Your treatment guide

Your weight loss journey with Ozempic (Semaglutide) starts here.

From how it works to what you can expect — everything you need to feel confident and informed on your journey.

Your journey →
Dosing & medication →
Side effects →
Diet & lifestyle →
FAQs →
Clinical support →

Your Journey

Reduced appetite
Fewer cravings
Steadier blood sugar
Gradual, consistent loss

Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable GLP-1 medication. It mimics a natural gut hormone that signals your brain to reduce hunger and helps you feel full sooner. Here’s a realistic look at what most patients experience.

5–15%
avg. body weight lost over the course of treatment
8.9 lbs
avg. lost by Phoenix patients in month one

How results unfold over time

Weeks 1–4
Early adjustment
Your starting dose is intentionally low to help your body adjust. Some patients notice appetite changes within the first few weeks, though significant weight loss typically comes later.
Months 2–3
Weight loss begins
Noticeable weight loss usually starts around the 2–3 month mark, particularly after moving to a higher dose. Cravings decrease and portions feel more manageable.
Months 3–6
Building momentum
Consistent weight loss continues as your dose increases. A good time to reinforce nutrition and activity habits that support results long-term.
Months 6–12
Sustained progress
Results can continue over 6–12 months of consistent use. Your provider will help maintain progress and adjust your plan as needed.

Dosing & Medication

Taking your medication correctly makes a real difference. Here is everything you need to know about using the Ozempic pen, your dosing schedule, and how to store your medication safely.

How to use the Ozempic pen

Ozempic is injected under the skin using a pre-filled pen. Common sites are the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm — rotate each week.

  • Choose whole, unprocessed foods over packaged snacks
  • Add more vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats
  • Focus on nutrient-dense options that keep you satisfied
  • Eat mindfully. Hunger cues feel different on this medication
  • Don’t skip meals — too little food slows metabolism

How results unfold over time

Weeks 1–4
Early adjustment
Your starting dose is intentionally low to help your body adjust. Some patients notice appetite changes within the first few weeks, though significant weight loss typically comes later.
Months 2–3
Weight loss begins
Noticeable weight loss usually starts around the 2–3 month mark, particularly after moving to a higher dose. Cravings decrease and portions feel more manageable.
Months 3–6
Building momentum
Consistent weight loss continues as your dose increases. A good time to reinforce nutrition and activity habits that support results long-term.
Months 6–12
Sustained progress
Results can continue over 6–12 months of consistent use. Your provider will help maintain progress and adjust your plan as needed.

What happens if you stop taking Ozempic

If you stop taking Ozempic, appetite typically returns to its previous level and weight regain is common when eating and activity habits have not changed.

If you stop taking Ozempic, appetite typically returns to its previous level and weight regain is common when eating and activity habits have not changed.

What happens if you stop taking Ozempic

Taking your medication correctly makes a real difference. Here’s everything you need to know about the pen, your schedule, and storage.

medical_information

How to use the Ozempic pen

Ozempic is injected under the skin using a pre-filled pen. Common sites are the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm — rotate each week.

1pin_drop

Choose your site

Stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate each week.

2sanitizer

Clean the area

Alcohol swab, let it air dry completely.

3build

Prepare the pen

New needle, prime before first use, remove caps.

4tune

Dial your dose

Turn selector to your prescribed dose.

5arrow_downward

Inject at 90°

Insert, press and hold 6 seconds, withdraw.

6delete

Dispose safely

Needle into sharps container. Cap the pen.

calendar_month

Your dosing schedule

Taken once weekly, same day each week. Doses start low and increase gradually under your provider’s guidance.

1
Weeks 1–4
Your body adjusts
0.25 mg
2
Weeks 5–8
Therapeutic effects build
0.5 mg
3
Weeks 9–12
Dose continues to increase
1.0 mg
4
Weeks 13+
Full maintenance dose
Up to 2.0 mg
  • Take your injection on the same day each week, any time of day
  • Missed a dose? Take it within 5 days. After 5 days, skip and resume normal schedule
  • Never change your dose without speaking with your provider
info
Your provider will reach out when it’s time to increase your dose.

