Ozempic has been a drug widely known for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes in adults. Recently, it was discovered to have substantial effects on weight loss which is part of the reason for its high demand today. However, as technology in drug development becomes more advanced, researchers are finding new uses for Ozempic for various health conditions beyond diabetes. These emerging discoveries are making health issues surrounding Ozempic more complex from a health equity standpoint. 22 percent of Americans have asked their doctor to prescribe them Ozempic for weight loss and 52 percent of Americans with diabetes have found it harder to find medication for treatment due to the recent spike in interest for the drug. As this newfound versatility of Ozempic has sparked, researchers, public health, and healthcare professionals alike face the challenge of not only ensuring access to Ozempic for individuals with diabetes, but also trying to explore the potential benefits of the drug for people with conditions such as obesity, PCOS, and addiction. As the research continues, more possibilities are being uncovered for the use of this versatile  drug, including more methods of application such as injection, etc. With this comes a broader range of treatment interventions as well as improving patient outcomes for individuals struggling with multiple health conditions.

Semaglutide, better known as Ozempic, is an FDA-approved medication used for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. Ozempic works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, which helps your body to regulate blood sugar levels. The drug helps by regulating and improving blood sugar in adults by lowering hemoglobin A1C which can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as stroke or heart attack. Ozempic also works by delaying gastric emptying which as a result suppresses appetite or induces the feeling of feeling full, which is why it works for weight loss. Since the rise of the popular drug, reports of other potential uses for it have also arisen, from curing conditions like PCOS to possibly treating other major diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or even cancer. Research shows that Ozempic can have effects beyond just appetite. Individuals have reported a disinterest in addictive behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and biting nails after taking Ozempic. This behavior has been linked to an effect on the pancreas, stomach, metabolism, and brain activity when taking Ozempic. However, despite all of its positive qualities, Ozempic is not made for everyone seeking to lose weight and can have negative effects if used improperly. 

Some potential side effects caused by Ozempic are diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues. It is advised that people who suffer from medullary thyroid cancer, are pregnant, or breastfeeding should not use Ozempic due to its side effects. Its long-term effects on the body, including the brain, are unknown, but it has been found that when off Ozempic, its effects are completely reversed. This is because people who take Ozempic for weight loss would need to take it for the rest of their life or they risk gaining all the weight back that was lost.There are also reports saying that some people using Ozempic are also experiencing hair loss due to the amount of weight loss and lack of nutrients from appetite suppression. However, with the right amount of nutrients and a balanced diet while on Ozempic, hair will grow back without the risk of permanent damage. 

Novo Nordisk, the company that created Ozempic, is in the process of suing clinics that are working to create copycat versions of Ozempic. They have currently submitted five lawsuits on the grounds of “false advertising, trademark infringement, and unlawful sales of non-FDA approved products.”  Since then, Novo Nordisk has launched a resource hub to educate and bring public awareness on how to properly use Semaglutide products, in hopes of increasing safe usage, and how to spot counterfeit products. Concerns have been raised about the presence of Semaglutide Sodium, said to be a cheaper alternative used for research purposes but not meant for human consumption. With FDA officials alarmed about the widespread use of this sodium, they posted a warning on their website highlighting the reports of patients using compounded Semaglutide and the risk it causes to patient health and safety. 

Despite its many risks, Ozempic has yielded numerous positive results for patients suffering with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. As a result, researchers are discovering new ways to distribute the drug. Weight loss drugs like Ozempic are usually given as a weekly injection treatment, but due to its high demand, they can now be given in the form of a daily pill. Scientists believe that a pill would be a more palatable alternative for some people due to its convenience and familiarity. When tested, the trials showed that the weight loss seen with patients taking the pill was proportional to people who were taking the weekly injection of Ozempic. This finding is said to be a game changer because it gives people who may be anxious around needles the option of an oral treatment rather than an injection. 

Ozempic’s high demand due to its popularity for weight loss has caused a national shortage. This national shortage has mostly affected diabetic patients who are also in need of the drug, but for a more life-threatening reason. Social media has been the leading cause of Ozempic flying off the shelves. Celebrities have shared their testimonies of the drug using #Ozempic to tell their stories of how the drug helped them renew their figure. This sparked the interest of many looking for short-term weight loss and in turn, caused a shortage for the patients in the diabetic community and those seeking long-term weight loss. 

Ozempic’s “magic powers” do not diminish the importance of keeping your body healthy. Weight loss involves a long-term change in your eating and behavioral habits. It is recommended that people taking Ozempic still do at least two and a half hours of exercise every week and practice a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and carbs. There is still much more to be learned about this drug, including how it can help treat other diseases. As researchers continue to study Ozempic, they also continue to discover new ways that it can be beneficial in medicine. Additionally, it is important for researchers to brainstorm strategies to keep Ozempic accessible to those who need it. Novo Nordisk will continue to provide tools and information to educate people on the appropriate use of Ozempic so that the public may learn how to use it safely and wisely.