Ozempic’s introduction to the weight-loss drug market was supposed to be a fresh and hopeful arrival for people struggling with type 2 diabetes. When the drug gained FDA approval for diabetes management, there arose a new mechanism of managing blood sugar. Nowadays, however, it is being treated as a weight loss solution for all those who can afford it. The ability of the drug to promote substantial appetite loss has helped it gain widespread off-label use for obesity and even cosmetic weight loss in non-diabetic people. There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to shave off a few pounds to attain a healthier lifestyle. However, using a prescription drug meant to aid patients with diabetes for weight-loss—which can typically be achieved with lifestyle changes—is questionable. While it is true that similar semaglutide drugs, like Wegovy, have been approved for adult obesity, these drugs have become too popular among people who may not necessarily need it. Thus, an ethical question is raised: Should GLP-1 agonists be reserved for those with a medical need, or is its use for weight loss justifiable given the obesity epidemic? Being able to distinguish between medical necessity and cosmetic desire becomes tricky, thus raising an ethical dilemma over who deserves it more.

It is important to understand the mechanism by which these drugs encourage weight loss. They mimic a natural hormone known as GLP-1, which helps the body release more insulin from the pancreas, slowing down the movement of food through the stomach and promoting the feeling of satiety, therefore, suppressing one’s overall appetite. Doctors aim to prescribe the drug to patients who are struggling to manage their diabetes through diet changes and exercise habits alone.

As of recently, the word “Ozempic” has become associated with celebrities and influencers who have taken a liking to the drug’s effects. For example, in 2023, celebrities like Elon Musk publicly credited Ozempic for its effectiveness in aiding weight loss, sparking a trend among people seeking quick slimming solutions. This fueled a surge in off-label prescriptions, often for individuals who weren’t obese but wanted to shed a few pounds. This increased demand for the drug and the ensuing shortage did not matter to consumers. As a consequence, diabetic patients who rely on the drug to manage their condition have no access to it. In fact, not too long ago in Australia, several diabetes patients had to ration doses or import alternatives when Ozempic became scarce due to rising demand for weight loss purposes. The drug is not affordable either. On average, patients without insurance coverage pay $1,000 for a month’s supply of the drug which includes 4 doses of the medication as injections. Many insurance companies and plans choose not to cover off-label use for weight loss, making it inaccessible to lower-income individuals. Wealthier individuals using Ozempic for weight loss may inadvertently drive up costs and limit access for those who need it the most, widening healthcare disparities.

While several studies show Ozempic’s effectiveness for considerable weight loss and diabetes control, its long-term effects remain under investigation. Because Ozempic was developed for managing blood sugar, long-term data on its use as a weight-loss drug is scarce, which raises concerns about potential health complications that could emerge after years of its use. Currently, the potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease and thyroid cancer risk. These side effects are by no means minor and often take months to subside. Research studies show that once the patient is off the medication for a certain amount of time, they usually regain the weight that was lost. Are the long-term medical risks worth the short-term benefits for weight loss? Social media has amplified Ozempic’s popularity, with celebrities and influencers touting their rapid weight loss, sometimes even falsely claiming to follow highly curated fitness regimens for their results. The popularity of the drug as a weight-loss tool has also sparked concerns about reinforcing unrealistic body standards. Medicalized weight management is reasonable to an extent, however, it detracts from holistic approaches like diet and exercise while simultaneously amplifying the stigma against obesity. It makes obesity seem like a simple curable disease by ignoring other important factors, such as genetics, environment, mental health and socioeconomic status.

In essence, the Ozempic dilemma highlights the intersection of medicine, ethics and social values. Should it be viewed primarily as a life-changing treatment for diabetes and obesity, or is its rising popularity for weight loss a symptom of society’s obsession with thinness and quick fixes with no regard for long-term consequences?