Over the past few years, the drug Ozempic (active ingredient semaglutide) has become a real hit not only among people with diabetes, for whom it was developed, but also among those looking for a quick way to lose extra pounds. It's all the rage on social media. It's a fad in Hollywood. It's in short supply in pharmacies. But what exactly is Ozempic, and why is there so much controversy around it?
Ozempic is an injectable drug that was originally prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes. It mimics the hormone GLP-1, which in a healthy body stimulates insulin production after meals, suppresses appetite, and slows gastric emptying. As a result, a person feels full sooner and eats less. It is this side effect — weight loss — that has made the drug popular far beyond the boundaries of endocrinology.
Celebrities were the first to talk about losing weight on Ozempic: actors, singers, models. They did not hide that they were using the drug not for its intended purpose, but for weight control. On TikTok, videos with the hashtag #ozempicweightloss gained millions of views. People showed impressive results — minus 5, 10, or even 20 kilograms in a few months.
But with mass popularity came problems: in many countries, including Ukraine, Ozempic began to disappear from pharmacies. Diabetic patients who need it every day could not find the drug because they began to buy it en masse "for beauty.".
Yes, it helps. But not for everyone and not always. In clinical studies, semaglutide has shown that it can reduce body weight by 10–15% per year, especially when combined with diet and physical activity. That is why another drug was created on its basis - Vegovi, specifically for combating obesity.
However, losing weight on Ozempic is accompanied not only by "losing pounds", but also by a whole range of side effects: nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, fatigue. Some patients complain of a sharp decrease in muscle mass. And also - the "boomerang effect": after stopping the drug, the weight quickly returns.
Doctors emphasize: Ozempic is not a “lifesaver,” but a serious drug for serious conditions. It should be prescribed by endocrinologists, cardiologists, or obesity specialists when traditional methods do not work. Self-medication or use “for the figure” without indications can result in problems with the pancreas, heart, and mental state.
Moreover, many countries are already considering restrictions on advertising semaglutide for weight loss. This is a signal that the drug should not become a new addiction for a society that fears aging and excess weight more than disease.
