The Ozempic Media Buzz Explained | Pharmacy2U

Why are people taking Ozempic?

Ozempic is a medication used to treat diabetes, yet it has gained popularity for its weight loss effects. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, successfully helps to regulate insulin by increasing levels of incretins. It also helps to reduce the amount of glucose generated by the liver. The reason why Ozempic has become a household name, however, is not because of its insulin impacts but because of its weight loss effects.

Research into Ozempic for weight loss

Scientific studies look into the effectiveness of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic. One study found sustained, clinically relevant reductions in body weight after 68 weeks, and another study found significant weight loss in a meta-analysis of eight trials. So, there’s a consensus that the treatment works, but why has Ozempic become a big name in the media?

Celebrity Influence

Celebrities are undoubtedly a large focus in the media, and when someone loses a significant amount of weight the media is quick to pick up on it. Elon Musk, Rebel Wilson, and Stephen Fry are among some of the celebrities who have discussed weight loss injections, with Chelsea Handler stating ‘everyone is on Ozempic’. 

Unfortunately, this means now when a celebrity loses a significant amount of weight, they are accused of taking weight loss injections. Khloe Kardashian hit back against rumours saying “Let’s not discredit my years of working out. I get up 5 days a week at 6am to train. Please stop with your assumptions.”

Although not directly mentioning treatment names, Oprah Winfrey expressed ‘I never dreamed that we would be talking about medicines that are providing hope for people like me who have struggled for years with being overweight or with obesity’. Celebrity endorsement of these weight loss medications has no doubt increased interest in them.

From Hollywood to the whole world, Ozmepic memes have become a common occurrence online. Jimmy Kimmel even made a joke about the medication at the Oscars, remarking “Everybody looks so great. When I look around this room, I can’t help but wonder ‘Is Ozempic right for me?”. All of these mentions of Ozempic on social media, television, and more, are contributing towards society becoming more and more interested in the drug.

Negative effects of the media buzz

With many celebrities talking about taking the treatment and its popularity growing, Ozempic has become the latest weight loss trend. The negative side of this is that its demand has created a global shortage of Ozempic, meaning individuals who need the medication to manage their diabetes are left waiting for the medication they need or having to change to a different course of treatment. 

In September 2023, a separate brand of semaglutide named Wegovy was approved for weight loss. This means that in the UK, Ozempic is only prescribed for individuals with diabetes, whereas Wegovy is offered as a weight loss treatment. Wegovy has a higher dose of semaglutide that is specifically designed to help with weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Individuals should be wary of any companies trying to sell ‘Ozempic’ without a prescription, fake and potentially harmful weight loss pens have been found in the UK according to the government website.

Weight loss at Pharmacy2U

If you’re wondering which weight loss medications could apply to you, complete our easy online consultation and our doctors will determine whether you’re suitable for any of our treatments including Wegovy and Mounjaro.