Thinking About Ozempic or Wegovy (or Already Taking It)? Here’s What You Really Need to Know

Updated: Jun 16

If you’re taking Ozempic or Wegovy — or even just thinking about it — for weight loss or type 2 diabetes, there are a few things I really wish more people talked about.

Yes, it can be incredibly effective. Yes, it can help people shed serious pounds and manage blood sugar. But it’s not a magic wand. And like any medication, it comes with trade-offs — some big, some small — that are worth knowing beforeyou dive in.

So let’s walk through it all: the good, the frustrating, and the things I wish someone had told me sooner.

Ozempic and Wegovy Works — But It’s Not the Whole Answer

Let’s start with the obvious: Ozempic/Wegovy can lead to fast weight loss, especially in the first few months. That’s a huge reason why it’s become so popular.

But here’s the deal: If you don’t use this time to change your habits — the way you eat, move, and take care of your body — the weight can creep back once the medication stops.

And that’s not just a scare tactic; it’s backed by research.

We’ve all been there. You do a fitness challenge, you lose some weight, then the challenge ends… and before you know it, you’re right back to old habits. It’s not that you failed — it’s just how human behavior works.

Ozempic and Wegovy helps, no question. But if you’re relying on it alone? That’s where things get tricky.

What Most People Don’t Know: You’re Losing Muscle Too

One of the lesser-known facts about GLP-1s like Ozempic/Wegovy? You’re not just losing fat — you’re also losing lean muscle.

And that matters. Big time.

Muscle is what keeps your metabolism humming. It helps you burn more calories at rest. So when your muscle mass goes down, your resting metabolism does too… and that makes it even harder to maintain your results long-term.

That’s why pairing this medication with strength training and protein-rich meals is key. Without it, you’re losing one of the most powerful fat-burning tools your body has.

Yep, the Side Effects Are Real

Most people experience at least some gastrointestinal side effects while taking GLP-1s.

These can include:

Nausea
Bloating
Constipation
Diarrhea
Acid reflux (GERD)

Some folks breeze through them. For others, it’s enough to make them stop the meds entirely.

For me, nausea hit hardest in the early days — especially with larger meals. Smaller portions and slower eating helped a lot, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing. And the constipation? Let’s just say you become very aware of your fiber intake fast.

This isn’t meant to scare you — just to prepare you. It’s common. It’s manageable. But it’s also something you shouldn’t feel like you have to suffer through in silence.

The More Serious (But Rare) Risks

Now let’s talk about the less common, but more serious side of things. These don’t happen to everyone, but they are risks you deserve to know about:

Gallstones, especially during rapid weight loss
Pancreatitis, especially if you (or your family) have a history of it
Long-term effects — which we’re still learning about

For the record, if you’ve had pancreatitis in the past, this medication usually isn’t recommended for you at all.

And as for the long-term? While we have solid data for people using GLP-1s for diabetes, there’s still a lot to learn about what happens when otherwise healthy people take these meds purely for weight loss, long-term.

So far, things look promising — but we’re only beginning to understand the decades-long impact.

Let’s Talk About the Cost

Here’s another thing people don’t always prepare for: it’s expensive.

If your insurance doesn’t cover it — or you’re paying out of pocket — you could be spending anywhere from $400 to $1,200 per month.

And that adds up fast.

For many people, the cost becomes the reason they stop. And when you stop abruptly — without having built sustainable habits or a plan — it can be overwhelming.

Availability has also been an issue. Even now, people tell me they’re still running into supply problems at pharmacies. Which… let’s be real, is incredibly frustrating.

So… Should You Still Take It?

Look, like every medication, there are pros and cons. Risks and rewards. But here’s what I believe:

If you go in with the right mindset, the right guidance, and a willingness to make lifestyle changes while taking it? Ozempic and Wegovy can be a powerful tool. Not a cure, but a tool.

Use the time it gives you — the appetite suppression, the structure, the momentum — to build the habits that will keep you going after the medication ends.

And if you’re not quite there yet? That’s okay. Just don’t go it alone.

Want Support on Your GLP-1 Journey?

Whether you're just getting started or looking for a better way to manage your prescriptions, I’ve got a resource that can help.

I highly recommend checking out IVIM — it’s an easy and reliable way to access GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro or Zepbound. You’ll get evaluated, and if you qualify, your prescription is shipped directly from the manufacturer.

Click here to get started with IVIM