Semaglutide and Ozempic: Weighing the Pros and Cons for Weight Loss

Six women who have taken semaglutide, a drug originally developed for diabetes that was approved for weight loss in 2021, shared their experiences with Insider. Semaglutide works by suppressing appetite, but side effects such as muscle loss, nausea, and diarrhea have been reported, and it's common to regain the weight after stopping treatment. The drug is expensive, with Wegovy costing $1,349 a month and Ozempic $892 if they're not covered by insurance. The women shared their pros and cons of the drug, including weight loss, improved blood work, and regaining confidence, but also experiencing nausea, constipation, and backlash for taking the medication.