Ozempic: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
- Jennifer Higgins
- Nov 17
- 4 min read
(A Curious, Honest Look at a Very Modern Medication)
I couldn’t help but notice Ozempic is everywhere. Whispered about at school pick-up, slid into conversations over coffee, debated in group chats, and Googled at 2 a.m.
Some women are curious. Some are skeptical. Some are on it. Some want to be.
And suddenly, this little injectable has become one of the biggest health conversations of our time.
So I d
id what I always do: I got curious. Not judgmental, not alarmist, just curious.
Here’s what I found.
The Good: Why Ozempic Works for So Many
Ozempic (semaglutide) is part of a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They were originally developed for type 2 diabetes, but their effects on appetite, insulin, digestion, and brain signalling led to a wave of weight-loss use.
The benefits many people experience:
Reduced appetite and cravings
A dramatic quieting of “food noise”
Better blood sugar stability
Weight loss that feels easier and more sustainable
Lower A1C and improved metabolic markers
Possible reduced cravings for alcohol, binge eating or other impulsive behaviours (more on that later)
For people with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or metabolic challenges, this can be life-changing.
These benefits are real. And for many, they offer relief from years of feeling stuck in their bodies.
The Bad: What’s Not Talked About Enough
Like any medication, Ozempic comes with downsides, some expected, some surprising.
Common short-term side effects:
Nausea
Constipation or diarrhea
Reflux
Bloating
Fatigue
Difficulty tolerating certain foods
Feeling “too full” after just a few bites
Because GLP-1 medications slow gastric emptying, food stays in the stomach longer and not everyone loves how that feels. For some people, this can mean a sense of fullness that lingers, mild nausea, or changes in digestion that feel “off.”
Some even describe noticing changes in their breath or body odor, which can happen when food is moving more slowly through the digestive tract.
Less-discussed long-term concerns:
These aren’t universal, but they’re important to understand:
Muscle Loss
Weight loss doesn’t distinguish between fat and muscle. Women, especially peri- and postmenopausal women are more vulnerable to losing lean mass, which impacts metabolism, bone density, and long-term vitality.
Without protein and resistance training, this becomes a real risk.
Nutrient Intake Drops
People often eat dramatically less on GLP-1s.Less food = fewer nutrients. Over time this can affect hair, mood, hormones, and energy.
Gallbladder Issues
Rapid weight loss increases gallstone risk. This isn’t unique to Ozempic, it occurs with any fast weight loss, but it’s often overlooked.
Long-Term Unknowns
These medications are still “young,” especially for non-diabetic use. We’re learning in real time how multi-year therapy affects:
thyroid function
gut motility
bone health
fertility
mental health
That doesn’t mean they’re unsafe, just that we’re still collecting data.
The Ugly: The Part No One Really Warns You About
Here’s the surprising twist: It’s not the science that’s ugly, it’s the reality around it.
The Rebound Effect
When people stop Ozempic, most regain weight unless they’ve addressed:
emotional eating
stress
hormones
sleep
nutrition
self-regulation
metabolism
The Price Tag ($$$)
In Canada, Ozempic can cost $400 per month without insurance. And most plans won’t cover it for weight loss alone.
That adds up quickly.
The Social Pressure
You will be judged for taking it. Judged for not taking it. Judged for losing weight. And judged for not losing weight.
It’s exhausting and unfair.
But What About the Brain?
(This is Actually Fascinating!)
GLP-1 medications act on the reward centers of the brain, the same pathways involved in:
overeating
binge eating
cravings
compulsive habits
alcohol use
gambling
Researchers are now studying GLP-1s for alcohol use disorder and gambling addiction because the medication appears to reduce reward-seeking behaviors.
For some, this feels like liberation.For others, it shifts dopamine cravings from food to something else (like shopping or scrolling).
This isn’t “ugly.”It’s neuroscience.And honestly? It’s one of the most promising areas of research.
Men vs. Women: Why Our Experiences Differ
Women:
Lose weight slower
Experience more digestive symptoms
Are more prone to muscle loss
Have hormonal fluctuations that change how the medication feels
Often tie weight and worth together emotionally (culturally, not personally)
Men:
Lose weight faster due to higher muscle mass
Report fewer side effects
Tend to experience appetite reduction with less emotional disruption
Older Adults
Need careful monitoring for muscle loss and nutrient intake
Younger Adults
Need a clear long-term plan because no one wants a lifelong prescription without support
So… Is Ozempic “Good” or “Bad”?
Neither.
It’s a tool.
For some, it’s the missing piece.For others, it’s a temporary chapter. For some, it’s not a fit at all.
But every woman deserves:
information
options
support
personalization
and a judgment-free space to decide what feels right for her body
That’s what matters most.
If you’re thinking about Ozempic…or coming off it…or just feeling curious:
Your body is always communicating. If you want personalized, compassionate support:
✨ Book a Clarity SessionTogether, we’ll look beneath the surface - your hormones, your habits, your symptoms, your stress patterns. And if you are using Ozempic, we can map out what a nourishing, sustainable way of eating looks like now, so when you eventually come off it, your body isn’t left trying to figure things out on its own.
Prefer to start gently?
✨ Download “Is It Your Hormones?”A simple, approachable guide to help you understand what your body may be trying to tell you
one small step at a time.
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