Mobile Requset

Request A Consultation

Columbus Ohio Top-Rated Plastic Surgery Center

Logo

The Sullivan Centre

Request Button

Request A Consultation Appointment
614.436.8888
Navbar
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Practice
    • Stephen Nogan MD
    • Shireen Shatti CNP
    • Deejay Hines PA-C
    • Nancy Cotterman RN
  • Services
        • Non-Surgical
          • VISIA Skin Analysis
          • Facial
            • Dermaplane
            • Prescriptive
            • Microdermabrasion
          • Chemical Peel
          • Injectable Treatments
            • Botox
            • Dysport
            • Xeomin
            • Dermal Fillers
            • Kybella Injections
            • Radiesse Injections
            • Sculptra
        • Non-Surgical
          • Lasers
            • Broad Band Light
            • CO2 & TRL Laser
            • Halo Laser
          • Microneedling
          • Permanent Makeup
          • Ultherapy
        • Surgical
          • Facelift
          • Brow Lift
          • Eyelid Lift
          • Rhinoplasty
          • Otoplasty
          • Chin Implants
          • Skin Cancer Reconstruction
          • Nasal Airway Surgery
          • Liposuction
        • View all services
  • Reviews
  • Contact
  • Shop
    • Colorescience
    • Epionce
    • Skinbetter Science
    • SkinMedica
    • ZO Skin Health

A Magic Bullet for Weight Loss?

person stepping on scale with yellow measuring tape on the floor

Stories about the medications Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss are flooding news outlets and social media lately.  It started with the popularity of these medications with some celebrities and the controversy regarding who had access to the limited supply, but now the conversation has turned to how these medications might revolutionize obesity treatment.  In this month’s buzz, we will break down how these medications work, look at the clinical studies regarding their use, and discuss the controversies they have caused.  

First the basics: Ozempic and Wegovy are the brand names for the drug- semaglutide.  This is a GLP-1 agonist, a type of medication that has been used for years in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.  Ozempic was approved for type 2 diabetes in 2017.  People on the medication often had weight loss and reduced appetite.  In 2021 a study was completed looking at this medication specifically for weight loss.  Shortly after, Wegovy was the first injectable GLP-1 agonist to specifically be approved by the FDA for the treatment of obesity/overweight.  

Trade Name Generic Name FDA Indication Mechanism of Action Common Side Effects Serious but rare potential side effects Administration
Ozempic semaglutide Type 2 Diabetes GLP-1 Agonist nausea vomiting diarrhea constipationfatigue Inflammation of the pancreas, gallstones, increased risk of medullary thyroid cancer (animal studies, high doses) Subcutaneous injection once weekly
Wegovy semaglutide Obesity GLP-1 Agonist

 

 

How does a GLP-1 Agonist work?  These drugs are receptor agonists, meaning they target the same receptors as the compound that they are modeled after- in this case glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1).  GLP-1 is a hormone secreted in the intestine when we eat, which tells the body to:

  •  increase insulin secretion from the pancreas (lowering blood sugar)
  • decrease glucagon secretion from the liver (less glucose production)
  • slow stomach emptying

GLP-1 also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and can increase satiety, or the feeling of fullness, and may decrease cravings.  (Andreasen et al Endocr Connect. 2021 Jul 1; 10(7): R200–R212)

 

The Evidence:  A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2021 and funded by Novo-Nordisk (the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy), looked at almost 2000 people (most of whom were female and white) who were obese (defined by BMI >30) or overweight (BMI >27) with a weight-related co-morbid condition (like high blood pressure or high cholesterol), but whom did not have diabetes.  In a double-blind design study, they compared those taking a 2.4 mg weekly dose of semaglutide (higher than the Ozempic dose recommended to treat type 2 diabetes) to a placebo group.  Both groups also had lifestyle intervention (diet and exercise counseling every 4 weeks).  

After 68 weeks of the trial, the participants who received semaglutide had a 14.9% average weight loss, compared to 2.4% average loss in the placebo group.  86% of participants had at least 5% weight loss.  Of note, many participants in the placebo group had significant weight loss as well: “31% of participants who received placebo had lost at least 5% of baseline body weight, with 12% and 5% having achieved reductions of at least 10% and at least 15%, respectively”. (Wilding et al N Engl J Med 2021; 384:989-1002). 

