Ozempic: Craze or Cure?

*Disclosure: New information about Ozempic has emerged since this article was published.*

Many of us are thinking of changes we could, or should, make in 2025. We at Dawson Med thought we’d start the year by talking about Ozempic and similar drugs many doctors are prescribing for Type 2 diabetes management and, increasingly, for weight loss.  

Dawson Med providers are excited about the potential for GLP-1 agonists, as this class is called, because we’ve seen positive health transformations among the patients for whom we’ve prescribed them. 

What are Ozempic and similar drugs? 

GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, are medications originally developed to help people with Type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar levels. More recently, researchers have discovered that some GLP-1 agonists can also help treat obesity. 

How do they work?  

Simply put, these drugs mimic the action of glucagon like peptide, a hormone that lowers blood sugar and promotes weight loss.  Glucagon like peptide also leads to the release of insulin from pancreas.  As such GLP-1 agonists also lower the amount of sugar in your blood.  On the contrary, a lack of insulin can lead to an increase of blood sugar, which contributes to the onset of diabetes. 

GLP-1 also slows the digestive process in the stomach, so your body releases less sugar from the food you’ve eaten into the bloodstream.  Moreover, this hormone sends a signal from your stomach to your brain that you are full. That’s the basis of the drug’s weight-loss potential. 

So, is a GLP-1 agonist a cure for diabetes and/or obesity? 

No. Managing Type-2 diabetes requires a multi-pronged approach, including exercise and changes in lifestyle and diet. At Dawson Med, we know that losing weight and – sometimes – managing Type 2 diabetes can be a challenge. We’re committed to helping our patients with these and other chronic conditions find ways to manage them in a safe, non-judgmental environment where you feel heard and supported in your health journey. 

Who is a candidate for GLP-1 treatment? 

If you have Type 2 diabetes or have symptoms of developing diabetes, or you are overweight/obese and have tried, unsuccessfully to lose the pounds, a GLP-1 agonist may be an option to consider.    

The first step to getting started on a weight loss program at Dawson Med is to call (910) 387-3788 to arrange a complimentary phone call consultation to discuss options.  You do not need to be an existing patient, or leave your primary care provider to participate in this program. 

We look forward to being your partner in a journey toward better health and desired outcomes. 

Founded in 2021, Dawson Med Primary Care and Urgent Care strives to give patients unhurried, thoughtful and comprehensive medical attention, with a special focus on women’s health and care for senior citizens. Our acute care services include both sick visits and urgent care walk-in visits, available seven days a week.