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Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (Glucagon like Peptide-1) analogue, which mimics the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1 to binds to the GLP-1 receptor in the gut, pancreas and brain. Ozempic and WeGovy are brand names of the medication semaglutide, developed and produced by pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. Semaglutide is used to treat type 2 diabetes, reducing blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin production. Semaglutide is also used for weight loss, reducing body weight and body fat mass through appetite suppression and lower energy intake. In addition, semaglutide reduces the preference for fatty foods and alcohol. Semaglutide also has benefits for cardiovascular and metabolic health, lowering cholesterol levels, blood pressure and risk of heart attack or stroke. Treatment with semaglutide reduces risk of death or morbidity from cardiovascular disease- in the SUSTAIN 6 trial (104 weeks, 3297 patients with diabetes and high cardiovascular risk), the risk of developing cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke was reduced by 26% in the patients treated with semaglutide (Ozempic).
Ozempic and Wegovy are trending after to several celebrities including Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey shared their stunning weight loss transformation on social media. Since then, there has been significant interest in the weight loss effects of Ozempic and Wegovy. Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain the medication semaglutide and are produced by Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. Ozempic is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, while WeGovy is approved for the treatment of obesity as defined by body mass index above 30.
Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common, affecting 10-20% of patients being treated with Ozempic (semaglutide). Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, reflux and constipation are common, due to the activation of GLP-1 receptors in the gut. In general, these reactions are mild to moderate, resolving over 3-4 weeks with no long term issues
Neurological side effects are also common with 10-20% of patients treated with Ozempic (Semaglutide) experiencing mild headache, fatigue and dizziness. These effects are generally mild and resolve over 3-4 weeks as the body becomes accustomed to the medication
Gallstone formation and acute pancreatitis are a rare but potentially severe adverse effect from Ozempic (semaglutide) treatment, with the risk of developing pancreatitis estimated at 0.2-0.5% during clinical trials. However, it is difficult to determine whether the gallstones and pancreatitis was caused by the medication as patients in both the treatment and placebo groups developed pancreatitis, and these patients were at risk of gallstone pancreatitis due to their obesity. The drug manufacturer recommends that doctors exercise caution in prescribing Ozempic (semaglutide) to patients with a history of pancreatitis.
In animal studies, lab rats treated with GLP-1 receptor analogues developed thyroid tumours. In human studies and from over 20 years of clinical use, there have been no confirmed cases of patients developing thyroid tumours due to Ozempic (semaglutide). Hence, Ozempic (semaglutide) is considered safe for humans but should be used in caution with those with a history of medullary thyroid tumours.
Ozempic, Wegovy and semaglutide are NOT recommended for use in pregnancy and lactation. Women of childbearing potential are recommended to use contraception with using semaglutide. There are no human studies to prove the safety of semaglutide in pregnancy. In animal studies, semaglutide was excreted in breastmilk. There are no human studies regarding semaglutide use in lactation.
Maximum weekly dosage of Ozempic (semaglutide) is 1mg per week. Maximum weekly dosage of WeGovy (semaglutide) is 2.4mg per week. Overdosage of up to 4mg per week has been reported in clinical trials, with patients experiencing nausea. All patients who overdosed recovered completely. There is no antidote for Ozempic, WeGovy or Semaglutide.
Ozempic Face is a relatively new adverse effect that arises due to excessive and rapid weight loss. This can happen from a variety of reasons, such as bariatric surgery, Ozempic (semaglutide) or Wegovy (semaglutide) use, extreme dieting or medical illness. Ozempic Face is characterised by accelerated facial ageing with patients looking older, gaunt and hollow, with loss of facial volume in the temples, cheeks and sagging of the skin of the face and neck. This is due to the sudden weight loss causing shrinkage of facial fat pads. Ozempic Face is treated with Dermal fillers, Sculptra, or skin tightening treatments such as Oligio RF and Ultherapy
Ozempic, WeGovy and Semaglutide need to be prescribed by a medical doctor with experience with weight management and diabetes treatment, with close supervision and regular monitoring. The key is to start at a lower dosage of 0.25mg- 0.5mg per week of Ozempic (semaglutide), gradually increasing after a month to the full dosage of 1mg per week. This allows the body to get acclimatised to the medication and reduces the common side effects of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. A detailed medical consultation is necessary prior to starting the medication to ensure no contraindications. At Bay Clinic, Medical Directors Dr Bernard Tan and Dr Hoe Ying Min have 20+ years of combined experience and have treated thousands of patients with successful outcomes. Their treatment philosophy focuses on natural looking results and take a holistic approach to patient wellness and health.
Note: WeGovy is not yet available in Singapore and is expected to be in stock from 2026 onwards. Ozempic is available in Singapore.
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