By Domenic Chindamo, Pharmacist – Lygon Everyday Chemist, Brunswick East

With almost four decades in pharmacy, I’ve witnessed countless “weight-loss revolutions.” Few have matched the science and results of Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists (GLAs) — medicines that work with your body’s natural hormones to regulate appetite, improve blood-sugar control, and support safe, sustainable fat loss.

But true success comes from combining medication with nutrition, supplementation, and daily habits that keep your metabolism working for you - not against you.

How Ozempic Works
Ozempic (semaglutide) mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1, which signals fullness, slows digestion, and balances blood sugar.

This helps you:

• Feel satisfied on smaller portions
• Curb sugar cravings
• Stabilise energy levels
• Lose weight gradually - mostly from fat, not muscle

At Lygon Everyday Chemist, we don’t just dispense the medicine - we help you understand it, use it correctly, and make it part of a complete plan.

Your Pharmacist’s Role
Our pharmacists provide hands-on guidance and follow-up care to make your journey easier:

• Pen training: how to prime, inject, rotate sites, and store safely
• Side-effect support: simple ways to ease nausea, constipation, or fatigue
• Medication review: preventing interactions and ensuring safety
• Supplement guidance: to protect gut, heart, and muscle health
• Lifestyle coaching: personalised tips on food timing, hydration, and recovery

What to Eat
When appetite decreases, food quality matters even more.

Choose:

• Lean proteins: fish, eggs, chicken, tofu
• Low-GI carbohydrates: quinoa, brown rice, oats
• Plenty of vegetables: leafy greens and colourful produce
• Healthy fats: avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds
• Hydration: aim for 2–3 L daily — water, mineral water, or herbal teas

Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and pause between bites. Smaller meals digested calmly work best with Ozempic’s slowed gastric emptying.

Foods to Limit

• Fried or greasy meals
• High-sugar foods and drinks
• White breads and refined carbs
• Alcohol in excess
• Artificial sweeteners (which may worsen cravings or bloating)

Healthy Fat Supplements: Omega-3 and Beyond
Not all fats are equal. During weight loss, omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil, krill oil, or algae) help reduce inflammation, support brain and heart health, and maintain flexible joints.

They also play a key role in fat metabolism, helping your body burn stored fat more efficiently.
Adding a high-quality omega-3 supplement ensures your body has the right building blocks for hormone balance and cellular repair, especially when appetite is reduced or dietary intake is limited.

Ask our pharmacists which formulation best suits your needs, particularly if you rarely eat oily fish such as salmon, tuna, or sardines.

Vitamins to Support Sugar and Fat Burning
When calorie intake drops, nutrient intake can fall too. Certain vitamins and nutrients help your body convert food into energy and burn fat more effectively.

• B-complex vitamins: support energy, carbohydrate and fat metabolism
• Chromium: assists with blood-sugar regulation and insulin function
• Magnesium: helps with glucose control, muscle recovery, and sleep
• L-Carnitine: transports fatty acids into cells for energy
• CoQ10: enhances cellular energy and protects heart function
• Vitamin D: supports metabolism, immune strength, and mood

Each plan should be tailored - our pharmacists can help design a safe, evidence-based combination for your individual goals.

Spacing Your Meals -Giving Your Body Time to Digest
One of the most overlooked factors in weight loss is meal spacing. Allowing your body a few hours between meals gives your digestive system time to rest and balance blood sugar.

Many patients find that structured meal timing - sometimes referred to as a gentle form of intermittent fasting - improves energy, reduces snacking, and enhances fat burning.

Even a 12-hour overnight fasting window (for example, dinner at 7 pm and breakfast at 7 am) can make a noticeable difference.

More about this topic will be explored in an upcoming blog post.

The Complete Program
At Lygon Everyday Chemist, we believe in treating the whole person. Medication is only one piece — the rest is daily habits that restore balance, vitality, and confidence.

Our pharmacist-led programs combine:

• Personalised nutrition advice
• Targeted vitamins and supplements
• Education on Ozempic use
• Regular progress check-ins
• Lifestyle support and accountability

Final Thoughts
Ozempic and GLP-1 medicines are powerful tools - but they work best when combined with education, patience, and the right support network.

As your local pharmacist, I’m here to help you not only lose weight but also rebuild energy, metabolism, and wellbeing for life.

Visit Lygon Everyday Chemist, Brunswick East for professional pharmacist advice, supplement recommendations, and a personalised path to success.