ozempic

Q: What is the recommended dosage?

At the start of obesity treatment, your doctor will determine your Ozempic dosage weekly, typically increasing it gradually based on your rate of weight loss, until reaching the optimal dosage, at which you'll remain until the end of your treatment.

Q: When should you take the medication?

Ozempic can be injected at any time during the day, but it's advisable to inject it at the same time each day. The medication can be administered regardless of meal times.

Q: What are the common side effects of Ozempic?

As with any medication, Ozempic treatment may involve side effects, although most are mild and typically subside within days to weeks. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, and hypoglycemia. Other possible side effects are indigestion (gas, hiccups, belching), stomach pain or inflammation, heartburn, dry mouth, changes in taste, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, insomnia, and changes in vision.

Q: What are the rare side effects of Ozempic?

Rare side effects may include severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), decreased kidney function or acute kidney failure, and elevated pancreatic enzymes.

Q: Who should avoid Ozempic, and who should exercise caution during treatment?

Ozempic is not recommended for people with severe digestive system conditions, including gastroparesis or inflammatory bowel diseases. Ozempic may also increase the risk of thyroid-related issues, including malignancies. Individuals with conditions that heighten the risk of pancreatitis should use the medication cautiously and require medical supervision. Additionally, patients taking glimepiride or glyburide may need dosage adjustments by their doctor to prevent sudden drops in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).

Q: How much does Ozempic cost, and is it included in the national health basket?

The price of Ozempic (for obesity treatment at a dosage of 1 mg) is 496.00 NIS. Ozempic is not included in the national health basket, but some health funds include it in their internal coverage for type 2 diabetes treatment, offering it at a discounted price. In other cases, the medication may be available at reduced prices through supplementary insurance plans.

Ozempic - Medication for Diabetes Treatment and Weight Loss

Ozempic is an injectable medication used to treat diabetes and, with special approval, can also support weight loss. Ozempic contains an active ingredient called semaglutide, which works by suppressing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness after meals. Clinical studies have shown it can help reduce body weight by up to 20% within about a year.

Eligibility Criteria for Receiving the Medication

Age: 18 and older.
BMI of 30 or higher, defined as severe obesity.
BMI of 27 or higher, defined as overweight, but only if at least one additional obesity-related risk factor exists, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated blood lipid levels, etc.

To Check Eligibility for Medication-Based Treatment (BMI Calculator)

Medication Name

Ozempic

Method of Administration

Solution for subcutaneous injection in a ready-to-use pen.

Active Ingredient in the Medication

The active ingredient is Semaglutide, the same ingredient found in Wegovy. The main difference between the two medications is their dosage. Wegovy, indicated for obesity treatment, contains 2.4 mg of Semaglutide, while Ozempic, indicated for diabetes treatment, is administered at doses up to 1 mg.

Manufacturer of the Medication

Novo Nordisk

Medication Manufacturing Policy

The medication is manufactured in Denmark.

When Was the Medication Approved for Use?

The medication was approved in the United States for diabetes treatment in 2017 and in Israel in 2018.

Is a Prescription Required?

Yes, if a physician specializing in obesity treatment determines, based on professional judgment, that the medication may assist the patient with weight loss, the physician can submit a special request to the Ministry of Health via a "Form 29 Gimel," in addition to providing a medical prescription.

What Is the Medication Intended For?

As of 2022, Ozempic at a dosage of 1 mg is approved for treating type 2 diabetes. However, due to recent clinical studies showing highly promising results for weight loss in patients with overweight or obesity, it can be prescribed at higher dosages for this purpose through submission of a "Form 29 Gimel" to the Ministry of Health.

How Is the Medication Used?

The medication is provided as part of a personalized treatment plan, which includes medication along with dietary modifications and physical activity as needed.

כיצד משתמשים בתרופה

It's Not Just About Willpower. It's About Science!

Studies Show:

Patients who took the medication for one year lost approximately 10% of their body weight on average.

