Is Ozempic (semaglutide) the same as insulin?
No, Ozempic® is not the same as insulin. Although both Ozempic and insulin are medications used to treat diabetes and both are administered via injections, they are different in several ways. Ozempic is a GLP1-receptor agonist which mimics a hormone that our body naturally makes called GLP-1. GLP-1 can help with weight loss as it decreases appetite and cravings. It also has the ability to lower blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin by the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that reduces blood sugar levels by signaling to cells to take up sugar from the bloodstream. Another important difference is that Ozempic has been shown to promote weight loss whereas insulin can lead to weight gain.
Learn more about Ozempic at FORM.
Ozempic® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.
Lauren Lemieux, MD
FACP, ABOM diplomate
Dr. Lauren Lemieux completed her Internal Medicine residency and fellowship in Clinical Nutrition at UCLA. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and as a Physician Nutrition Specialist. She is also a fellow of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Lemieux is passionate about helping her patients reach their health goals using personalized nutrition, lifestyle and weight management strategies.