Ozempic, which has the generic name Semaglutide has become a household name praised as a “magic shot” for weight loss and discussed everywhere amongst celebrities to local pharmacies and on social media platforms.
Ozempic is a medication which should be used under strict medical supervision to tackle disease conditions such as diabetes and morbid obesity. However, the misuse of the drug for cosmetic purposes has gained public interests.
Mechanism: Tricking the brain
Ozempic mimics a hormone in the brain which naturally signals fullness after eating.
It suppresses appetite and slows down the rate at which food moves from the stomach to the intestines, making you feel full for a longer period hence reducing cravings.
It also makes you feel full even after eating a small amount of food. This makes it good in regulating appetite.
Intended Use
Ozempic, initially developed for Type 2 diabetes, has shown appetite suppression effects which have made it a go-to medicine in obesity treatment.
It is prescribed for adults who are overweight or obese with other existing health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
This has led to a drastic increase in demand, leaving diabetic patients without access to medication.
Risks, hype
The misuse of Ozempic for cosmetic weight loss is becoming a global concern which experts advise against.
Recent attention has been drawn to counterfeit products, unregulated online sales of the drug as well as improper dosing which pose even more serious health risks to the public.
The drug causes numerous side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and in rare cases, pancreatitis or kidney injury, often as a result of dehydration.
The severe loss of body fluids can also result in electrolyte imbalance which exposes one to other health risks.
These come with or without medical supervision but can be managed effectively with your physician and dietitian if the drug is taken under their supervision to avoid complications.
For people with diabetes who combine the drug with insulin by self-dosing and not under medical supervision, it can lead to a significant reduction in blood glucose levels which is referred to as hypoglycemia and presents with dizziness, fever, headache, general body weakness, etc., and this can be fatal when blood glucose drops to extremely low levels.
There can also be psychological dependence on the drug leading to unsafe usage and overdosing for the fear of weight gain as most people regain their weight and even more when they discontinue drug use as the medication suppresses appetite rather than curing obesity.
Some individuals with certain medical conditions such as a family history of Medullary Thyroid Cancer, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, severe stomach and intestinal diseases as well as pregnant women are advised against the use of the drug due to complications associated and this therefore indicates the need for careful screening by medical personnel before the use of the drug.
Ozempic, therefore must be used alongside healthy eating behaviors and practices, exercise, and long-term lifestyle changes.
Medical experts emphasise that sustainable health requires behavior change, not reliance on medication.
Ozempic is, therefore, a breakthrough in metabolic medicine, giving hope to those struggling with chronic obesity together with diabetes where diet therapy alone has not been sufficient.
It must be used responsibly, under medical supervision, and never treated as a quick or cosmetic fix.
The writers are at the University of Ghana,
Department of Dietetics.
