Ozempic is licensed for the management of type 2 diabetes and contains the active ingredient semaglutide.
Although it has become widely known in connection with weight loss, its primary licensed use is glycaemic
control. This article explains how it works in clinical terms.

Mechanism of action
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. It replicates the action of a naturally
occurring incretin hormone released from the gut after eating. This hormone regulates insulin release,
suppresses inappropriate glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying — all of which support more stable
blood glucose levels.

Site-by-site effects
● Pancreas: increases insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, reducing the risk of
hypoglycaemia compared with some other diabetes medicines
● Liver: suppresses excess glucagon release, reducing unnecessary glucose production
● Stomach: slows gastric emptying, which also contributes to increased satiety
● Brain: acts on appetite-regulating centres, which is why weight loss is a common secondary effect of
treatment

Administration and dosing
Ozempic is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. As with other GLP-1 therapies, treatment is
started at a low dose and increased gradually, under clinical supervision, to the target maintenance dose based
on glycaemic response and tolerability.

What patients should know
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal — nausea, constipation, or diarrhoea — particularly during
dose escalation. Ozempic requires a documented clinical assessment before initiation, including review of
personal and family history for contraindications such as medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine
Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Patients using Ozempic for diabetes management who also experience weight loss should have this monitored as
part of their regular diabetes review, rather than treated as an incidental outcome.
Ready to find out if this is right for you?
Stemax Consult provides CQC-accredited assessment and GMC-led prescribing for Ozempic at our Milton
Keynes and Aberdeen clinics. Call us today on 01908 032992 to book a consultation and discuss your diabetes
management options.
This article is provided for general clinical information and does not constitute individual medical advice.
Patients should discuss suitability for treatment with a registered healthcare professional.