Ozempic is a much talked about medicine for weight loss these days. This injectable drug was originally created to treat type 2 diabetes, but one of its side effects is weight loss. For this reason people are using it to lose weight. How does this medicine, launched in India in December 2025, work and for whom can it be dangerous? Let us know.
What is Ozempic and how does it work?
The real name of Ozempic is semaglutide. It works like the GLP-1 hormone. GLP-1 hormone is released naturally in the body after eating. It increases insulin, lowers blood sugar, and reduces appetite. According to Dr. Anil Gomber, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine and Diabetology, Yatharth Super Specialty Hospital, Ozempic is a good drug to manage type 2 diabetes and weight, but it also has gastrointestinal side effects, which become worse as the dose increases. However, it should not be taken without doctor’s advice.
How does Ozempic work?
It delays stomach emptying, which reduces appetite.
It sends signals to the brain that the stomach is full.
It increases insulin production and reduces glucagon hormone.
This controls blood sugar and reduces weight.
How much does this injection cost?
According to media reports, this injection can reduce weight by 15 percent in a year, but after stopping the medicine, two-thirds of the weight comes back. This injection has to be given once a week. The price of this injection in India is Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 per month. The latest studies of 2025 found that this injection can increase the risk of pancreatitis by 146 percent. There is also a risk of a rare eye disease called NAION. The weight comes back after stopping the medicine.
What are the benefits of taking this injection?
Blood sugar control remains good in type 2 diabetes.
Weight loss occurs, especially in obese patients.
The risk of heart diseases is reduced.
Some studies have also shown a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
What are the risks?
Pancreatitis (inflammation in the pancreas)
Gallbladder problems such as gallstones
Increased risk of thyroid tumors or cancer (seen in rats, not confirmed in humans)
Vision loss (a type of eye disease called NAION)
kidney problems
Weakening of stomach muscles (gastroparesis)
Who is at risk?
Those who have a history of thyroid cancer in their family.
Those who have medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2 syndrome.
Those who have a history of pancreatitis.
Those who have serious kidney or liver problems.
Pregnant or lactating women.
Those who have serious problems of gall bladder or stomach.