I attended a 60th birthday party over the summer, where a famous male pop star put on a private performance. What caught my attention more than the show itself was how amazing this star looked. He had lost a significant amount of weight and was wearing a silver catsuit. His secret? Semaglutide, also known as Ozempic, a new diet drug that seems to be popular among celebrities and supermodels.
Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, Semaglutide is now being used off-label to combat obesity. In a study conducted by Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company that manufactures the drug, patients lost an average of 17% of their total body weight within 68 weeks. This is much higher than the weight loss achieved with older anti-obesity drugs like metformin, which only result in a 5-9% reduction.
In the UK, Ozempic is only available on the NHS if you have type 2 diabetes. However, it can be obtained through a private doctor or online weight loss programs, although it is not recommended to take it without medical supervision. The drug is often taken as an injection, although it can also be taken in tablet form.
Ozempic has been popular in Hollywood for a while. Celebrities like Elon Musk and Kim Kardashian have praised its effects on social media. Hashtags related to Ozempic on TikTok have been viewed millions of times. The demand for the drug has increased so much that there have been shortages in the US and the UK, causing backlash against influencers and celebrities who hoarded supplies.
While Novo Nordisk has stated that supplies will be replenished by the end of the year, concerns remain. Some individuals who started taking the drug in September are experiencing difficulties due to running out of supply just before the holidays. It’s similar to the panic surrounding hormone replacement therapy (H-RT) last year.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists, which not only regulate blood sugar but also mimic the gut hormones that control appetite. The drug does have side effects, including heartburn, nausea, and fatigue, although they are less severe compared to previous GLP-1 agonists. There is also a risk of pancreatitis, gallstones, and thyroid tumors in rats at high doses. However, the effects of the drug wear off once you stop taking it, and it doesn’t work for everyone.
Dr. Efthimia Karra, an endocrinologist, describes semaglutide as smart science but not a solution for everyone. Approximately 20% of users do not respond to the drug because the body tends to favor weight gain. Losing weight becomes harder as BMI increases. If patients do not make progress within three months, the drug is typically discontinued.
Individuals who have struggled with weight loss for years have found success with semaglutide. One woman, Laura, tried various diets and programs without success until her doctor recommended the drug. Within a month, she noticed her clothes fitting looser, and she continued to lose weight without changing her eating habits. Although she sometimes experiences heartburn, she plans to keep taking the drug.
Dr. Martin Galy, a private family doctor in London, has been prescribing semaglutide for about a year to clients who struggle to lose weight gained during menopause. He has also seen positive results in younger women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where body image plays a significant role in self-esteem.
According to Professor Tom Sanders, a nutrition and dietetics expert, semaglutide is not a cure-all. While it may be useful in the short term, public health measures promoting behavioral changes like regular physical activity and a balanced diet are still necessary to prevent weight gain.
With obesity rates rising and numerous associated health problems, there is a need for effective treatments. Semaglutide may currently be viewed as a luxury drug, but its approval for broader use remains to be seen. Only time will tell.