% 0

mg of Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) contributed to an average weight loss of about 20% of the study participants' body weight.

Weeks of maintained weight loss, indicating that Ozempic helps in preserving the new weight.

Ozempic - How Does It Work in the Body?

Ozempic is a medication based on a molecule structurally similar to the human hormone GLP-1. In other words, it’s a synthetic derivative of this hormone, enabling it to mimic GLP-1’s actions in the body. Thus, it belongs to a class of medications known as “Incretin Mimetics.”

GLP-1 is naturally secreted in the digestive system following meals. One of its main functions is to stimulate insulin secretion from beta cells in the pancreas, thereby helping regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, this hormone enhances feelings of fullness after meals.

Ozempic specifically appears to support weight loss by affecting regions in the brain that slow stomach emptying after eating and significantly increase sensations of satiety.

In the liver:

Reduced glucose production
Decreased fat content

In the pancreas:

Increased insulin production and secretion

In the intestine:

Slowed gastric emptying.

In the brain:

Enhanced signaling of satiety.

How is the efficacy of Ozempic scientifically supported?

Regarding Ozempic’s effectiveness in treating overweight and obesity, a placebo-controlled clinical trial from 2018 demonstrated highly promising results. The study involved 957 participants with obesity but without diabetes, having an average BMI of 39 kg/m² \[1]. The trial aimed to compare Ozempic (semaglutide) at varying daily doses (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg) with liraglutide, the active ingredient in Saxenda, and a placebo, combined with dietary adjustments and physical activity.

The 52-week study results revealed that participants taking Ozempic at a daily dose of 0.4 mg experienced an average weight loss of 13.8%. In contrast, participants taking liraglutide (Saxenda) achieved an average weight loss of only 7.8%, compared to a minimal 2.3% in the placebo group.

The study also indicated that 85% of Ozempic-treated participants (excluding those at the lowest dose of 0.05 mg) lost at least 5% of their body weight. By comparison, only 66% of participants taking liraglutide and 23% of those taking placebo reached the same benchmark.

Additionally, 65% of participants taking Ozempic at a dose of 0.4 mg lost at least 10% of their body weight, compared to only 34% of liraglutide participants and just 10% of those on placebo.

Following these promising findings, four additional clinical trials known as the STEP studies evaluated the efficacy of higher-dose semaglutide (2.4 mg) among approximately 4,500 overweight or obese participants without diabetes. These trials demonstrated a substantial average weight loss of approximately 18%, with some participants losing up to 20% of their body weight. The achieved weight loss was maintained over 68 weeks, and the medication demonstrated an excellent safety profile. As a result of these STEP studies, a new medication named Wegovy, based on the same active ingredient as Ozempic but at a higher dose of 2.4 mg semaglutide, was approved in the United States for weight management.

Furthermore, a recent 2019 study showed significant reductions in both HbA1c levels and body weight (average of 5%) among diabetic patients with obesity treated with Ozempic \[2].

Patients with type 2 diabetes who took Ozempic lost more than twice as much weight compared to those taking Dulaglutide (Trulicity) at various dosages.

These results are from a 40-week study involving 1,201 patients with type 2 diabetes who were also taking metformin (Glucophage).

2. Patients with type 2 diabetes who took Ozempic at two different dosages lost over 2.5 times more weight compared to those taking Sitagliptin (Januvia).

*These results are from a 56-week study involving 1,231 patients with type 2 diabetes who, in addition to Ozempic or Januvia, were also taking another medication for blood sugar regulation.

Patients with type 2 diabetes who took Ozempic at various dosages achieved significantly greater weight loss compared to those treated with insulin Lantus:

*These results are from a 30-week study involving 1,089 patients with type 2 diabetes.

Reduction in Hemoglobin A1C levels: In a 40-week study involving 1,201 patients with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic was proven effective in lowering hemoglobin A1C levels when added to a medication regimen that included insulin.

