Peptides, Ozempic, and the Weight Loss Boom

By Julianna Patricia Varga

The buzz around “peptides” and Ozempic has turned weight loss into one of the hottest wellness conversations in the Philippines. 

But the first thing to know is this: Ozempic is not something separate from peptides. It is a peptide-based medicine with semaglutide, an FDA-approved prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management as its active ingredient. 

Ozempic/Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite, digestion and blood sugar. That is why people on semaglutide often report feeling full sooner, eating less, and losing weight.

Peptides can have side effects, including nausea, vomiting, constipation and stomach upset.

For some people, alcohol can make those symptoms worse. While there is no strong evidence of a dangerous interaction between alcohol and semaglutide, for example, alcohol can still worsen side effects such as nausea and acid reflux. Apart from calorie intake, drinking can also lead to dehydration and gastrointestinal discomfort. Working with your doctor is important to determine an effective dosage that minimizes adverse reactions and works for your lifestyle.

Cost can be another challenge. 

In the Philippines, Ozempic/semaglutide is sold by major pharmacies with prescription-only rules, with Watsons listing injectable pens at about ₱7,650 to ₱8,734 as of July 2026, depending on dose. While Ozempic is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management, it is actually not approved for weight loss. 

Wegovy is the only FDA-approved semaglutide drug for weight loss in adults. Wegovy has also been introduced in the Philippine market, although at a higher price tag than Ozempic. Apart from the Wegovy injectable pens and pills, there are currently two other FDA-approved peptide medications for weight loss: Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Saxenda (liraglutide).

Red Flags

The high price tag of these medications has pushed some consumers online and here is where there are a few things to look out for. 

The FDA has warned about unapproved GLP-1 products sold for weight loss, saying counterfeit drugs may contain the wrong ingredient, too little, too much or no active ingredient at all. Packaging errors, suspiciously cheap offers, “research use only” labels and social media sellers are all red flags. 

Avoid unverified distributors, no matter how polished their website looks. Instead, buy only from licensed pharmacies and use only a product prescribed by a qualified doctor. 

Working with a physician who understands obesity medicine, diabetes care or endocrinology is the best place to start. In practice, that could be a primary care doctor, internist, endocrinologist or obesity medicine specialist, depending on the patient’s medical history and goals.

Thinking Long-Term

While many are convinced peptides can help them slim down, others worry about addiction. In the traditional medical sense, though, these drugs are not considered addictive.

Nevertheless, many users find them psychologically “addictive” because the results can feel dramatic: less hunger, easier portion control and, for many, the scale moving for the first time in years.

While a lowered appetite results in weight loss during the time of medication, when someone stops taking peptides, their appetite levels return to when they were not using the drug. Due to this, weight regain after therapy is quite common.

However, that rebound effect does not mean the medication failed. It means obesity is usually a chronic condition, and treatment needs to be part of a long-term plan that includes a balanced diet and regular physical activity. 

While taking such medications, it is important to gradually build healthy habits. Even if appetite is reduced during therapy, meals should remain nutritious and well-balanced to help preserve muscle mass and meet the body's nutritional needs. By establishing these habits during treatment rather than waiting until the medication is discontinued, the transition to a healthier lifestyle is more likely to be successful and sustainable.

Peptides and medications like Ozempic are powerful tools, but they are not magic solutions. Ultimately, the goal is not simply to lose weight, but to build a healthier life that can be maintained long after the prescription ends.