Ozempic 101: A few things you need to know about Ozempic
The basics
What is it? What is it for?
Ozempic is a prescription medication originally developed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate insulin and appetite.
The primary purpose of Ozempic is to lower blood sugar and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in people with type 2 diabetes. However, a side effect of the drug is weight loss, something that has led to a surge of interest from people who don’t have diabetes but are struggling with weight management.
Ozempic for weight loss:
When it comes to weight loss, Ozempic works by:
Slowing down how quickly food leaves the stomach (helping you feel full for longer).
Suppressing appetite by acting on appetite-regulating areas of the brain.
Supporting better blood sugar control, which can reduce cravings.
The result? Many people notice reduced hunger and naturally eat less, leading to gradual weight loss.
Something to keep in mind:
It’s important to understand that Ozempic promotes overall weight loss, which means:
a. On Ozempic, you don’t just lose fat, you also lose muscle, and without exercising and consuming a lot of protein, you will lose a lot of strength and potentially enter a stage of
b. It does not target specific areas of the body. If you’re hoping to slim down a stubborn belly, love handles, or thighs, Ozempic won’t “spot reduce” fat.
For people looking to contour specific body areas and reduce body fat percentage, non-surgical treatments like fat freezing may be a more suitable option.
Ozempic in Australia
In Australia, Ozempic is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is not officially approved for weight loss, although some doctors prescribe it “off-label” for this purpose.
Can You Get Ozempic in Australia for Weight Loss?
At the moment, Ozempic is difficult to access in Australia—even for people with diabetes—due to ongoing shortages. If prescribed for weight loss, it is typically done privately, and patients may need to join a waitlist at some pharmacies.
How much will it cost?
The cost of Ozempic depends on whether you’re using it under a PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) script for diabetes or privately for weight loss.
For diabetes patients on PBS: around $30–40 per month.
For private scripts (weight loss): Over $400 per month, and the recommendation is for long-term use, so the average cost per year is over $4800.
And since Ozempic is not a permanent weight loss treatment, it is an ongoing expense.
Ozempic side effects
Like any medication, Ozempic comes with potential side effects. The most common include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea or constipation
Fatigue
Headaches
Some people also experience more serious side effects, which is why medical supervision is always essential.
It’s Not Permanent
One of the key things to understand about Ozempic is that the weight loss results are not permanent. If you stop taking it, your appetite and weight often return to previous levels. This means that for ongoing results, Ozempic requires constant consumption and long-term lifestyle changes, such as healthier eating habits and exercise.
Takeaway:
Ozempic may be effective for overall weight loss, but it’s not a quick fix. It’s also not designed for body contouring or targeted fat reduction. For those who want permanent and localised fat reduction, non-surgical treatments like fat freezing may be a better fit.
For more detailed comparisons and information on Ozempic and Fat Freezing, check out our page, Fat Freezing vs Ozempic.
FAQs:
When can I expect to see results from fat freezing?
Many people begin to notice a difference within a few weeks, but it can take up to 2-3 months to see the full effect. Your body needs time to naturally flush out the targeted fat cells after treatment. Trust us, the wait is worth it!
For more details, watch this video: “How Soon to See Results from Fat Freezing.”
Are the results from fat freezing treatment permanent?
Yes, once the fat cells are eliminated, they're gone for good! The results from fat freezing can be permanent, provided that you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating well and exercising regularly will help keep those unwanted bulges at bay.
How long does each fat freezing session take?
A typical fat freezing session lasts about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the area being treated. You can easily fit a session into your lunch break and be back out the door, ready to tackle the rest of your day!
To learn more about the treatment, click here.
How much does fat freezing cost?
The cost of fat freezing varies depending on the size of the area being treated and the number of sessions required. At My Temple, we offer personalised and thorough consultations to discuss your goals and create a personalised treatment plan that fits your budget.
See more on pricing here.
