4 Side Effects of Ozempic You Should Know About

Ozempic has become one of the most popular weight loss medications in recent years. Originally developed to help manage type 2 diabetes, it is now widely prescribed for weight loss because of its ability to reduce appetite and slow stomach emptying. While many people experience impressive weight loss results, Ozempic is not without potential side effects.

If you want to start your weight journey with Ozempic, it’s important to understand both the benefits and side effects. EndoSlim Clinic of Atlantic Gastroenterology is here to expound on the potential side effects of Ozempic and the possible alternatives.

The side effects of Ozempic

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which mimics a naturally occurring hormone that suppresses appetite, slows stomach emptying, and increases feelings of fullness. These effects help patients eat less and gradually lose weight.

Ozempic affects how your digestive system functions, so side effects are not uncommon.

1. Digestive issues

Many patients experience mild to moderate digestive problems, especially once they start on medication. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Some of these side effects are more common than others and may be temporary or last a few days or weeks. If they last longer or affect your everyday life, be sure to talk to your doctor.

2. Premature aging

Aging is a natural process that no one looks forward to. While it’s inevitable, sometimes it happens faster than expected. One side effect that has received increasing attention is the appearance of accelerated facial aging, commonly known as “Ozempic face.” Rapid fat loss can reduce facial volume, making wrinkles, loose skin, and hollow cheeks more noticeable.

Recent research has also begun investigating whether these changes extend beyond weight loss alone. A 2026 study showed that patients using GLP-1s had significantly fewer adipose-derived stem cells than those not taking these medications. Since these cells help with skin repair, it’s most likely that they could be the reason why some patients experience premature aging.

3. Less common but serious side effects

Although uncommon, Ozempic has been associated with more significant complications that require medical attention. Some of these complications include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, vision changes, and kidney problems. While these complications are rare, understanding the warning signs can help you seek timely medical care if needed.

4. Long-term maintenance

Another consideration is long-term maintenance. Many patients regain a significant portion of their lost weight after discontinuing GLP-1 medications, especially if diet and exercise alone are insufficient to maintain results. That means many individuals require ongoing treatment to maintain their results. This is not only expensive but also increases long-term exposure to medication-related side effects.

What are my alternatives?

While Ozempic can be an effective treatment for many people, it is not the only path to meaningful weight loss. At EndoSlim Clinic of Atlantic Gastroenterology, we offer several options for managing weight without medication.

These include:

• Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG): ESG is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the size of the stomach using internal sutures placed through an endoscope.
• Gastric balloon: The doctor places a gastric balloon inside the stomach that helps patients feel full after eating smaller portions. Our gastric balloon treatment features the Allurion Smart Capsule, a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t involve endoscopy, surgery, or anesthesia.
• Gastric Botulinum Toxin Injections: Your doctor injects Botox into specific stomach muscles during an endoscopic procedure. This temporarily slows stomach contractions, helping patients feel full longer, reducing food intake.

While these procedures have side effects, they generally avoid many of the systemic side effects associated with GLP-1s. Schedule an appointment with our team, and let’s discuss your options.

Start your medical-guided weight loss journey in Brooklyn, NY

Successful weight loss starts with a personalized approach. At EndoSlim Clinic of Atlantic Gastroenterology, we help patients achieve lasting results with comprehensive medical guidance and ongoing support. Dial 718 521-2840 and explore your weight loss solutions today!

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