Interest in weight-loss medications is at an all-time high, with promising study results and inspiring success stories coming out daily. And a poll of First for Women readers found that 68 percent were curious about learning more and trying the drugs themselves, while nearly 20 percent were already taking the drugs to achieve their goals. So we turned to an expert on the subject to address the top five concerns women have about starting GLP-1 meds like Ozempic. Here, how to outsmart common side effects and hurdles.
Meet our Ozempic expert
Christina Jordan is a board-certified GLP-1 Master Nutritionist and author of The Ultimate GLP-1 Cookbook. Jordan knows firsthand how these Rx medications work. During her own weight-loss journey, she lost 137 total pounds, 52 of which she credits to using compounded GLP-1 meds. She’s also struggled with common health challenges including thyroid issues and age-related body changes over the years. Now, Jordan works closely with a doctor to prescribe weight-loss medications to thousands of patients at her Arizona clinic, Fit Body Weight Loss.
Here, Jordan and a team of top doctors share the life-tested knowledge they’ve collected about overcoming the common concerns women have when taking drugs like Ozempic for weight loss.
Ozempic concern #1: “Will I get nauseous or feel sick?”
“This is the number one concern I hear,” says Jordan. “GLP-1 medications [like Ozempic and Wegovy] can cause nausea, constipation or fatigue when started too quickly or without proper support.” That’s why Jordan and many weight-loss doctors, including Rekha Kumar, MD, an endocrinologist and obesity specialist with Found, recommend starting with small doses of the medication until the body adjusts.
For example, a starting dose on Ozempic might be 0.25 mg weekly for the first month, while a standard dose is larger at 0.5 to 2 mg. And some people, to save money, have experimented with using microdoses such as 0.125 mg once per week.
What is the biggest hurdle preventing you or your friends from trying weight loss drugs?
Since these meds were designed as diabetes drugs, the queasiness some people feel is their blood sugar leveling out. Jordan advises: “Have a piece of fruit or protein like a hard-boiled egg and the nausea will be gone in minutes.” (Check out more tips to fend off Ozempic-related GI side effects here.)
Another time-tested trick to reduce the risk of nausea is to consider the injection site of your shots. Jordan finds, “If you inject it near the hip, farther away from the belly button, you may feel less nausea.”
Ozempic concern #2: “Will I experience hair loss or thinning?”
“Hair loss is a real concern after weight loss,” says Jordan. That’s why she recommends taking a blend of biotin and collagen to help support hair regrowth and healthy skin.
Ross Kopelman, DO, a hair transplant surgeon, agrees. He explains, “It’s usually not the medication itself causing shedding—it’s the rapid weight loss that comes with it.” He recommends eating a diet rich in protein (which literally builds hair strands) and fiber, which strengthens the gut so it can absorb the maximum nutrients to keep hair healthy. (See more of our best tips to beat hair loss from Ozempic here.)
Ozempic concern #3: “Will I be on these drugs forever?”
Some experts, like Shauna Levy, MD, director of bariatric surgery at Tulane, contend that certain patients need to be on these meds for life to treat the diseases of diabetes and obesity. But that may not be the reality for many women.
Jordan says, “GLP-1s should be used as a tool, not a long-term crutch. Many of our patients have already transitioned off GLP-1—especially as certain compounded versions become less available—and are continuing their weight loss or maintaining results.”
But since weight issues can change over time, Jordan agrees that a multi-faceted approach may be needed. She explains, “We also guide our patients with a personalized GLP-1 eating plan packed with strategies and meals designed to balance blood sugar, reduce cravings and keep the metabolism running smoothly—with or without GLP-1 medications.”
“GLP-1 drugs are a once-in-a-generation breakthrough—the best nonsurgical treatment for weight loss ever created.” —Anthony Puopolo II, MD
Ozempic concern #4: “What if the meds don’t work or I plateau?”
In general, these medications have an impressive track record. This new generation of diet drugs has been found to drop 15 to 25 percent of body weight in a year, according to clinical trials in JAMA.
“We see these GLP-1 drugs as being a once-in-a-generation breakthrough—the best nonsurgical treatment for weight loss that’s ever been created,” explains Anthony Puopolo II, MD, who has lost 40 pounds taking the meds himself.
But Jordan says, “Plateaus happen, and every woman’s body is different. That’s why our approach is layered and customizable.” (Learn more about semaglutide plateaus here.)
Indeed, these drugs were always approved by the FDA to be used in conjunction with diet and exercise advice. So Jordan recommends using exercise, diet and supplements as well as testing for hormone balancing and nutrition coaching to support the process.
Ozempic concern #5: “I’m worried about the cost and availability”
This is a real concern, says Jordan. “With changes coming from the FDA, certain compounded GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (branded as Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) will become harder to access. That’s why my clinic is already preparing by offering alternative GLP-1 options, including liraglutide, which is available now.”
Jordan says, “In the meantime, we recommend patients take advantage of HSA/FSA eligibility and flexible payment plans to stay on track without financial stress.” She adds, “But most importantly, I want to emphasize: GLP-1s are only one part of the transformation. A holistic approach is best. We help women achieve real results that last, with or without medication.” (Check out these money-saving hacks to get Ozempic for less.)
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.