Model in the United States Criticizes Inappropriate Employment of Weight Loss Medications as Another Means to Adhere to the Harmful Beauty Norm
In recent years, the use of Ozempic, a once-weekly injectable drug derived from the venom of the Gila monster lizard, has skyrocketed. Originally intended for managing type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has gained attention for its effects on weight loss. However, understanding its long-term effects and the risks of off-label or improper use is crucial.
Ozempic works by mimicking glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in the body, slowing stomach emptying, reducing appetite, and stimulating insulin release from the pancreas. Studies show that when used as prescribed, Ozempic can contribute to sustained weight loss. However, it is not FDA-approved for weight loss; other medications like Wegovy and Zepbound are specifically approved for chronic weight management.
Common long-term effects of Ozempic involve the digestive system, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. While these symptoms are generally mild to moderate and tend to improve as the body adjusts, they can persist in some individuals.
More serious long-term effects include pancreatitis, kidney injury, gallbladder disease, vision problems, thyroid tumors, and hypoglycemia. The risk of acute inflammation of the pancreas, severe abdominal pain, and kidney injury is particularly high, especially in patients who also suffer from severe gastrointestinal issues leading to dehydration.
Semaglutide use has been linked to an increased risk of gallbladder disease, including gallstones and inflammation. Long-term use may also be associated with vision problems or worsening of diabetic retinopathy, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors based on animal studies, and the risk in humans is uncertain, but individuals at high risk (personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers) should avoid Ozempic.
The misuse of Ozempic for weight loss is a growing concern. Using Ozempic solely for weight loss is considered off-label, and off-label use may result in incorrect dosing, lack of medical supervision, and an increased risk of side effects—especially gastrointestinal symptoms, which are more pronounced at higher doses. Improper use without medical oversight increases the risk of serious adverse effects, such as pancreatitis, kidney injury, and gallbladder disease.
Some individuals may develop antibodies against semaglutide, reducing the drug’s effectiveness over time. Additionally, side effects might not be properly managed without professional guidance. Gastrointestinal side effects like vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, increasing the risk of kidney injury and other complications.
Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Sharon Osborne, Tracy Morgan, and Chelsea Handler have openly used drugs like Ozempic for weight loss, fuelling a social media frenzy about these medications as a 'quick-fix' for weight management. However, Mia Kang, a runway model and eating disorder survivor, fears that improper use of drugs like Ozempic encourages people to live in a society that praises and idolizes thin women. She notes that the increase in popularity of drugs like Ozempic can create addiction due to their promise of quick weight loss without the need for diet or exercise.
Mia Kang and Claire Merrifield express concerns about the misuse of Ozempic for weight loss, citing its lack of FDA approval for this purpose and the potential risks involved. They urge individuals struggling with their weight to seek support from organisations like the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) or the National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline.
In late 2022, US healthcare providers wrote 9 million prescriptions for Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar drugs, which is a 300% increase compared to the start of 2020. Despite the growing popularity and ease of access to social media ads for weight loss products like Ozempic, understanding the long-term effects and the risks of off-label or improper use is essential.
References: [1] FDA. (2021). Ozempic (semaglutide) injection, 2.4 mg. Retrieved from
- In light of the growing trend among celebrities and the public, the use of Ozempic for health-and-wellness purposes, particularly weight management, has become a hot topic in lifestyle news.
- While Ozempic can contribute to sustained weight loss when used as prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes, its long-term effects on health-and-wellness, including nutrition, remain uncertain due to the lack of FDA approval for weight loss.
- The misuse of Ozempic for weight loss, without proper medical supervision, can lead to serious health risks such as pancreatitis, kidney injury, and gallbladder disease, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhea that could potentially worsen existing health conditions.
