Struggling to lose that stubborn belly fat? You’re not alone. For people who are obese or overweight and dealing with other health conditions, medications like Ozempic (and its weight-loss-focused twin, Wegovy) have become popular tools to help shed pounds.
But when it comes to belly fat, the results aren’t always obvious right away, which can feel frustrating. If you’re considering Ozempic to help with this tricky area, here’s what you need to know to set realistic expectations and make the most of your weight-loss journey.
How does Ozempic weight loss work?
Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning they stimulate the GLP-1 receptor by mimicking the natural hormone in your body. So, while Ozempic can be a weight loss medication, it doesn’t actually burn fat.
Instead, it works by changing how your body responds to food. It helps regulate your blood sugar by making you more sensitive to insulin, and it also impacts appetite, making you feel full sooner and reducing cravings.
So, while Ozempic won’t melt away fat directly, it helps you eat less and manage your weight more effectively over time.
Does Ozempic get rid of belly fat?
While Ozempic doesn’t burn fat directly, it can help stimulate weight loss, including the weight carried in the belly. Belly fat comes in two main types:
- Subcutaneous fat. Also known as subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), this is the soft, “jiggling” fat you can pinch under your skin.
- Visceral fat. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is deeper than subcutaneous fat and surrounds your organs. This is the harmful belly fat that can lead to comorbidities.
Research has shown that Ozempic weight loss can reduce both total fat mass and regional visceral fat mass, helping you not only shed pounds but also target those tougher areas, including the belly.
Ozempic belly fat before and after – when can you expect to see results?
When it comes to seeing results from Ozempic, patience is key. Weight loss isn’t instantaneous, and even if you start to notice changes on the scale, those changes may not be visibly noticeable right away.
Some people might see results after just a few weeks, while others may not notice any changes until around the six-week mark or even later. There is no set timeline on when you can expect to see results. It can vary widely and is dependent on multiple variables, including:
- Your starting weight
- Your metabolism
- Lifestyle changes
- How your body responds to the medication
So, while you might be eager to see those belly fat results, it’s important to stay committed and give your body the time it needs to adjust and show progress. We recommend taking baseline measurements and photos to make it easier to see progress as you go.
Tips for accelerating Ozempic belly fat loss
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to target specific areas for fat loss. As you lose fat mass, it will gradually melt away from your entire body, but if your body tends to store fat in the abdomen, it might take a bit longer to see significant changes in that area.
There are definitely strategies you can use to help accelerate your Ozempic belly fat loss:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This can help you feel fuller longer and support overall health. While it’s not necessary to follow a specific diet, it can be helpful to have rules to follow. The Mediterranean, DASH, plant-based, flexitarian, and paleo vegan diets can help to improve metabolic health and reduce the likelihood of certain comorbidities.
- Incorporate Strength Training: Building muscle can boost your metabolism and help your body burn more calories, even at rest. Aim for at least two to three strength-training sessions per week. You should also consider adding cardio to your weekly workouts. Follow American Heart Association’s recommendations.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is crucial for overall health and can aid in weight loss—and reduce the risk of some of Ozempic’s more serious side effects. Staying hydrated helps your body function properly and can even reduce feelings of hunger.
- Get Enough Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for weight management. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to help regulate your hormones and support your weight loss efforts.
- Manage Stress: High stress levels can lead to emotional eating and weight gain thanks to cortisol. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy.
Get started with Ozempic weight loss
If you’re tired of battling stubborn belly fat and are ready to take action, Ozempic might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. This medication can help kickstart your weight loss journey and help tackle those tricky areas.
If you’re ready to get started, Heally can help you connect with healthcare professionals right from your couch—and deliver your medication right to your doorstep. Get started today!
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