Long-Term Effects of Ozempic®: Risks vs. Benefits
Key takeaways:
Long-term effects of Ozempic® (semaglutide) include sustainable weight management, blood sugar control, and a lower risk of obesity-related health issues.
Research suggests semaglutide is safe for long-term use, though evidence beyond four years is still limited.
Common Ozempic® side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation. Rare but serious risks may include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney issues.
Weight regain after stopping semaglutide is common if you don’t maintain healthy lifestyle habits.
Beyond its success in diabetes management, many wonder if Ozempic® is a safe option for long-term weight loss.
In the United Kingdom, Ozempic® is only licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. For weight management, the licensed semaglutide option is Wegovy®.
Both Ozempic® and Wegovy® are considered safe for long-term use. But there are possible risks to be aware of.
Let’s go over the long-term effects of Ozempic®, including the evidence, known side effects, and alternatives available in the U.K.
Is Ozempic® Safe to Take Long-Term?
Ozempic® is a brand-name drug containing semaglutide. It’s prescribed in the U.K. for people with type 2 diabetes to help manage blood sugar levels.
Research so far suggests semaglutide is generally safe for ongoing use:
Two-year studies have shown that Wegovy® (which comes at a higher dose than Ozempic®) can be used safely and effectively.
The SELECT trial studied the effects of Wegovy® when used over four years. It also supported the drug’s long-term safety.
Beyond that timeframe, research is still limited, so we don’t yet know the full picture of long-term use. But since Ozempic® is designed as a long-term treatment for diabetes, it’s intended for ongoing use.
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How Long Can You Stay on Semaglutide?
There’s no strict rule for how long you can or should take semaglutide. Your general practitioner (GP) or a private healthcare provider will base your treatment duration on your individual health needs.
For type 2 diabetes, it’s common to stay on Ozempic® indefinitely. For weight management, Wegovy® may be used longer-term, often at a maintenance dose once you reach your weight goals.
How Ozempic® Works
Ozempic® belongs to a group of medicines called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists). This means it mimics GLP-1, a hormone that supports digestion and appetite regulation.
GLP-1 drugs promote weight loss by:
Regulating blood sugar levels
Increasing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite
Slowing digestion, which can contribute to weight loss
These factors make it easier to stick to a low-calorie diet and lose more weight overall, particularly if you have a high body mass index (BMI).
In a clinical trial called STEP 1, those taking Wegovy® lost an average of 14.9 percent of their body weight over 68 weeks. Participants who took placebos lost an average of 2.4 percent of their body weight. All study participants paired Wegovy® with healthy lifestyle changes.
Medication can make a significant difference, but sustainable results usually require lifestyle changes alongside treatment. For example, healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and getting enough sleep.
Common Side Effects Of Ozempic®
Like any medication, Ozempic® can cause side effects — though not everyone experiences them.
The most common short-term side effects include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Burping
Abdominal pain
Injection site reactions (like pain, redness, or bruising)
These side effects are most likely to appear in the early weeks of treatment or after a dose increase. They often improve as your body adjusts to the medicine. Higher doses of Ozempic® are associated with a higher risk of side effects.
If you’re struggling to adjust to the side effects, consider booking a follow-up appointment with your GP or private provider.
Rare and Long-Term Side Effects of Ozempic®
Although less common, there are potential longer-term or more serious side effects to know about.
These rare but possible adverse effects include:
Acute inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
Kidney issues, sometimes linked to dehydration from vomiting
Diabetic retinopathy complications (in those with type 2 diabetes)
Increased heart rate
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), mainly if used with other diabetes medications
Thyroid tumours (seen in rodent studies, not observed in humans)
These are rare, but if you experience severe or persistent symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.
What About “Ozempic® Face?”
“Ozempic® face” is a colloquial term for one of the potential side effects of rapid weight loss — a sagging, more wrinkly face.
When you lose weight rapidly, you could develop:
Sagging facial skin
A hollowed look to the face
Sunken-looking eyes
Wrinkles on the face
Sagging jowls
Similar terms include “Ozempic® legs,” “Ozempic® thighs,” or “Ozempic® butt.”
This may affect some people who take Ozempic® and other GLP-1 receptor agonists. However, it’s not a direct side effect of Ozempic®. Sagging skin is a side effect of rapid weight loss.
If you lose weight slowly and sustainably — whether with semaglutide or not — you have a lower risk of developing Ozempic face®. You can also keep your skin healthy by staying hydrated, eating enough protein, and maintaining a good skincare routine.
Who Is at Risk of the Long-Term Side Effects of Ozempic®?
