Despite Side Effects, People Continue Taking Ozempic for Weight Loss

A new study shows that people are likely to continue taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, which is commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss, despite side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

February 17, 2026   TODAY'S TOP STORY Despite Side Effects, People Continue Taking Ozempic for Weight Loss READ ON   Healthy Low Carb, Low Fat Diets May Improve Heart, Metabolic Health READ ON   Should You Take Castor Oil to Lose Weight? READ ON   How to Avoid Eczema Flares from Gardening READ ON MORE STORIES PRODUCT PICK Kitchen Kit: Family Must-Haves That Save You Time   Why waste money on tools you don't use? Our team shares the family kitchen essentials that are genuinely worth the investment and save you time. SHOP NOW TODAY'S RESOURCE Healthline's Weight Management Newsletter   Expert advice, tips to build healthy habits, and the latest on nutrition and fitness delivered straight to your inbox. SIGN UP NOW What we're reading next • How Can I Improve My Relationship with Food? • 12 Ways to Get Rid of Blackheads • How Protein Shakes May Help You Lose Weight • 10 Lifestyle Tips to Help You Manage Multiple Myeloma FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message at newsletters@healthline.com to let us know what else you'd like to see. Until then, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon! View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy   |   Unsubscribe We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Now's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health. © 2026 RVO Health 1101 Red Ventures Drive Fort Mill, SC 29707