With the influx of celebrities such as Elon Musk and Kim Kardashian using the drug Ozempic for weight loss and the industry projected a net worth of over $100 billion in the next decade(1), what is the impact of this sudden boom in usage on people with type 2 diabetes? And is this yet another weight loss scam?

What is ozempic?

Ozempic is a drug that has the intended use of managing type 2 diabetes. In recent years, it has been widely used for weight loss, it is an easier option for weight loss than others currently on the market. Weight loss pills have the side effect of causing heart problems, including metabolic bariatric surgeries such as gastric bypasses, which require dramatic lifestyle changes that can often be difficult to maintain(2). As a result, many people look to Ozempic as it provides drastic changes with minimal effort. A clinical trial of semaglutide found that participants on Ozempic experienced an average 15% weight loss over 68 weeks whilst those taking a placebo only lost 2%(3).

How does Ozempic work?

Semaglutide is a synthetic hormone that mimics the hormone GLP-1** produced naturally in our intestines and pancreas when we eat. In different parts of the body, GLP-1 serves different functions(3): 

• In the stomach, it slows gastric emptying. It means that food moves through the digestive system more slowly, and results in you feeling fuller for longer.

• The pancreas promotes insulin production and suppresses the production of glucagon, which is vital for people with type 2 diabetes as their bodies are insulin-resistant.

• In the brain, GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus suppress hunger cravings.

What are the downsides?

Whilst everything mentioned so far depicts Ozempic as a miracle weight loss drug, it is important to acknowledge that the majority of medications come with side effects. For Ozempic these include nausea, pancreatitis, and kidney failure, and for people with retinopathy***, while taking insulin, Ozempic use may result in worsening vision(4). However, there is very limited knowledge on the impact of Ozempic on non-diabetic people as most of the testing has been done on diabetic people.

Effect of the increase in Ozempic use on people with type 2 diabetes

There are currently global intermittent shortages of Ozempic, meaning that many diabetic people are unable to access it. These are expected to run out by 2025(5). Furthermore, due to the high prices of Ozempic - £1062 for a month’s supply- many people are turning to unauthorized sources, which pose the risk of receiving fake Ozempic pens. The result of this is that the MHRA has seized 369 potentially fake Ozempic pens in the UK since January 2023, and people have been hospitalized as a result. Some side effects reported include hypoglycemic shock and coma(6).

I believe that Ozempic should be limited to prescription-only use for those with diabetes and also severe obesity to to improve their lifestyles. The Ozempic boom serves as a prime example of how, as a result of social media pressure, our society is heavily focused on body image more than health. Both the unauthorized selling and recreational use of Ozempic need to be curbed to make sure that the people who need it the most can access it, but also to protect those who don’t need it from unforeseen side effects and harm. However, in the meantime, for those who have diabetes, alternative drugs such as rybelsus**** are still available during the Ozempic shortage(7).

Glossary:

*Type 2 diabetes - A condition that causes blood glucose levels to become too high as the body doesn't produce enough insulin or the insulin it produces doesn't work sufficiently. Usually due to being overweight and inactive, but often it's hereditary.

**GLP-1- Glucagon-like peptide

***Retinopathy- A complication of diabetes caused by high blood glucose levels damaging the retina.

****Rybelsus - A tablet form of semaglutide

References:

1. BBC (2023) ‘Ozempic weight loss guide: Benefits and side effects’. Available from: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/diet/weight-loss/ozempic-weight-loss-injections-guide-facts-considerations/ [Accessed 27 May 2024]

2. YouTube (2023). Ozempic is a game-changer. Here’s how it works. [online] www.youtube.com. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laPaezEsteI [Accessed 27 May 2024].

3. BBC (2024) ‘What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?’ Available from: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240521-what-happens-when-you-stop-taking-ozempic [Accessed 27 May 2024]

4. Diabetes UK (2024) ‘Ozempic and weight loss: The facts behind the headlines’ Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-us/news-and-views/ozempic-and-weight-loss-facts-behind-headlines [Accessed 27 May 2024]

5. Diabetes UK (2024) ‘Our response to serious supply issues of drugs for people with type 2 diabetes’ Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-us/news-and-views/our-response-serious-supply-issues-drugs-people-living-type-2-diabetes [Accessed 27 May 2024]

6. Gov.uk (2023) ‘MRHA warns of unsafe fake weight loss pens’ Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-warns-of-unsafe-fake-weight-loss-pens [Accessed 27 May 2024]

7. Diabetes UK (2024) ‘Ozempic and weightloss: The facts behind the headlines’ Available from:https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-us/news-and-views/ozempic-and-weight-loss-facts-behind-headlines [Accessed 27 May 2024]

Written by Sophiat A.

Moderated by Joanna