Ozempic Before and After: Real Results and What You Need to Know About Wegovy and Other Weight Loss Medications

In recent months, Ozempic and other weight loss medications, including Wegovy, have made headlines for their role in helping individuals achieve significant weight loss. As people share their before-and-after photos on social media, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. However, it’s important to recognize that while these medications can lead to impressive transformations, they come with some serious considerations.

Semaglutide: Not Just for Weight Loss

First things first, Ozempic isn’t actually approved for weight loss. While many people have experienced a noticeable reduction in weight as a side effect, Ozempic is FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes, not obesity. Wegovy, however, which contains the same active ingredient—semaglutide—is FDA-approved for weight management.

Despite this distinction, doctors are increasingly prescribing semaglutide for weight loss off-label, given its potential benefits. According to a 2024 study published in JAMA Cardiology, over 137 million Americans are eligible for semaglutide based on their body mass index (BMI) and weight-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure. This is a significant number, larger than those eligible for statins, which highlights the growing interest in medication-based weight loss solutions.

Wegovy and Ozempic: Pricey, But Popular

While Ozempic and Wegovy have gained popularity for their weight loss benefits, one of the biggest hurdles remains their cost. Without insurance coverage, Ozempic can cost around $900 for a month’s supply, while Wegovy may reach up to $1,300. This steep price tag has made it out of reach for many, despite its proven effectiveness in helping with weight loss.

The Biden administration has proposed a rule that would require Medicare and Medicaid to cover weight-loss medications for individuals with obesity. This could improve accessibility for many people, but it’s still a developing situation.

The Reality of Weight Loss with Ozempic: Patient Experiences

Let’s dive into some real-life experiences with Ozempic and Wegovy from those who’ve used them to shed pounds:

Pepper Schwartz: A Journey of Small Changes

Pepper Schwartz, a sex and relationship expert, didn’t start using Ozempic for weight loss—she wasn’t diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. However, after discussing the medication with her doctor in 2022, she decided to try it off-label. The result? She lost around 30 pounds, though she later regained 5 pounds. Despite this, she feels that Ozempic helped her permanently alter her eating habits.

Schwartz found that her appetite was drastically reduced—“food became less important,” she says. For her, the real change was in her portion control and how she saw food in terms of health rather than indulgence. “I’ve been able to maintain the weight I lost, and I’m happy with my progress,” Schwartz adds.

Jamel Corona: A Gradual, Disciplined Journey

For Jamel Corona, the transformation wasn’t immediate. She started using Wegovy in December 2021 after struggling to lose weight despite living a healthy lifestyle. Over time, she lost 60 pounds—but it wasn’t as easy as the social media ads might suggest. “I work out five days a week, and I eat super healthy,” she explains. “This wasn’t just a magic pill; it took discipline.”

Corona experienced an unexpected side effect: she lost interest in drinking alcohol. However, she also noticed weight fluctuations. “I gained back 10 pounds, but I’m OK with it. My relationship with food has changed, and I’m still maintaining a healthier lifestyle,” she says.

Jeannine DellaVecchia: Struggling with Side Effects

Jeannine DellaVecchia, 41, was prescribed Ozempic to help manage insulin resistance, but weight loss wasn’t the primary goal. Nonetheless, she lost 30 pounds between August 2022 and February 2023. Unfortunately, the side effects became intolerable. “I had no appetite and was constantly nauseous and vomiting,” DellaVecchia recalls. Eventually, she stopped taking Ozempic, but was able to maintain her weight loss through a keto diet.

Her experience highlights the potential for serious side effects when using Ozempic, especially if you’re not able to tolerate it.

Holly Figueroa O’Reilly: A Healthier Relationship with Food

After years of struggling with bariatric surgeries and dieting, Holly Figueroa O’Reilly found success with Ozempic in 2023. She lost 105 pounds, ultimately reaching a healthy weight of 145 pounds. For O’Reilly, the most significant change was how she viewed food: “Ozempic allowed me to develop a healthier relationship with food,” she says.

O’Reilly’s story is one of perseverance—she also lifts weights and follows a high-protein diet. While she did experience nausea and diarrhea early on, the symptoms subsided after a few weeks. She now schedules her meals carefully and makes sure she gets enough protein to fuel her workouts.

Barbie Jackson-Williams: A Remarkable Transformation

Barbie Jackson-Williams had a life-changing experience with Ozempic. After struggling with her weight for years, she used the medication in early 2021 to manage her Type 2 diabetes and ultimately lost 180 pounds. As Jackson-Williams notes, “People think they can just take it and get skinny, but it’s not true. You have to do the work.”

Jackson-Williams found that Ozempic helped her make better food choices, but regular exercise and discipline were essential to her success. Her blood sugar levels have dropped to pre-diabetic levels, and she feels more active and fit.

How Much Weight Can You Lose with Ozempic?

One study found that patients who took semaglutide injections lost an average of 15 pounds after three months, and around 27 pounds after six months—roughly 5 pounds per month. However, patients must continue taking the medication regularly to maintain the results. Discontinuing Ozempic can result in regaining weight.

Foods to Avoid While Taking Ozempic

To reduce nausea and other side effects, experts recommend avoiding greasy or fried foods and strong-smelling meals. Certain fruits and vegetables, like pineapple and broccoli, should also be limited, as they can be difficult to digest while on Ozempic.

Does Ozempic Kickstart Weight Loss?

Yes, Ozempic can help reduce appetite by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 that signals fullness. As Dr. Louis Aronne, an obesity medicine physician, explains, “It slows stomach emptying, which contributes to the feeling of fullness.” However, it should always be paired with a healthy diet and regular physical activity for optimal results.

Ozempic Is Not a Quick Fix

Ozempic and Wegovy can be effective tools in managing weight, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. People who use them need to maintain a balanced approach, combining medication with lifestyle changes like regular exercise and healthy eating for long-term success.

If you’re considering Ozempic or Wegovy, always consult with your doctor to ensure it’s the right choice for you—and remember, real transformation takes time, discipline, and commitment.