The new weight loss medications Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have been covered widely on news outlets after studies show that they can help people can lose up to 15% of their body weight.

However, the brand-name medications come at an absurd price tag of $1,200/month.

At TeleFitMD we ship the generic medication to you PLUS unlimited doctors visits for $350/month.

That's 1/3 of the price of the brand name medication.

Whether you're with our program or one of the lucky few whose insurance pays for the medication, here's what to expect once you get started.

How Ozempic (Semaglutide) Works

Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) works in 3 ways:

  1. Reducing your appetite by reducing Ghrelin, the hormone that makes you hungry
  2. Reduces blood sugar by increasing insulin. Lower blood sugar = more fat utilization for energy
  3. Slowing the passage of food through your stomach, reducing total food intake

The combination of these three mechanisms leads to the most consistent weight loss from any medication that has come to market.  And the good news is, side effects are minimal.

Once you begin the medication, here's what to expect:

Side Effects of Semaglutide

The side effects of taking this medication are all related to how it works.  There are 3 main side effects to anticipate:

  1. Nausea - by far the most common side effect that people experience. Especially within the first 2-7 days of starting, anticipate a mild level of nausea. It's not uncommon to experience vomiting, but if you do - reach out to your doctor.
  2. Lightheadedness and increased heart rate. The primary driver of increased heart rate is dehydration. Because the medication will decrease your appetite, it's common to experience dehydration and mildly increased heart rate. Make sure you are drinking more water than you usually would.
  3. Bloating and Acid Reflux. Because the medication slows the passage of food through your gut, sometimes you may experience indigestion and acid reflux, especially if eating late at night. Your chances of this will be increased if you already suffer from GERD. The most important way to reduce this side effect is to chew your food thoroughly, eat slowly, and make sure not to lay down within 2 hours of eating.

How to Decide if Semaglutide is right for you?

If you are struggling to lose weight, and have tried a variety of diets, Semaglutide is a safe, proven method for weight loss.

If you or a family member have a history of thyroid cancer, diabetes, or any other type of cancer - be sure to discuss with your doctor before starting the medication.

If you have any other questions - feel free to reach out to our support team at support@telefitmd.com

Derek Maloney, MD

TeleFitMD Provider