Managing side effects

The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach discomfort. These tend to improve as the body adjusts.

Common — usually temporary
sick
Nausea and digestive discomfort
Most commonFirst 2–4 weeks
What helps: Smaller, frequent meals. Chew slowly. Avoid greasy or spiced foods. Stay hydrated.
restaurant
Reduced appetite
Very commonStarts within days
What helps: This is the medication working. Focus on nutrient-rich foods — protein, vegetables, healthy fats.
bedtime
Fatigue and low energy
ModerateFirst few weeks
What helps: Stay hydrated, sleep well, listen to your body. Energy normalizes in 2–3 weeks.
Less common
contact_support

When to contact your provider

Most side effects are mild. Reach out if you notice:

  • Severe or persistent abdominal pain
  • Vomiting preventing food or water intake
  • Allergic reaction — rash, breathing difficulty, swelling
  • Changes in vision or heart rate
  • Any effect that’s unmanageable or affecting daily life
emergency
Medical emergency? Call 911 or go to your nearest ER. Don’t wait for a portal response.

Diet & lifestyle guidance

Ozempic works best alongside healthy eating and regular movement. Small, sustainable changes matter more than dramatic overhauls.

egg_alt

Eating well on Ozempic

Because appetite decreases, it’s important to make every meal count nutritionally.

  • Choose whole, unprocessed foods over packaged snacks
  • Add more vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats
  • Focus on nutrient-dense options that keep you satisfied
  • Don’t skip meals — too little food slows metabolism
  • Eat mindfully. Hunger cues feel different on this medication
directions_run

Movement and activity

No intense routine needed. Consistent, moderate movement has the greatest long-term impact.

  • Moderate-intensity exercise — walking, jogging, swimming, cycling
  • Aim for 150+ minutes per week across multiple days
  • Add strength training to build lean muscle
  • Don’t push through exhaustion — rest matters
water_dropStay hydrated

8+ glasses daily. Dehydration worsens nausea and fatigue.

egg_altProtein first

Start each meal with lean protein — keeps you fuller, preserves muscle.

diningSmaller meals

More frequent, smaller meals. Large meals trigger nausea early on.

directions_walkMove daily

Even 20 minutes of walking supports metabolism and mood.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about your treatment.

What if I miss a dose?▼
If it’s been less than 5 days since your missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next one on the regular day.
Can I drink alcohol while on Ozempic?▼
Moderate alcohol is generally fine, but it can increase nausea — especially during the first few weeks. Alcohol also adds empty calories.
When will I start seeing results?▼
Most patients notice appetite changes within 1–2 weeks. Meaningful weight loss typically begins around months 2–3 as your dose increases.
Will I need to take this forever?▼
Your provider will work with you on a long-term plan. Many patients use Ozempic alongside lifestyle changes. If you decide to stop, your provider will create a tapering plan.
Can I exercise normally?▼
Yes — exercise is encouraged. Start moderate in the first few weeks. Aim for 150 minutes per week of walking, cycling, or swimming.
What should I eat on injection day?▼
A light, balanced meal works best. Avoid large, heavy, or greasy meals close to injection. Stay hydrated.
When should I contact my care team?▼
Reach out for persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, signs of allergic reaction, or any unmanageable side effect. For emergencies, call 911 immediately.

Clinical support

Your care team is here throughout. Here’s how to reach us and when to seek urgent help.

forum

Message your provider

Questions about dose, side effects, or progress? Your provider is available through secure messaging.

lock

Secure portal messaging

Responses within 24 hours (Mon–Fri)

mail

Support email

support@phoenix.ca

edit_note

What to include

vaccines

Current dose and last injection date

description

Clear description of your concern

schedule

Duration and severity

medication

New medications or supplements

emergency
Medical emergency? Call 911 immediately. Portal messaging is not monitored 24/7.

Ready to reach out?

Your care team is always here — no question is too small.

💬 Message my care team