How to use Ozempic for weight loss

Using Ozempic for weight loss

Canadian physicians may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss, using clinical judgement to prescribe outside the authorised indication. Because Ozempic is titrated to lower doses appropriate for blood sugar control, it is generally slightly less potent for weight loss than higher-dose Wegovy — though most patients still lose weight through reduced calorie intake.

Your prescriber will review your BMI, medical history and current medicines before deciding whether treatment is appropriate.

Ozempic dosage

Doses step up every four weeks to limit side effects. Each pen delivers four weekly doses.

Where and how to inject

Ozempic is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, front of the thigh or back of the upper arm. Rotate the exact spot each week, keep the pen refrigerated before first use, and dispose of needles in a sharps container.

The pen dose counter shows how much is left; if the remaining amount is less than your dose, use a new pen rather than splitting a dose across two.

How long does it take to work?

Appetite changes are often noticeable within the first weeks, but meaningful weight change usually appears over the first three months as doses increase. It does not work for everyone — response varies with biology, dose tolerated and lifestyle changes made alongside it.

Side effects

Side effect profile mirrors other GLP-1 medicines and is mostly digestive.

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal pain
• Gas, burping and changes to taste
• Dizziness, fatigue and headaches, often linked to dehydration or low intake
• Rarely: pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain radiating to the back — seek urgent care) and worsening diabetic retinopathy in people with diabetes

Ozempic vs Wegovy at a glance

Frequently asked questions