Interestingly, a follow up study published in April of 2022 demonstrated that 1 year after stopping semaglutide for weight loss, participants regained on average two-thirds of the weight that they initially lost.  This suggests that for sustained results, remaining on the medication is beneficial. (Wilding et al, Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism, Vol 24, Issue 8, Aug 22, pg 1553-1564)

For more on side effects and other outcomes that the study measured, read the full article here:

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

 

The Controversy:  The popularity of these two medications is skyrocketing, in part due to social media, pharmaceutical ads, and celebrity use. There have been shortages of both medications, and for diabetics on Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists, this has meant that it is becoming difficult to get their treatment for diabetes. The shortages have started to improve recently, but another problem has been that insurance companies aren’t always covering the medications for obesity or weight loss, which leads to a disparity in who can afford to take them.  Many people are circumventing shortages and cost by getting the medications through online companies, some of which have lower levels of provider oversight and support. Some are also getting the medications from compounding pharmacies, which may be using other forms of semaglutide that are not FDA approved for the intended purposes, as noted in recent news articles. (https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/ozempic-wegovy-semaglutide-compounding-weight-loss-safe-rcna72990)

 

The bottom line: Semaglutide is effective for weight loss with a pretty low side effect profile if prescribed correctly (especially when compared to other weight loss medications).  This could be a game changer for some people who have health risks associated with obesity or overweight and who have been unable to lose weight through other methods.  Sustained weight loss likely means continuing the medication for a prolonged period of time, and if the medication is stopped, significant regaining of weight can occur.  Lifestyle changes should accompany the medication for optimal health benefits and to enable more people to be able to successfully stop the medication with sustained weight loss.  These medications may make lifestyle changes easier for people who have struggled with exercise and a healthy diet. Fat loss doesn’t always occur in the areas that we would like it to- so facial fat loss can lead to the appearance of premature facial aging, or “Ozempic Face” as it has been called.  It is important to know what you are taking- especially if you are getting a compounded version of the medication.

 

Still have questions? Schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable skincare specialists. We would love to help!

Filed Under: Blog

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Newsletter Signup

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Columbus Facial Plastics

Today, under the direction of board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Nogan, Columbus Facial Plastics offers a comprehensive array of surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments. Each new treatment is carefully tested and evaluated by our board-certified facial plastic surgeon to ensure its safety and efficacy. We are proud to provide education in skin care, non-invasive cosmetic surgery, and plastic surgery in Central Ohio.

Consultation Appointment
Quick Links
Home About Us Stephen Nogan MD Appointments Blog
Location

7706 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH 43235

614.436.8888

Mon - Thu: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Friday : 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

© 2025 Columbus Facial Plastics | Site Map | Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Cookies

Welcome to Columbus Facial Plastics at The Sullivan Centre.

We believe that healthy, youthful renewal begins with science. Founded in 1996 by Dr. Michael and Christine Sullivan, our practice was the first of its kind in central Ohio. For 20+ years, The Sullivan Centre has led the way in advancing the science of beauty and providing only the safest and most effective surgical and non-surgical treatments for our patients.

I met Dr. Mike, Dr. Chris and the rest of the team in 2014 and have had the incredible opportunity to train and collaborate with Dr. Mike for the past five years. I officially joined The Sullivan Centre in September 2019 and could not be more excited to lead this exceptional practice into the future.

My goal is to provide you with the education and expertise needed to help you feel confident with your decision to pursue surgical or non-surgical treatment. I am proud to be a part of a highly skilled team that delivers personalized care so that you feel comfortable through every step of the process.

In addition to practicing exclusively in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, I also serve as the medical director for our non-surgical services. We are fortunate to have two of the most experienced aesthetic providers in central Ohio in their respective fields. Dina Maynard and Nancy Cotterman, RN have been caring for patients at The Sullivan Centre for a combined 25 years! You won’t find anyone with more training or skill.

Spend as much time as you need learning more about our team and the services we provide. We are passionate about what we do, and we would love to see you soon.

Dr. Stephen Nogan M.D.
Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Columbus Facial Plastics at The Sullivan Centre