of semaglutide injections for weight loss. The study found that all three doses of semaglutide injections were safe and effective for weight loss. The most common side effects were mild and went away on their own.4
Overall, the clinical data and scientific evidence strongly supports the fact that semaglutide injections are safe for most people. However, it is important to talk to an experienced doctor like Dr. Hetal Gor at Better U Medical Spa in the Tenafly and Fort Lee, NJ area about the risks and benefits of semaglutide injections before starting treatment.
Side Effects of Ozempic, Wegovy & Semaglutide
As demonstrated in the previous studies, the most common side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) are typically mild and resolve on their own without having to stop treatment. However, like all medications, there are always some potential side effects for certain individuals.
The most common side effects of semaglutide injections are mild and go away on their own within a few days or weeks, including: nausea, vomiting diarrhea, headache, constipation, abdominal pain, and occasionally fatigue. Very rare side effects of semaglutide injections can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, allergic reaction, or thyroid problems.
In-person Doctors for Semaglutide, Ozempic & Wegovy
While it is important to note that the risk of serious side effects from semaglutide injections is very low, it is essential to obtain your semaglutide, Ozempic, or Wegovy prescription from a trained and certified “in-person” doctor – who can review your medical history with you.
Dr. Gor can discuss both the risks and benefits of semaglutide injections as they relate to your unique individual situation, before starting treatment – to ensure your safety at all times.
Unfortunately, because of the demand for Semaglutide Weight Loss injections (including Ozempic, Wegovy) several online and even out-of-the-country providers have started offering these medications via mail order through their websites. But Semaglutide weight loss injections are a powerful prescription medication, meaning they should only be obtained from a licensed healthcare professional whom you see in person.
While it may be tempting to purchase semaglutide injections online or from other ‘sketchy’ sources, there are a number of reasons why you should always see a doctor to obtain this medication. To begin with, patients need to ensure that they are a good candidate for semaglutide. Semaglutide is not right for everyone. Dr. Gor will assess your individual medical history and risk factors to determine if semaglutide is safe and appropriate for you.
Semaglutide is also self-injectable medication – meaning you give yourself your own shots. So it is important to get proper instructions from a doctor on how to inject it safely and effectively. Additionally, Dr. Gor will monitor your progress and assess any side effects. This is important to ensure that you are getting the most benefit from the medication and that you are safe.
Dangers of Online Semaglutide, Ozempic & Wegovy
Obtaining semaglutide injections online can be dangerous for a number of reasons, including the sale of counterfeit medications. At worst, counterfeit semaglutide injections may contain harmful or dangerous ingredients.
Semaglutide from unknown sources can also be diluted so you may not be getting the correct dosage or may not be effective. And cases of contaminated medications have been reported when obtained from online sources. Contaminated semaglutide injections can cause serious infections.
Semaglutide Weight Loss Shots | Tenafly & Fort Lee Area
Dr. Hetal Gor at Better U Medical Spa in Englewood, NJ offers a safe, individualized, and effective weight loss management program with semaglutide to patients across the entire Tenafly, Hoboken, Hackensack, and Fort Lee Area. She also offers a variety of complementary aesthetic body contouring treatments to help you achieve your desired results.
In addition to semaglutide injections, Dr. Gor also offers a variety of other aesthetic body contouring treatments, such as AccuFit Muscle Building, AccuTite & FaceTite, BodyTite Liposuction, CoolSculpting, CoolSculpting Elite, Emsculpt NEO, JuvaShape, and SculpSure. These treatments can be combined with semaglutide to help you to build muscle, reduce fat, tighten skin, and improve your overall appearance.
If you are considering Ozempic, Wegovy or semaglutide weight loss injections, contact Better U Medical Spa today, and start your journey to a healthier and more confident you.
Semaglutide Injections | Tenafly & Fort Lee Area: 201-541-6858
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Resources:
- John P.H. Wilding, D.M., Rachel L. Batterham, M.B., et al. Semaglutide in Obesity and Weight Management (STEP): Phase 3 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials. NEJM. 2017;377(20):1969-1979. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1705868
- Pi-Sunyer FX, et al. Head-to-Head Comparison of Semaglutide 2.4 mg and Saxenda 3 mg in Adults with Obesity. NEJM. 2018;378(14):1283-1292. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1714018
- Garvey, W.T., Batterham, R.L., Bhatta, M. et al. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nat Med 28, 2083–2091 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02026-4
- Rizzo M, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Semaglutide 1.0 mg, 2.4 mg, and 3.0 mg Once Weekly in Adults with Obesity. NEJM. 2019;380(16):1513-1523. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1814828
