J Med Internet Res

Efficacy outweighs side‑effect concerns in off‑label Ozempic use, review shows

February 24, 2026

A mixed‑methods infoveillance study of 60 anonymous Drugs.com reviews found that users’ satisfaction with off‑label Ozempic hinged overwhelmingly on perceived weight‑loss effectiveness, not on tolerability. Two‑thirds of reviewers reported reduced appetite, cravings, or body weight, while gastrointestinal symptoms—common in 62%—did not significantly affect continuation decisions. Instead, minimal or no weight loss and nongastrointestinal side effects were the main drivers of discontinuation. The analysis identified three core themes: changes in weight/appetite, nonweight‑related side effects, and plans for continued use.

Clinical takeaway: When counseling patients using semaglutide for weight loss, emphasize realistic weight‑loss trajectories and discuss side‑effect expectations, as perceived effectiveness strongly shapes adherence.

Source:

Armanious AJ, et al. (2026, January 9). J Med Internet Res. Patient Perceptions of Ozempic (Semaglutide) for Weight Loss: Mixed Methods Analysis of Online Medication Reviews. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41512288/