The "Ozempic effect" refers to the significant weight loss results observed in individuals using the drug Ozempic, which was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that signals the brain when you're full and slows digestion, increasing the time it takes for food to leave the body[4]. Ozempic and similar drugs have been found to yield an average weight loss of 15 to 20 percent, which is significantly higher than previous options. About one-third of users experience around a 10 percent loss of body weight[1]. However, it's important to note that treatment with drugs like Ozempic requires a lifelong commitment, as discontinuing the medication often leads to weight regain. Side effects such as nausea, reflux, abdominal cramping, delayed gastric emptying, and constipation may affect a patient's ability or willingness to continue treatment[1]. Ozempic stimulates insulin secretion, lowers glucagon secretion, and causes a minor delay in gastric emptying, thereby reducing the rate at which glucose appears in circulation postprandially[2]. It's also used together with diet and exercise to help control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes[3]. While Ozempic is not approved for weight loss, some physicians prescribe it off-label for this purpose. The active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, is approved for weight loss under the name Wegovy, which contains a higher dose of semaglutide[4]. It's important to note that while Ozempic can help people lose weight and reduce the risk for many other serious health conditions, such as heart problems, the degree of weight loss achieved with surgery is usually much greater and lasts longer than with medications[4]. Therefore, while the "Ozempic effect" has shown promising results in weight loss, it should be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.