Celebrity Obsession with Ozempic: What Is It & How It Can Impact User Health

October 21, 2024: The Netflix series Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives sparked a debate after Maheep Kapoor criticised the growing trend of using Ozempic for rapid weight loss. This practice has led to a shortage of the drug for diabetic patients who rely on it to manage their blood sugar levels. A Twitter user quickly pointed out, “Maheep Kapoor rightly called out people for using Ozempic for quick weight loss, driving it out of stock for people with diabetes. Hope she calls out Karan Johar too, the producer of the show.”

In today’s society, celebrities and social media influencers significantly influence aesthetic trends. While Karan Johar has denied using Ozempic, several other well-known personalities, including Amy Schumer, Elon Musk, Kathy Bates, Oprah Winfrey, Amy Schumer, and Whoopi Goldberg, have openly discussed their use of Ozempic or similar drugs for weight loss. The glorification of thinness often pushes people toward various diet fads, and Ozempic is the latest in a long line of quick-fix weight loss trends.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic offers a new approach to weight loss, without requiring significant lifestyle changes. Unlike other diet trends, such as juice cleanses or the Atkins diet, which can be difficult to sustain, Ozempic is effective at reducing appetite without extreme dietary restrictions. The drug is injected once a week and has gained popularity for its ability to help users lose weight by suppressing hunger.

Ozempic belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, originally used to treat type 2 diabetes. These drugs help regulate blood sugar levels and suppress appetite by enhancing the effects of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, has also been approved for managing obesity and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in some patients. However, the drug is now widely used for off-label weight loss.

How It Works:

GLP-1 receptor activation slows down the digestive process, extending the feeling of fullness after eating. Additionally, GLP-1 receptors in the brain influence appetite, further suppressing hunger. This dual effect makes Ozempic an attractive option for both metabolic and weight management. Semaglutide is available in different forms, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, each with varying uses, from blood sugar regulation to weight loss.

Side Effects and Warnings:

Common side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, and low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Serious risks include thyroid tumors and pancreatitis, and the drug is not recommended for those with a history of these conditions. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid using Ozempic, and it is not approved for individuals under 18.

Diet Considerations:

While using Ozempic, certain foods should be avoided. High-fat, fried, and processed foods can lead to digestive discomfort due to the drug’s effect on slowing digestion. Sugary snacks and beverages, which contribute to weight gain without providing nutrition, should also be limited. Instead, focusing on nutrient-rich meals and portion control is advised. For many individuals, long-term use of the drug may be necessary to maintain weight loss, as there is a possibility of regaining the weight after discontinuing the medication.

The ongoing debate surrounding the use of Ozempic highlights concerns about its long-term safety and ethical implications, particularly as non-diabetic individuals drive demand, limiting access for those who need it most.