Health improvement: Even a modest weight reduction of just 5% significantly enhances health by lowering blood sugar levels, reducing blood pressure, improving kidney function, decreasing mortality rates from heart disease, and lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 80%.

The Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Treatment

The most effective method for weight loss through medication is a personalized treatment plan, supported and monitored by a multidisciplinary team of experts.

Various clinical studies \[4,5] conducted in recent years have shown that the most successful approach to weight loss combines individually tailored medications at adjustable dosages, including medication combinations, with medical supervision and ongoing nutritional follow-up by a clinical dietitian within a structured treatment framework. This process significantly improves patient adherence and supports long-term weight maintenance.

The Obesity Treatment Center offers a comprehensive multidisciplinary weight loss program combined with medication-based treatment. This program includes:

Combined Treatment

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To enhance the effectiveness of treatment and achieve maximum results in minimal time, Dr. Raz may combine the medication with additional weight-loss drugs that operate through different mechanisms and adjust dosages based on treatment needs. The Obesity Treatment Center offers innovative and advanced medications at the forefront of weight loss science, and we specialize in creating customized treatment protocols that utilize drug combinations to deliver fast, safe results.

Personal Guidance

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Demonstration and guidance on how to administer the weight-loss medication and how to gradually increase the dosage as needed to achieve maximum results in minimal time.

Diagnosis

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The diagnostic process includes a comprehensive physical examination, measurement of body circumference, weight, metabolic rate, water balance, and body fat and muscle mass percentages. These assessments are performed using advanced technology based on bioelectrical impedance. Each patient undergoes a thorough questionnaire to assess their physical and emotional condition, medical history, underlying health issues, and ongoing medication use, in order to create a fully personalized treatment plan.

Personal Follow-Up

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Dr. Raz maintains personal contact with each patient throughout all treatment stages. Patients attend monthly consultation sessions for tailored treatment adjustments. The Obesity Treatment Center offers 24/7 availability for immediate support. Patients are encouraged to directly contact the center at any time with questions, concerns, or side effects. Immediate responses and guidance are provided without delay. Patients can also monitor their personal treatment progress using a dedicated app. The app provides continuous real-time updates regarding each patient's individual status.

Reducing Side Effects

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Any medication may cause side effects alongside its therapeutic benefits. Many patients have previously tried medication-based weight loss treatments but discontinued due to unmanaged side effects. At the Obesity Treatment Center, we emphasize precise medication dosing tailored to each patient, alongside nutritional adjustments and ongoing monitoring. Clinical experience shows that dynamically adjusting medication doses as needed and ensuring proper drug combinations can prevent or minimize side effects. Additionally, the center provides 24/7 availability to promptly address any side effects in real-time.

Continuity of Care

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As with any medical treatment, weight loss through medication must be carried out consistently as part of a routine. One of the main challenges in this area is patient adherence and their ability to persist with treatment, including medication-based weight loss. Close follow-up at the Obesity Treatment Center, combined with personalized support, side-effect monitoring, and emotional guidance, greatly increases each patient's adherence and significantly reduces dropout rates.

Personally Guided Nutritional Program

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Patients at the center receive ongoing guidance, treatment, and support from a clinical dietitian, with a personalized nutritional plan that addresses all aspects of the patient’s lifestyle, without restricting favorite foods. Moreover, dietary treatment isn't just about a meal plan; at our center, we emphasize not only what to eat but also how to eat. We provide patients with practical behavioral tools to optimally adjust to their medication treatment, helping them reconnect with their natural hunger and fullness signals. This approach keeps the body satisfied and calm throughout the process, enabling significant and lasting weight loss.

Lifestyle Habits

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Many patients come to us frustrated and discouraged from previous failed attempts. Some arrive feeling hopeless, doubting their ability to maintain results, no matter how successful the treatment was. That's exactly where we step in. We focus on providing practical lifestyle tools to help you maintain a healthy weight, even after completing treatment at the clinic. Treatment at the Obesity Medical Center is your first step toward a healthier life and lasting weight management.

