Ozempic, a medication primarily used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, has taken the world by storm, with users sharing their experiences. While the drug is known for appetite suppression and weight loss, recent experiences of people on Ozempic showed a slew of surprising Ozempic side effects that nobody warned users about. 

According to FDA and real-world data, Ozempic users face significant gastrointestinal side effects up to 20.3% experiencing nausea, and emergency room data shows 4 ER visits per 1,000 users, with 70% of those due to GI issues, making it a serious concern for long-term use.

From bizarre food aversions to emotional rollercoasters, these unexpected quirks are leaving people both amused and frustrated. If you’re considering or currently using Ozempic, hear us out.

The Ozempic Side Effects You Can Experience: Beyond Weight Loss

Ozempic (semaglutide) works by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar, leading to reduced cravings and smaller portions. But the drug does much more than curb hunger. 

1. Weird Food Aversions

Many people reported sudden disgust for foods they once loved. Chicken, a former staple, became repulsive, while pickles and cucumbers emerged as newfound obsessions.

Some couldn’t stomach coffee and developed an aversion to most meats except hamburger and sausage. A self-proclaimed bread addict, lost all interest in bread, but craved fruits like oranges and pineapples.

2. Energy Rollercoaster

People have complained about erratic energy level like days of supercharged productivity followed by crashes requiring naps. You may feel “awesome” in the first week but sleepy and cold afterward. A Reddit Ozempic user reported being wide awake at 5 a.m. but barely functional by 6 p.m. These fluctuations left users puzzled and exhausted.

3. Random Burps and Digestive Woes

Burping caught many by surprise, with some fighting to suppress burps in meetings and lamenting sulfur burps. You can face constipation or severe stomach and colon issues that persist even after stopping the drug.  This nausea can feel like something you’d suffer in pregnancy, and bloating is second nature after consuming drugs. 

4. Personality Shifts

The “Ozempic personality shift” is a hot topic. Many Ozempic users like Meghan Trainor and Oprah Winfrey noticed increased irritability over trivial things, like yelling at AirPods or kettles.

Why These Side Effects Happen

Ozempic’s mechanism affects more than just appetite. By slowing gastric emptying and altering brain signals, it can change taste perceptions, digestion, and even mood. Actress Kelly Clarkson said 

“Mine is a different [drug] than people assume, but I ended up having to do that too because my bloodwork got so bad.”

Food aversions might signal nutrient deficiencies, as cravings for greens or fruits could reflect the body’s need for specific vitamins. The energy rollercoaster may stem from calorie deficits or deficiencies in vitamins like B12, D, or magnesium. 

Many people using Ozempic experience what’s now called “Ozempic face,” a gaunt, aged look that happens when rapid weight loss causes fat loss in the cheeks and under the eyes.

Digestive issues, like burps and constipation, are linked to slower gut motility, a known side effect. Mood swings and personality changes could result from hormonal shifts or blood sugar stabilization, though semaglutide triggered depression in some, prompting a switch to tirzepatide.

More concerning is that a new Harvard research linking Ozempic to thyroid cancer risk. 

Tips to Manage Ozempic Side Effects

1. Handle Food Aversions: Experiment with New Foods: Embrace cravings for nutrient-rich options like cucumbers or fruits. Test for vitamin D, B12, and magnesium deficiencies to address aversions and fatigue. Reintroduce Foods Slowly as  aversions, like to chicken, may fade over time.
2. Balance Energy Levels: Eat small, balanced meals to avoid calorie deficits, as u/Distinguished-Toast advised. Add B12 Gummies, D, and magnesium to reduce fatigue. Schedule naps or lighter tasks during low-energy periods.
3. Ease Digestive Issues: Try ginger chews from TJ Maxx or HomeGoods to combat burping and indigestion. Ensure water intake that reduces sulfur burps. Consider stool softeners to manage constipation. For severe issues, seek medical advice promptly.
4. Navigate Mood Swings: If depression or irritability worsens, discuss alternatives like tirzepatide with your doctor. You can redirect energy into hobbies like crochet and reading, reducing impulsive behaviors. Techniques like meditation can help manage irritability, as u/EuroraT suggested for “symptom jumps.”
5. Make the Most of Savings: Use savings from reduced food spending to pay off debts or plan treats and even vacations

When to Reconsider Ozempic

You should reconsider using Ozempic if you experience severe or persistent side effects, such as ongoing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain that radiates to your back, as this could indicate pancreatitis. It’s also important to stop and consult your doctor if you notice symptoms like a lump in your neck, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing, which may be signs of thyroid cancer, especially if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2)—in which case Ozempic is strictly contraindicated.

Additionally, if you develop gastrointestinal issues such as gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), which can worsen on Ozempic, or if you’re losing weight too rapidly and notice muscle wasting or facial sagging (“Ozempic face”), the medication may be harming more than helping.

You should also reconsider if you notice mental health changes, including increased anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Finally, if you’ve been using Ozempic as prescribed but your blood sugar levels remain uncontrolled, or you’ve developed a tolerance, it might be time to explore alternative treatments with your healthcare provider.