Ozempic

By Thijs Avezaat & Hugh Johnston – Owner & Trainer at Fundamentals

There’s a new name on everyone’s lips in the world of weight loss: Ozempic. Originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, it’s now being hailed as a miracle solution for obesity. Social media is flooded with before-and-after pictures. Celebrities and influencers swear by it.

But at Fundamentals, we believe in evidence, not hype.

So let’s explore: What is Ozempic? Who is it really for? What are the benefits — and what are the dangers if you don’t change your habits? Most importantly: what happens when you stop taking it?

What is Ozempic and how does it help with weight loss?

Ozempic, or semaglutide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist — a medication that helps regulate blood sugar by mimicking a hormone that influences insulin and appetite. It slows down how fast your stomach empties and signals to your brain that you’re full sooner.

This mechanism helps many people reduce their calorie intake dramatically — often without even realizing it. Clinical research, including a major 2021 study in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that people using semaglutide lost on average 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.

Who should use Ozempic? This is one of the most frequently asked questions:

"Is Ozempic only for people with diabetes?"

The answer: not anymore. It is increasingly prescribed off-label to people who are obese (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27) with other health risks. For many, it can be a helpful intervention when nothing else has worked.

But it’s not for everyone.

Ozempic may be appropriate if:

• You’ve tried to lose weight through diet and exercise without success
• You struggle with food addiction or constant hunger
• You are under medical supervision and need support reducing health risks

How did we get here? It’s not just about appetite

Let’s be honest. Most people who reach for medical solutions didn’t get there overnight. It’s usually the result of years of sedentary living, processed food habits, and chronic stress.
This isn’t about blame — it’s about understanding what needs to change.

You don’t become overweight from a lack of Ozempic.

You become overweight due to a mismatch between your body’s needs and your daily habits. If you don’t address those habits, no drug will offer a lasting solution.

What happens when you stop taking Ozempic? This is where the conversation gets critical — and often overlooked.
Many people type into Google:

“What happens when I stop using Ozempic?”
“Will I gain the weight back after Ozempic?”

Here’s the truth: most people do. Why? Because Ozempic doesn’t teach you new habits. It simply suppresses your appetite. The moment you stop using it, your brain is still wired to crave the same foods, the same amounts. But now your body burns fewer calories than it did before.

Ozempic and muscle loss: a dangerous trade-off
This might be the most overlooked risk of all.

Searches like “Does Ozempic cause muscle loss?” are becoming more common — and rightly so.
When you lose weight through calorie restriction alone, without strength training or proper nutrition, you don’t just lose fat. You lose muscle mass.

Studies show that for every kilo of weight you lose without resistance training, up to 50% may come from muscle.

That matters, because:

•Less muscle = slower metabolism
•Slower metabolism = easier fat regain
•More fat regain = greater health risks than before

You don’t become a better version of yourself. You become a smaller, weaker version — and often more metabolically fragile.

What is the long-term risk of relying on Ozempic?

It’s tempting to see Ozempic as a long-term solution. But think about this:

If your daily intake before Ozempic was 3000 kcal, and you lose weight down to 1800 kcal/day while on the drug, your body adapts. When you stop the drug, your brain still wants 3000, but your body can’t handle it anymore. That’s the perfect setup for yo-yo weight gain.

Without:

• Mental training
• Strength training
• Habit change
• Nutritional education

…you’re almost guaranteed to regain weight — often faster and in a less healthy ratio than before.

So... is Ozempic bad? Not at all. It’s a powerful tool — especially for people with serious health conditions. But like any tool, it has to be used wisely.

Ozempic is not a replacement for discipline. It’s not a substitute for lifting weights, moving your body, or learning about food.
It’s a temporary aid — not a lifelong solution.

What should I do if I’m considering Ozempic?
Here’s what we recommend at Fundamentals:

• Speak to your doctor and understand the risks
• Build a routine that includes strength training (3x/week minimum)
• Prioritize protein intake to maintain muscle mass
• Track sleep, stress, and hydration — these all affect hunger
• Work on your mindset around food and movement

Want sustainable change? Use Ozempic as a bridge, not a destination. Need support on your journey? We can help.

Whether you’re using Ozempic or just starting to get serious about your health — we’re here to help you build lasting strength, confidence, and control over your body.

Book a Kickstart at Fundamentals – Haarlem or Alkmaar
Our trainers are here to help you create real, sustainable change.

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