טבלת קליקים וויגובי - כל המינונים

Wegovy 0.25mg

Wegovy 0.25mg
מינון	קליק
0.006	1
0.013	2
0.02	3
0.027	4
0.033	5
0.04	6
0.047	7
0.054	8
0.06	9
0.067	10
0.074	11
0.081	12
0.087	13
0.094	14
0.1	15
0.108	16
0.114	17
0.121	18
0.128	19
0.135	20
0.141	21
0.148	22
0.155	23
0.168	24
0.168	25
0.175	26
0.182	27
0.189	28
0.195	29
0.202	30
0.209	31
0.216	32
0.222	33
0.229	34
0.236	35
0.243	36
0.25	37

Wegovy 0.5mg

Wegovy 0.5mg
מינון	קליק
0.0135	1
0.027	2
0.0405	3
0.0541	4
0.0676	5
0.0811	6
0.0946	7
0.1081	8
0.1216	9
0.1351	10
0.1486	11
0.1622	12
0.1757	13
0.1892	14
0.2027	15
0.2162	16
0.2297	17
0.2432	18
0.2568	19
0.2703	20
0.2838	21
0.2973	22
0.3108	23
0.3243	24
0.3378	25
0.3514	26
0.3649	27
0.3784	28
0.391	29
0.405	30
0.418	31
0.432	32
0.445	33
0.459	34
0.472	35
0.486	36
0.5	37

Wegovy 1mg

Wegovy 1mg
מינון	קליק
0.013	1
0.026	2
0.04	3
0.053	4
0.066	5
0.08	6
0.093	7
0.106	8
0.12	9
0.133	10
0.146	11
0.16	12
0.173	13
0.186	14
0.2	15
0.213	16
0.226	17
0.24	18
0.253	19
0.266	20
0.28	21
0.293	22
0.306	23
0.32	24
0.333	25
0.346	26
0.36	27
0.373	28
0.386	29
0.4	30
0.413	31
0.426	32
0.44	33
0.453	34
0.466	35
0.48	36
0.493	37
0.506	38
0.52	39
0.533	40
0.546	41
0.56	42
0.573	43
0.586	44
0.6	45
0.613	46
0.626	47
0.64	48
0.653	49
0.666	50
0.693	51
0.693	52
0.706	53
0.72	54
0.733	55
0.746	56
0.76	57
0.773	58
0.786	59
0.8	60
0.813	61
0.826	62
0.84	63
0.853	64
0.866	65
0.88	66
0.893	67
0.906	68
0.92	69
0.933	70
0.946	71
0.96	72
0.973	73
0.986	74
1	75

Wegovy 1.7mg

Wegovy 1.7mg
מינון	קליק
0.022	1
0.045	2
0.068	3
0.09	4
0.113	5
0.136	6
0.158	7
0.181	8
0.204	9
0.226	10
0.249	11
0.272	12
0.294	13
0.317	14
0.34	15
0.362	16
0.385	17
0.408	18
0.43	19
0.453	20
0.476	21
0.498	22
0.521	23
0.544	24
0.566	25
0.589	26
0.612	27
0.634	28
0.657	29
0.68	30
0.702	31
0.725	32
0.748	33
0.77	34
0.793	35
0.816	36
0.838	37
0.861	38
0.884	39
0.906	40
0.929	41
0.952	42
0.974	43
0.997	44
1.02	45
1.04	46
1.065	47
1.088	48
1.11	49
1.133	50
1.156	51
1.178	52
1.201	53
1.224	54
1.246	55
1.269	56
1.292	57
1.314	58
1.337	59
1.36	60
1.382	61
1.405	62
1.428	63
1.45	64
1.473	65
1.496	66
1.518	67
1.541	68
1.564	69
1.586	70
1.609	71
1.632	72
1.654	73
1.677	74
1.7	75

