Ozempic has gained massive popularity as a weight-loss aid, even though it’s not officially approved by the FDA for that purpose. But what exactly happens inside your body when you inject it?
The use of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic to assist with weight loss has sparked plenty of debate. This isn’t the first time health experts have raised concerns about the risks of using the drug outside its original intent.
Originally developed to help manage Type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has found a new audience among those looking to shed pounds—largely fueled by high-profile celebrity endorsements.
Well-known names like Oprah Winfrey, Sharon Osbourne, Amy Schumer, and Rebel Wilson have all shared that they’ve used GLP-1-based medications, either to lose weight or maintain their current physique.
Despite the widespread use, it’s important to note that Ozempic isn’t officially sanctioned by the FDA for weight loss. That distinction goes to semaglutide under the brand name Wegovy, which is specifically approved for treating obesity.
While we often hear about the dramatic physical transformations associated with Ozempic, there’s still confusion about how it actually facilitates weight loss.
That’s where a YouTuber, known as @ZackDFilms, steps in. In a detailed video, he breaks down what really happens when Ozempic enters the body—and the reality is far from glamorous.
His animated simulation explains how the drug affects both the brain and internal organs, revealing the not-so-pretty side effects that many users might not expect.
According to Zack, “Once Ozempic enters your bloodstream, it triggers the brain’s satiety center, making you feel full and naturally decreasing your appetite.”
It also helps regulate blood sugar, which in turn reduces food cravings. Another key effect is that it slows the emptying of your stomach, which means you stay full longer after eating. However, this delayed digestion can also lead to uncomfortable side effects like nausea and even diarrhea in some individuals.
The video left many viewers fascinated—and somewhat disturbed—by the internal process that leads to weight loss and reduced hunger.
But the concerns don’t stop there.
Dr. Ben Bickman, a scientist and professor at Brigham Young University, added further warnings in a conversation with fitness expert Thomas DeLauer. According to Dr. Bickman, these types of medications can also cause the body to lose muscle mass.
“When someone loses ten pounds while using these drugs, only about six pounds come from fat. The other four are from lean tissue—muscle and bone,” he explained.
He continued, “The problem is, while fat can come back easily after stopping the medication, muscle and bone mass may not fully return.”
Dr. Bickman also pointed to a study suggesting that some GLP-1 drugs may actually stimulate the creation of new fat cells.
This raises a troubling possibility: after discontinuing Ozempic, a person could end up with more fat cells than before, making it easier to regain fat. Even if they weigh less overall, their body fat percentage might actually be higher—leaving them technically “fatter” despite the weight loss.
