The diabetes drug Ozempic with the active substance semaglutide lowers blood sugar, but also causes the pounds to plummet. This has made the drug sought after all over the world for weight loss purposes, so much so that there is now a great shortage of the drug. At the end of last year, the Swedish Medicines Agency therefore appealed to doctors not to prescribe Ozempic to people without diabetes. »The Swedish Medicines Agency takes very seriously the fact that chronically ill patients are left without their medication due to extensive prescribing outside of an approved indication«, the agency wrote in a debate article in Läkartidningen.
But in Assignment review’s new program »The Hunt for Ozempic« a reporter tries to get Ozempic prescribed for weight loss – and it turns out to be easy. Five out of nine online clinics assess him as a patient during a video call. There, the reporter claims that he weighs 130 kilos, even though this is clearly not the case. Three clinics refuse him treatment when they see that he is not overweight, but two clinics write prescriptions for the reporter. At another clinic, it is enough to send in pictures. In that case, the reporter uses AI-generated images of an overweight man. A total of six out of nine clinics prescribe the drug according to Mission review. When the clinics are confronted afterwards, several say that there is always a risk of patients lying and that doctors must be able to trust their patients.
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Lakartidningen.se 2024-09-10
Ozempic side effects
Table of Contents
The Diabetes Drug Ozempic: Weight Loss Sensation or Health Risk?
Ozempic, a diabetes medication containing the active substance semaglutide, has been making waves in the health community due to its unintended benefit: weight loss. While it is not licensed as a weight loss treatment, [3] Ozempic has become highly sought after for its ability to help people shed pounds. However, this has led to a shortage of the drug, and health authorities are now sounding the alarm.
How Effective is Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Studies have shown that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, can lead to significant weight loss. In one study, participants who took semaglutide lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight compared to those who received a placebo [1]. This is a remarkable result, especially considering that Ozempic is not approved for weight loss purposes.
The Shortage of Ozempic and Its Consequences
The high demand for Ozempic has led to a shortage of the drug, leaving many diabetics without access to their medication. The Swedish Medicines Agency has appealed to doctors to only prescribe Ozempic to patients with diabetes, citing the serious consequences of “chronically ill patients being left without their medication due to extensive prescribing outside of an approved indication.” [p]
Is it Easy to Get Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Unfortunately, it appears that it is relatively easy to obtain Ozempic for weight loss purposes, even for those who do not have diabetes. An undercover reporter for Assignment review’s program “The Hunt for Ozempic” was able to get prescribed Ozempic from five out of nine online clinics, despite claiming to weigh 130 kilos (which was not true). Two clinics wrote prescriptions for the reporter, while another clinic only required him to send in pictures, which were AI-generated images of an overweight man [p].
The Risks of Taking Ozempic for Weight Loss
While Ozempic may be effective for weight loss, it is essential to remember that it is a medication designed to treat diabetes, not obesity. Taking Ozempic without a diabetes diagnosis can lead to serious health risks, including hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and pancreatitis [2].
Conclusion
Ozempic may be a game-changer for diabetes patients, but its unintended weight loss benefit has created a complex situation. While it is understandable that people want to lose weight, it is crucial to prioritize responsible prescribing practices and ensure that medications are used for their intended purposes. As the demand for Ozempic continues to grow, it is essential to address the risks and consequences of taking this medication for weight loss purposes.
Ozempic side effects
The Diabetes Drug Ozempic: Weight Loss Sensation or Health Risk?
Ozempic, a diabetes medication containing the active substance semaglutide, has been making waves in the health community due to its unintended benefit: weight loss. While it is not licensed as a weight loss treatment, Ozempic has become highly sought after for its ability to help people shed pounds. However, this has led to a shortage of the drug, and health authorities are now sounding the alarm.
How Effective is Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Studies have shown that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, can lead to significant weight loss. In one study, participants who took semaglutide lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight compared to those who received a placebo [1]. This is a remarkable result, especially considering that Ozempic is not approved for weight loss purposes.
The Shortage of Ozempic and Its Consequences
The high demand for Ozempic has led to a shortage of the drug, leaving many diabetics without access to their medication. The Swedish Medicines Agency has appealed to doctors to only prescribe Ozempic to patients with diabetes, citing the serious consequences of “chronically ill patients being left without their medication due to extensive prescribing outside of an approved indication” [2].
Is it Easy to Get Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Unfortunately, it appears that it is