Wegovy 2.4mg

Wegovy 2.4mg
מינון	קליק
0.032	1
0.064	2
0.096	3
0.128	4
0.16	5
0.192	6
0.224	7
0.256	8
0.288	9
0.32	10
0.352	11
0.384	12
0.416	13
0.448	14
0.48	15
0.512	16
0.544	17
0.576	18
0.608	19
0.64	20
0.672	21
0.704	22
0.736	23
0.768	24
0.8	25
0.832	26
0.864	27
0.896	28
0.928	29
0.96	30
0.992	31
1.024	32
1.056	33
1.088	34
1.12	35
1.152	36
1.184	37
1.216	38
1.248	39
1.28	40
1.312	41
1.344	42
1.376	43
1.408	44
1.44	45
1.472	46
1.504	47
1.536	48
1.568	49
1.6	50
1.632	51
1.664	52
1.696	53
1.728	54
1.76	55
1.792	56
1.824	57
1.856	58
1.888	59
1.92	60
1.952	61
1.984	62
2.016	63
2.048	64
2.08	65
2.112	66
2.144	67
2.176	68
2.208	69
2.24	70
2.272	71
2.304	72
2.336	73
2.368	74
2.4	75

מונג'רו / מאונג'רו טבלת קליקים - מינונים

Mounjaro 2.5mg

מונג’רו 2.5mg
מינון	קליק
0.0417	1
0.0833	2
0.125	3
0.1667	4
0.2083	5
0.25	6
0.2917	7
0.3333	8
0.375	9
0.4167	10
0.5	12
0.625	15
0.75	18
0.8333	20
1	24
1.25	30
1.5	36
1.6667	40
2	48
2.5	60

Mounjaro 5mg

מונג’רו 5mg
קליק	מינון
1	0.0833
2	0.1667
3	0.25
4	0.3333
5	0.4167
6	0.5
7	0.5833
8	0.6667
9	0.75
10	0.8333
12	1
15	1.25
18	1.5
20	1.6667
24	2
30	2.5
36	3
40	3.3333
48	4
60	5

Mounjaro 15mg

מונג’רו 15mg
קליק	מינון
1	0.25
2	0.5
3	0.75
4	1
5	1.25
6	1.5
7	1.75
8	2
9	2.25
10	2.5
12	3
15	3.75
18	4.5
20	5
24	6
30	7.5
36	9
40	10
48	12
60	15

Mounjaro 7.5mg

מונג’רו 7.5mg
קליק	מינון
1	0.125
2	0.25
3	0.375
4	0.5
5	0.625
6	0.75
7	0.875
8	1
9	1.125
10	1.25
12	1.5
15	1.875
18	2.25
20	2.5
24	3
30	3.75
36	4.5
40	5
48	6
60	7.5

Mounjaro 10mg

מונג’רו 10mg
קליק	מינון
1	0.1667
2	0.3333
3	0.5
4	0.6667
5	0.8333
6	1
7	1.1667
8	1.3333
9	1.5
10	1.6667
12	2
15	2.5
18	3
20	3.3333
24	4
30	5
36	6
40	6.6667
48	8
60	10

Mounjaro 12.5mg

מונג’רו 12.5mg
קליק	מינון
1	0.2083
2	0.4167
3	0.625
4	0.8333
5	1.0417
6	1.25
7	1.4583
8	1.6667
9	1.875
10	2.0833
12	2.5
15	3.125
18	3.75
20	4.1667
24	5
30	6.25
36	7.5
40	8.3333
48	10
60	12.5

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the recommended dosage?

When should you take the medication?

What are the common side effects of Ozempic?

What are the rare side effects of Ozempic?

Who should avoid Ozempic, and who should exercise caution during treatment?

How much does Ozempic cost, and is it included in the national health basket?

The information on this page does not replace medical consultation or serve as a basis for diagnosis. For detailed information regarding the medication, please refer to the patient information leaflet as approved by the Ministry of Health. For any additional questions, please consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.