Ozempic: The miracle drug that reinvents weight loss!
Ozempic, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, is a drug produced by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. Approved in 2017 in the United States and in 2019 in France, Ozempic belongs to the family of GLP-1 analogues, a digestive hormone that regulates blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin release.
A drug hijacked for weight loss
Originally, Ozempic's sole function was to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. It helped control blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion and slowing gastric emptying. The latter effect attracted the attention of weight-loss seekers, as it leads to a reduction in appetite. Because of this characteristic, the use of Ozempic was quickly diverted by non-diabetics looking to lose weight quickly.
Promoted by celebrities and social networks
Ozempic's appeal has grown thanks to its promotion on social networks and the influence of celebrities such as Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey, who have not hesitated to praise its merits. On platforms such as TikTok, influencers have filmed themselves injecting Ozempic, often accompanying their posts with before-and-after photos showing spectacular physical transformations. However, these rapid weight losses are not without consequences. They often provoke undesirable effects such as the appearance of deep wrinkles and sagging skin, effects nicknamed “Ozempic face” or “Ozempic buttocks” on social networks.
These rapid transformations, although spectacular, are unanimously advised against by the medical profession. In addition to the negative aesthetic effects, losing weight too quickly can lead to long-term health complications, such as nutritional imbalances and metabolic problems.
Rapid expansion and its consequences
The misuse of Ozempic continues to grow, with increasing popularity in the USA, UK and now France. However, this rapid expansion poses serious problems. The drug, originally designed to treat diabetics, is now out of stock in several regions, notably the USA. In France, restrictions on distribution have been put in place to ensure that diabetic patients still have access to their treatment.
Novo Nordisk's commercial success is largely based on these two drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, which together account for around half the company's sales. However, this popularity poses an ethical and medical challenge. While these drugs are increasingly used for cosmetic reasons, there is a risk of diverting resources from those who need them most: diabetic patients.
The Ozempic phenomenon highlights the potential dangers of drug detour, and raises broader questions about the promotion of quick fixes to complex problems such as obesity. While Novo Nordisk continues to grow thanks to the popularity of its products, the debate about the long-term effects of diverted use on both public health and the economy remains open.
