Dr. Ula: Ozempic: The other half of the story

With the arrival of Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) in New Zealand this week, many are hoping for a simple solution.

We’re often told that weight is the problem. That if you just lose the kilos, you’ll be healthy, happy, and finally “on track.”

With the arrival of Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) in New Zealand this week, many are hoping for a simple solution.

But here’s the reality: weight is not the root cause — it’s a symptom. And treating symptoms without addressing the system beneath them is never the whole story.

A new era: Hope or hype?

Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are powerful tools. Originally developed for diabetes, they help regulate blood sugar, reduce appetite, and promote weight loss.

For some — especially those with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or metabolic dysfunction — they can be an important intervention.

Used thoughtfully, in a medically supervised and lifestyle-supported context, these medications can create space for change.

But on their own — without changes to nutrition, movement, and other habits — they risk becoming another quick fix.

Weight loss ≠ Health gain

What these medications don’t do:

• They don’t maintain or build muscle mass. In fact, many people lose more muscle than fat, which can lower metabolic rate and affect long-term weight maintenance.

• They don’t improve sleep quality, which is fundamental for metabolic health.

• They don’t address stress resilience or emotional wellbeing.

• They don’t automatically build healthier habits or improve your relationship with food.

Without adequate protein, strength training, and support, people on these medications may lose weight but also lose bone density, energy, and vitality.

Another major concern? When stopping these medications, weight regain is common, often rapid, and can be even harder to manage if muscle mass and metabolic flexibility have been lost.

The other half of the story

At Autonomy, real change starts with understanding your body.

Before we recommend, we test.

Before we treat, we listen.

Ozempic reduces appetite — but what if your weight gain was never about overeating?

What if it’s related to hormones, chronic stress, disrupted sleep, or undiagnosed metabolic issues?

We’ve seen clients turn their health around without relying on medication at all. Not because we’re anti-medication, but because we’re pro-root-cause.

If you’re considering Ozempic/Wegovy

1. Know your markers

Don’t guess. Test.

Check fasting insulin, glucose patterns, inflammation markers, body composition, thyroid, and nutrient status.

2. Start low, go slow

These medications are potent. Many people experience nausea, fatigue, and digestive upset at standard doses. A gradual approach can improve tolerability and outcomes.

3. Prioritise protein and muscle

Muscle is your metabolic engine. Work with a professional to maintain lean tissue and focus on high-quality protein intake.

4. Track your mental health

Changes in appetite and eating patterns can affect mood and social connection. Some people report feeling emotionally flat or disconnected from meals and social eating. Stay aware of how you feel — not just how you look.

5. Have an exit plan

These medications aren’t meant to be lifelong. Rebound weight gain is common without deeper changes to physiology and habits. Plan for how you’ll transition off, with support for nutrition, muscle maintenance, and metabolic health.

The real measure of health

Weight loss can be motivating — and for some, lifesaving.

But at Autonomy, we measure success by capability:

• Are you thinking clearly?

• Sleeping deeply and waking refreshed?

• Seeing improvements in your labs and symptoms?

• Moving freely and enjoying your life?

If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track — with or without Ozempic.

You deserve the whole story

Ozempic will be everywhere.

But before you reach for a quick fix, ask yourself:

• Is this helping me build the life I want — or just shrinking my body?

• Am I using this as a tool — or relying on it as a crutch?

• Am I treating the symptom — or addressing the root cause?

You deserve more than a bandaid.

You deserve clarity, support, and a body that works with you — not against you.

Let’s change your story, fully.

Ready to go deeper than the symptom?

Book your Discovery Consultation today. We won't prescribe you these medications but we will uncover what’s really driving your weight, energy, and health.

Get answers. Build a plan. Change your story.

BOOK NOW

Dr. Ula Co-Founder and Lead Physician, Autonomy