TikTok users have also started to publicly reveal the amount of weight loss that has been achieved by utilizing the pricey prescription drug Ozempic, which is designed to treat type 2 diabetes, even though the users themselves do not have the condition. This has created a global shortage of the drug due to the increasing interest in it from those willing to spend their own money.
For those who have type 2 diabetes, the use of the drug Ozempic, also known as Semaglutide, plays a critical role in the regulation of blood sugar levels and the prevention of severe complications. However, the most significant side effect of the drug has been the average weight loss of 15% that it provides, which has created a culture of utilizing the drug to reduce weight.
TikTok users have also created a challenge known as the #OzempicChallenge, where users have shared their before and after videos using the drug. These videos have collectively received over 250 million views due to the high-profile endorsements of the drug.
Due to the increasing interest in the drug, the FDA has declared that the drug Ozempic is currently in shortage. This has been attributed to the increased demand and the problems that the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, has been facing at their production site.
How Ozempic became a weight loss phenomenon
The drug is said to be a breakthrough tool that can help combat the problem of obesity. Ozempic works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone known as GLP-1, which is responsible for controlling hunger by increasing the level of fullness.
The media coverage on the drug’s effects on obesity started gaining momentum in 2021. This was particularly the case when the drug was featured on The Dr. Oz Show, discussing the possibility of using diabetes medication to combat obesity.
Novo Nordisk was first approved by the FDA to use the drug to combat diabetes. This was done in December 2017. In June 2021, the company was given approval by the FDA to use a higher dose of semaglutide, 2.4 mg, to combat obesity.
The media coverage on the drug gained even more attention on October 1, 2021, when the CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk, announced on his social media platform that his weight loss was a result of “fasting and Wegovy.” Since Wegovy was out of stock, many doctors started prescribing Ozempic to patients seeking to lose weight.
Another factor that contributed to the popularity of the drug was the fact that Wegovy was very expensive. Without insurance, the cost of Wegovy was over $1,400, while the cost of Ozempic was around $900. Since insurance companies do not provide coverage for Wegovy, many patients opted to use the other drug.
What this means for people with diabetes
As a result of the increased demand for the drug by people seeking to lose weight, many people with diabetes are struggling to access the drug. Some patients have even been forced to switch medication since the drug is not available at pharmacies.
However, it should be noted that insurance plans do not necessarily cover alternative GLP-1 receptor agonists, which creates additional barriers. Patients who are unable to obtain access to Ozempic are advised to seek guidance from their healthcare providers regarding alternative treatments, including Victoza and Trulicity.
The difference is that Victoza injections are given daily, whereas Trulicity injections are given weekly. Another relatively new medication, Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, has been found to significantly reduce levels of A1C, as well as body weight. Although it is still undergoing clinical trials, it is expected to be submitted to the FDA for weight loss indications within the coming year.
Despite this, supply issues may still exist. While Eli Lilly has announced that production of Mounjaro will increase, experts believe that it could soon become the next medication that people seeking pharmaceutical weight loss may need.
