If you’ve been struggling to lose weight despite diet and exercise, Ozempic® may be a solution worth considering. Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, Ozempic® has quickly become one of the most talked-about tools in medical weight loss — and for good reason. At Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, we offer Ozempic® as part of a comprehensive, physician-supervised weight loss program designed to help you reach your goals safely and effectively.
How Does Ozempic®Work?
Ozempic® (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a class of medication that mimics a naturally occurring hormone in your body called glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone plays a key role in regulating blood sugar and appetite.
When you take Ozempic, it works in several ways at once. It signals your brain to feel full sooner and stay full longer, slowing the rate at which your stomach empties after a meal. It also helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin release when glucose levels are elevated. The combined effect is that most people naturally eat less, feel fewer cravings, and find it significantly easier to maintain a calorie deficit, without the constant hunger that typically undermines weight loss efforts.
Ozempic® is given as a once-weekly injection beneath the skin, typically in the abdomen, upper arm, or thigh. Treatment starts at a low dose that increases gradually, allowing your body to adapt while minimizing side effects.
Other injectable weight loss medications work through the same or a similar pathway. Wegovy® contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic® but is specifically FDA-approved for chronic weight management at a higher dose. Mounjaro® and Zepbound® contain tirzepatide, which activates an additional hormone receptor alongside GLP-1. Any of these may be worth exploring depending on your health history and goals.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Ozempic®?
Ozempic® may be a good fit if you have a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes), or a BMI of 30 or higher regardless of other conditions. It is also commonly prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes who need help managing both blood sugar and body weight.
Ozempic® is not suitable for everyone. Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a personal or family history of certain thyroid or hormonal conditions are not candidates. A history of pancreas problems may also be disqualifying. A consultation with our team is the best way to find out whether Ozempic® is appropriate for your health profile.
How Much Weight Can You Lose with Ozempic®?
Results vary from person to person, but the clinical evidence is compelling. Studies have shown that patients can lose up to 15% of their body weight within a year when combining Ozempic® with lifestyle changes, far outperforming diet and exercise alone.1
Of course, individual results vary based on factors like starting weight, adherence to the program, dietary habits, and activity level. Some patients lose more, some less. What’s consistent is that Ozempic® tends to produce meaningful, sustained weight loss when used as part of a medically supervised plan. Our team will set realistic benchmarks for your journey and check in with you regularly to track progress.
What Are the Side Effects of Ozempic®?
Like any medication, Ozempic® can cause side effects, though most are mild and tend to diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal in nature and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach discomfort. Starting at a low dose and gradually increasing helps significantly reduce these symptoms.
Less commonly, some patients report fatigue, headache, or dizziness. There has also been discussion about “Ozempic® face” — the term used to describe facial volume loss that can occur with rapid weight loss. This is not unique to Ozempic®, but rather a natural result of significant fat loss throughout the body.
Rare but serious side effects may include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney changes. Our providers will review your full medical history before prescribing and will monitor you throughout your treatment.
How Long Do Ozempic® Results Last?
Ozempic® produces results while you are taking it. Studies show that patients who discontinue the medication typically regain a significant portion of the weight they lost. For this reason, many providers consider it a long-term treatment rather than a short-term fix.
This is also why many of our Ozempic® patients choose to complement their weight loss with body contouring treatments. Once you’ve reached your goal weight, procedures like liposuction, a tummy tuck, or a body lift can address stubborn fat deposits and loose skin that don’t respond to medication alone. Our team can help you build a complete plan, from weight loss to body refinement, that reflects your long-term vision.
How Much Does Ozempic® Cost?
Ozempic® treatment at our Richmond practice typically costs around $500 per month. This reflects our commitment to making medically supervised weight loss accessible under the care of experienced professionals.
During your consultation, we’ll review your treatment plan in detail and provide a personalized cost estimate. Insurance coverage for Ozempic® varies depending on your plan, and our team will walk you through your options, including insurance-based prescriptions and cash pay plans if needed.
To find out whether your insurance covers Ozempic®, you can visit the NovoCare® website. You can also review our list of employers who have offered coverage for anti-obesity medications.
Learn if Ozempic® Is Right for You
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation with our team to find out whether Ozempic® is right for you.