Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic®.

Ozempic® is an FDA-approved prescription medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Although not FDA-approved for obesity, Ozempic® has been found to be effective in aiding weight loss in several studies.

GLP-1 drugs works by mimicking the action of GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced by the body. When injected, it helps regulate blood sugar levels and increases feelings of fullness, leading to reduced food intake. This effect, in turn, promotes weight loss.

At ZipFit, we understand that medication alone is not the sole solution for sustainable weight loss; healthy eating habits and regular exercise are key for losing weight and keeping it off.

To maximize your weight loss journey, we offer a comprehensive health coaching program that complements the use of semaglutide. Our health coaching program provides personalized guidance, support, and education in nutrition, exercise, and behavior modification to help you adopt healthy lifestyle habits. By combining the benefits of semaglutide with our health coaching program, you can optimize your weight loss outcomes and achieve long-term success.

Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage for you based on your individual needs. The medication is typically injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once a week on the same day each week. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or refer to the patient information leaflet for detailed instructions on how to use the pen and administer the medication.

As with any medication, semaglutide may cause side effects. It is important to be aware of these potential effects, although not everyone experiences them. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about side effects. 

Common side effects may include: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, constipation.

These side effects are usually mild and tend to improve over time. However, inform your healthcare provider if any of these side effects persist or worsen.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Refer to the patient information leaflet for a comprehensive list of potential side effects and consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

It is generally recommended to limit alcohol consumption while taking semaglutide. Drinking alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and increase the risk of certain side effects, such as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or an upset stomach. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider regarding the specific guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, including allergies, pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy, thyroid problems, and kidney or liver disease.

Discuss all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking with your healthcare provider to avoid potential drug interactions.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using semaglutide.

Attend regular check-ups as advised by your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and address any concerns.

Please also note that compounded drugs, including compounded semaglutide, are not FDA-approved, and while we supply only semaglutide from licensed pharmacies, its safety and efficacy cannot be compared to commercial drugs. Talk to your medical provider about the risks and benefits before starting semaglutide.

Do not use semaglutide if:

• You are allergic to semaglutide or any of the other ingredients in the medication.

• You have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

• You have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

If any of these apply to you, inform your healthcare provider.

Note: Your healthcare provider at ZipFit can provide personalized advice based on your individual circumstances and any other medications you may be taking. 

You betcha! Just reach out to us so we can make sure you have the supply you need for your travels. We can also give you some advice — backed by personal experience :) — on how to manage travel shenanigans while on semaglutide.

Studies show that, on average, patients lose about 15% of their body weight after a little over a year on semaglutide, coupled with positive lifestyle changes (namely, healthy eating and exercise). While everybody will have different results, and there’s no way to predict exactly how a particular person will respond to treatment, you can use this metric as a rough guideline for setting your own expectations.

We sure hope not! To be clear, it is safe to stop the meds at any time. However, we assume you’re asking this question because you’re worried about regaining weight after stopping semaglutide. Is this a possibility? Certainly. However, you can greatly mitigate this risk by implementing positive lifestyle changes (healthy eating habits, regular exercise) while on the medication. This is why we encourage all patients to join the ZipFit Wellness Program and/or work with ZipFit’s health coaching team to create sustainable lifestyle changes that will both maximize your results while on semaglutide and enable you to maintain your new body once you taper off the meds.

If the run-through on our home page didn’t do it for ya, head here for the full break-down!

Yay, travel! We love that for you. Here are some tips and guidelines for air travel while you’re on semaglutide:

1. Keep your medication in your carry-on luggage, never your checked luggage. This is to ensure proper temperature regulation, and also to minimize the risk of your meds getting lost.

2. Keep your meds in a separate, clear bag. This is standard TSA protocol, but throwing in the reminder :) We also recommend keeping the meds in their original container for easy identification.

3. Keep your meds cool. During air travel, keep them in a portable cooler or insulated container (**hot (cool?) tip**: look up “insulin travel pack” on Amazon). Also be careful not to expose the medications to extreme heat or cold, or to direct/extreme light. When you arrive at your destination, find a fridge to store your meds.

4. (Optional, but recommended) Get a letter from your doc. Just to avoid any trouble or logistical headaches, we recommend you carry with you a letter from your doctor stating your need for the med. Email us at hello@zip.fit, and we’ll hook you up. Not a bad idea to also bring along a copy of your prescription.

Of course, these are all just general recommendations. Please conduct your own research as well to ensure you’re abiding by relevant guidelines and regulations.