Patients using semaglutide for weight loss, including the drug Ozempic, are more likely to continue treatment if they perceive it as effective, even in the presence of unpleasant side effects. This conclusion comes from researchers at Rutgers Health. The study was published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

The primary factor influencing satisfaction and the intention to continue therapy was the subjective sense of results — weight loss, reduced appetite, or decreased food cravings. Side effects played a secondary role.

Semaglutide helps the body release insulin more efficiently, slows stomach emptying, and affects brain mechanisms that control appetite. Initially approved for type 2 diabetes, the drug is now widely used off-label for weight management.

The researchers used an “infodemiology” approach, analyzing 60 anonymous user reviews on a medical website. Most patients reported satisfaction when experiencing noticeable weight loss or reduced cravings. Gastrointestinal side effects — nausea and vomiting — were reported by 62% of users but did not significantly affect the decision to continue therapy. Conversely, lack of visible results more often led to discontinuation.

About 67% of respondents reported reductions in weight or appetite, consistent with data from clinical trials.

The authors emphasize that online reviews can complement traditional clinical data by providing real-world patient experiences. The findings also highlight the need for open discussions between doctors and patients about expectations for long-term semaglutide use, including the possibility of weight-loss plateaus and variability in side effects.

Future research is planned to explore differences in therapy perception by gender, track changes in patient attitudes over time, and further evaluate potential psychological effects of the drug.