Patients who use semaglutide for weight loss, like Ozempic, are more likely to continue the medication if they perceive it as effective, even when facing unpleasant side effects, according to Rutgers Health researchers. Their study, published in Journal of Medical Internet Research, found perceived effectiveness – reductions in weight, appetite or food cravings – was the strongest predictor of satisfaction and intention to continue treatment, regardless of side effects.
Semaglutide works by helping the body release insulin more effectively and slowing how quickly food leaves the stomach. It also acts on brain pathways that control appetite, helping many people feel full and eat less. The first formulation of semaglutide approved by the Food and Drug Administration, marketed as Ozempic, is a once-weekly treatment for the management of type 2 diabetes. However, many people now use it off-label for weight management because of its appetite-suppressing and weight-loss properties.
“Ozempic has become a cultural phenomenon, but much of the public conversation has been driven by celebrity endorsements and social media trends rather than the voices of everyday users,” said Abanoub Armanious, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Epidemiology degree with a concentration in pharmacoepidemiology at the Rutgers School of Public Health and lead author of the study. “Our study cuts through the noise to ask a simple question: What do people actually experience when they use this medication for weight loss, and what shapes their decision to keep going or stop?” To read the full story.