Over the past few years, the rise of Ozempic, a medication originally designed to treat Type 2 diabetes but is now widely sought after for its weight-loss benefits, has been trending in pop culture and social media.
A-Listers, influencers, and everyday people alike have turned to this so-called wonder drug in the hopes of shedding pounds with minimal effort.
But as the popularity of Ozempic and its alternatives grows, questions arise about its safety, sustainability and whether celebrity endorsements are fuelling unrealistic expectations.
Even more intriguing is the recent move by Kourtney Kardashian to launch her own variation of the drug, claiming it to be a "natural" alternative to the popular weight-loss medication.
But does a natural version of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, exist? Or is this just another example of celebrity culture jumping on the latest fitness bandwagon?
Ozempic 101: What is semaglutide?
Ozempic’s active ingredient, semaglutide, belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications were originally developed to help manage Type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels.
However, during clinical trials, researchers noticed a surprising side effect: many patients were experiencing significant weight loss.
This led to a new off-label use of semaglutide as a weight-loss aid, and in 2021, the FDA approved a higher dose of the drug, marketed as Wegovy, specifically for weight management.
In simple terms, semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone in the body that helps regulate appetite. It makes you feel fuller for longer and reduces cravings, which can lead to fewer calories consumed over time.
For those struggling with obesity and the complex metabolic factors that come with it, this can be a game-changer. However, it’s not a magic solution. Like any medication, it’s most effective when combined with exercise and a healthy diet.
It’s no secret that Hollywood sets the bar when it comes to beauty and fitness standards. From detox teas to waist trainers, celebrities have long influenced what the public perceives as "healthy".
However, the sudden rush of stars endorsing or being rumoured to use Ozempic for weight loss has taken this influence to a whole new level. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Elon Musk have been linked to the drug, either through speculation or outright admission.
Dr Marius Wasserfall, a Specialist Physician at Mediclinic, explained that semaglutide can be a valuable tool for those battling obesity but it’s not a quick fix.
“These medications are not a silver bullet,” Wasserfall emphasized, “But they can help patients make real progress when combined with healthy habits.”
Obesity is a global issue. By 2030, it’s estimated that half of the world’s population will be overweight or obese. In South Africa, this figure has already been reached with over 50% of adults classified as overweight or obese.
The challenge, as Wasserfall pointed out, goes beyond mere willpower. Obesity affects brain chemistry and metabolic processes, making long-term weight loss incredibly difficult.
Semaglutide helps address this issue by affecting hunger and satiety hormones in the brain, creating a feeling of fullness that can help users stick to a lower-calorie diet.
Studies have shown that people using semaglutide for weight loss can shed up to 15% of their body weight.
However, there are caveats. The drug can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, and there are concerns about its long-term safety in non-diabetic users.
Counterfeits and health risks
As Ozempic’s popularity has grown, so too have the risks associated with its misuse. The FDA and South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) have both issued warnings about counterfeit versions of semaglutide entering the market as demand has exceeded supply.
In some cases, these counterfeit products may not contain the active ingredient at all, or worse, they could include harmful substances.
Wasserfall warned that “purchasing from an unlicensed manufacturer comes with significant risks. The product may not contain what it claims, and there’s no quality assurance.”
Additionally, because semaglutide is in such high demand for weight loss, shortages have made it harder for diabetics, who rely on the drug to manage their condition, to access it.
A lifelong commitment?
One of the biggest challenges with semaglutide is that it’s not a short-term solution. Research has shown that once patients stop taking the medication, they often regain most of the weight they lost.
“Stopping the medication will likely result in the majority of the weight being regained,” Wasserfall explained. This is because semaglutide changes brain chemistry related to appetite control but once the drug is discontinued, the brain returns to its previous state.
There’s also the issue of cost. These medications are expensive, and many insurance plans don’t cover semaglutide unless it’s prescribed for diabetes, not weight loss.
This makes it a costly and potentially lifelong commitment for those using it solely for weight management.
The Ozempic craze highlights a broader issue: the societal pressure to conform to certain body standards.
While medications like semaglutide can be helpful tools in the fight against obesity, healthcare professionals stress that they are just one piece of the puzzle.
Long-term weight loss requires sustainable lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, regular exercise and a focus on overall wellness.
As Wasserfall put it: “Ultimately, it comes down to this: you’ll face either the pain of self-discipline or the pain of regret – the choice is yours.”