Ozempic, commonly known as a “weight-loss injection,” was primarily designed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, is also found in other prescription medications marketed under the brands Wegovy and Rybelsus.
Semaglutide helps control appetite by influencing blood sugar levels. A clinical trial published in 2021 demonstrated that, over a 68-week period, participants taking semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weight, while those receiving a placebo only lost 2%. Some participants lost as much as 20% of their initial body weight. A 2023 study also found that semaglutide reduced the risk of heart attacks and strokes by one-fifth in individuals with a history of cardiovascular diseases.
Ozempic lowers blood sugar and regulates insulin levels. Administered weekly, this medication mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is naturally produced in the intestines. It sends a signal to the brain indicating fullness, thereby promoting slower gastric emptying and limiting appetite.
According to a new study, obesity treatments can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, regardless of the amount of weight lost. Besides its positive effects on blood sugar, blood pressure, and inflammation, semaglutide has been found to have direct benefits on heart muscles and blood vessels.
However, recent data indicates that rapid weight gain can occur after discontinuing the medication. The drug’s high price in the U.S. has also become a topic of discussion, as Ozempic’s price there is over ten times higher than in Europe.
Price Scrutiny in the U.S.
The sales prices of Wegovy and Ozempic, used for diabetes and obesity treatment, have come under scrutiny following a lawsuit initiated by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC accused major insurance companies and pharmaceutical firms of colluding to inflate insulin prices, with companies focusing on maximizing their profits.
In the U.S., Wegovy can cost up to $1,349 per month, while the same medication is available for around $92 in countries like the U.K. and Germany. The Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of both drugs, was questioned by the U.S. Senate on September 25. During the congressional inquiry, members pressed Novo Nordisk’s executive Lars Jørgensen to commit to lowering drug prices, but he did not make any such promise.
Thanks to the success of its weight-loss drugs, Novo Nordisk surpassed the French luxury manufacturer LVMH to become Europe’s most valuable company in 2023.
WHO Warns About Fake Weight-Loss Drugs
Recently, there has been a notable rise in the use of Ozempic, particularly among individuals without diabetes, as a weight-loss solution. This surge has led to some Type 2 diabetes patients struggling to find the genuine medication, creating a market for counterfeit versions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning regarding the counterfeit versions of the popular weight-loss drug Ozempic. The WHO emphasizes that these fake medications can pose serious health risks and advises against using Ozempic based on recommendations from dubious websites or social media—urging that it should only be used under medical advice.
Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s assistant director-general for essential medicines and health products, stated, “We encourage health professionals, regulatory bodies, and the public to be aware of these counterfeit drugs.” The organization stresses that some fake versions of Ozempic may not contain semaglutide or may include other substances like insulin, leading to “unpredictable” health effects.
The WHO has been closely monitoring reports of increased production of counterfeit Ozempic since 2022. Authorities in the U.K., U.S., and Brazil have seized some counterfeit drugs. In October 2023, it was reported that the fake drugs confiscated in the U.K. came from known suppliers in Austria and Germany, packaged similarly to genuine products.
The higher-dose version of Ozempic, Wegovy, was specifically developed for individuals with obesity or those who are overweight and have chronic health issues. In the U.K., Wegovy is utilized in specialized weight-loss clinics under the National Health Service (NHS).
In summary, while Ozempic offers potential benefits for weight loss and diabetes management, its high price and the prevalence of counterfeit medications underscore the importance of using it under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