Some people may have an increased risk of experiencing adverse events on Ozempic®.
Ozempic® isn’t recommended for people with a history of:
Pancreatitis
Gallbladder disease
Kidney disease
Diabetic retinopathy
Eating disorders
Allergic reactions to semaglutide
Thyroid cancer
It’s also unclear if Ozempic® is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive, Ozempic® isn’t recommended. Ask your GP for personalised advice.
Ozempic® may also interact with certain medications. If you use any non-prescription or prescription medicines, share this with your GP or prescribing care provider. They can advise you on whether it’s safe to try Ozempic®.
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Is Ozempic® Worth the Risk?
This is up to you and your GP to decide.
Although there are some risks to Ozempic®, there are also risks to obesity, particularly if you have weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension) or sleep apnoea. So, many semaglutide long-term side effects can be positive.
There’s some evidence that Ozempic® can:
Reduce the risk of cardiovascular events (like heart attacks) in people with preexisting cardiovascular diseases
Regulate blood glucose levels
Reduce symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea
Lower inflammation levels in the body
Still, Ozempic® might not be suitable for people with the above risk factors. Again, check with your GP for personalised guidance.
Do You Regain Weight After Stopping Semaglutide?
Studies show that people often regain weight after stopping semaglutide — particularly if they also stop making lifestyle changes.
In a 2022 study, participants took a weekly 2.4-milligram (mg) dose of semaglutide (Wegovy®) for 68 weeks. After 68 weeks, they stopped their treatment as well as the healthy lifestyle changes they made while using semaglutide.
Those who discontinued semaglutide and healthy habits regained about two-thirds of the weight they had lost. This shows that it’s possible to regain weight after stopping semaglutide.
This doesn’t mean weight regain is inevitable. Maintaining a balanced diet makes a substantial difference — see the National Health Service (NHS) Eatwell Guide. Also, regular movement, good sleep, and hydration can make it easier to sustain results.
Alternatives to Ozempic® for Weight Loss in the U.K.
If you’re interested in weight loss treatments, there are licensed alternatives in the U.K. These include:
Wegovy® (semaglutide). Wegovy® is an injectable medicine that contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic®.
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide). Mounjaro® is a weight loss injection that mimics both GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide).
Orlistat. This is an oral tablet that reduces fat absorption from food you eat.
Each of these medications can support your weight loss journey. Of course, not every medicine is appropriate for every person — it depends on your weight loss goals, personal risk factors, and health profile.
Hers U.K. provides access to these treatments (if clinically appropriate). The medicines available through Hers are part of holistic weight loss programmes that include lifestyle support.
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In Summary: Ozempic® Long-Term Side Effects
Ozempic® is safe for long-term use in people with type 2 diabetes, but it’s not licensed for weight loss in the U.K.
Here’s what to know about the long-term effects of Ozempic®:
Ozempic® carries rare but serious long-term risks. This may include pancreatitis, gall bladder problems, and diabetic retinopathy.
Most side effects are mild and temporary. These include nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
Taking the medicine long-term can have positive health effects for those with obesity. This includes lowering the risk of cardiovascular events, regulating blood glucose levels, lowering inflammation, and reducing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea.
Wegovy® and Mounjaro® are the approved alternatives for weight management. These are licensed for weight loss in the U.K.
If you’re considering semaglutide for weight loss, your GP or a private healthcare provider can guide you on safe, effective options tailored to your health.
We can help you connect with a U.K.-licensed healthcare professional to explore whether semaglutide (or another weight loss medication) is suitable for you.
FAQs
See answers to commonly asked questions about the long-term effects of Ozempic® below.
What are the long-term side effects of Ozempic®?
Rare long-term risks may include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney issues, and diabetic retinopathy complications. Most people only experience mild, temporary digestive side effects.
Is Ozempic® safe to take for years?
Yes, semaglutide is considered safe for long-term use, with studies spanning up to four years showing positive results. Research beyond that is ongoing.
Can I take Ozempic® for weight loss in the U.K.?
No, Ozempic® is only licensed for type 2 diabetes in the U.K. Wegovy® and Mounjaro® are currently the only licensed injectable medications for weight management in the U.K.
Do people put weight back on after stopping Ozempic®?
Yes, many people regain some of the weight they lost after stopping semaglutide. But weight regain isn’t inevitable after stopping Ozempic®. Healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce this effect.
What’s the difference between Ozempic® and Wegovy®?
Both are brand names for injectable medications that contain semaglutide. Ozempic® is licensed for diabetes, while Wegovy® is licensed for weight management in the U.K.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your GP about the risks and benefits of any treatment.