THROUGHOUT HISTORY, people have always been inclined to achieve certain beauty standards. In contemporary society, having a slim and fit body shape has found its way as the leading virtue. Ozempic and Wegovy have recently emerged as an easy shortcut for people to achieve their desired body type. Just as popular as it is, there have been various stories and allegations about celebrities and influencers utilizing them. Aside from discussions on the internet, obesity has been and continues to be a serious problem in the United States. Nevertheless, with the advent of Ozempic and Wegovy, there may be a chance for winning the battles against the disease often considered inevitable[1]. 

Introducing Ozempic and Wegovy

   Produced by Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company, Ozempic and Wegovy are drugs that are proven to have accelerating effects on weight loss and are currently heralded as being ground-breaking treatments for obesity. The enticement of these drugs is significant for people who desire to lose weight. Therefore, the medications brought immense success to the company. Currently, although the company aims to increase production, the demand is outweighing the supply. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over 100 million individuals in the United States are obese. Also, as there are numerous prospective clients, the company is expected to significantly expand. Thanks to Ozempic and Wegovy, the company’s market value has recently surpassed Denmark’s entire economic output and became the most valued company in Europe, even slightly overtaking the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH. It is also most certain that the recent growth in Denmark’s economy can now be attributed to the company's phenomenal achievements[1]. 

How it works

   Ozempic typically takes the form of an injectable prescription medication for treating adults with type 2 diabetes and is used in conjunction with diet and exercise. The drug is administered through a pen-shaped device and must be injected into the bloodstream regularly once every week. It reduces hemoglobin A1C and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. It also decreases the risk of cardiovascular disfunction, including heart attacks and strokes, in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease[2].

   Ozempic's active substance, semaglutide, functions as an agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor, imitating the physiological reaction of the body. It therefore amplifies the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which is naturally produced in our intestines, and activates GLP-1 receptors throughout the body; this leads to an increase in the amount of insulin that the pancreas releases in response to elevated blood sugar levels after consuming food. Similarly, it lessens the release of the hormone glucagon—which is responsible for raising blood glucose—and aids with blood sugar regulation[3]. 

Use for weight loss

   Ozempic received initial approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for the treatment of diabetes, with Novo Nordisk acknowledging that its main ingredient, semaglutide, though not officially classified as a weight-loss medication, may lead to loss in weight. Subsequently, in 2021, the FDA granted approval for semaglutide under the product name Wegovy specifically for weight loss. Wegovy contains a higher dosage of 2.4 mg of semaglutide, surpassing the 0.5, 1, or 2 mg found in Ozempic and making it more effective for weight loss. Both Ozempic and Wegovy are injectable drugs prescribed by doctors for weight loss purposes. However, the FDA's approval of Ozempic was initially for individuals with type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy was approved for adults with obesity, excess weight or at least one "weight-related condition," such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol[3]. 

   When the semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, enhances the effects of the natural hormone GLP-1 along with its effects on blood sugar and diabetes, it also impacts weight via two primary mechanisms. It reduces appetite and cravings by acting on the brain's hunger areas, particularly the hypothalamus. It then effectively lengthens the perception of feeling full and satisfied after meals by reducing the rate at which the stomach empties. Essentially, there will be a longer feeling of fullness and less hunger, leading to weight loss. In Novo Nordisk-sponsored clinical research, a lifestyle intervention and 2.4 mg of semaglutide or a placebo were administered on a weekly basis for 68 weeks to 1,961 people who were overweight or obese but did not have diabetes. Those who took semaglutide lost 14.9% of their body weight, whereas those who took a placebo lost 2.4%. Yet, Ozempic clients generally lose weight due to reducing their caloric intake, rather than the medication miraculously melting away fat. Additionally, these drugs may cause or worsen disordered eating if patients neglect to visit their doctors frequently to ensure that they acquire adequate nutrition[1].  

Outlooks of Ozempic and Wegovy

   Currently, Novo Nordisk is unable to meet patient demand due to the intense requisition for weight-loss medications. Nonetheless, the market's final size is far larger. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that over 40% of adult Americans fit the criteria for obesity. People are seeking off-label[4] prescriptions and imitation medications due to the shortage of Ozempic and Wegovy. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies are competing with one another to create even more potent weight-loss medications and pill versions of the injectable medications[5]. 

   The price is also becoming a problem. Individuals with conditions that do not meet the criteria for the prescription of the medication will have difficulty obtaining insurance and will have to pay a higher expense. Without insurance, a 28-day supply of Wegovy can cost over $1,300 and a monthly supply of Ozempic can cost up to $892. Nevertheless, obtaining the medications is becoming more challenging for individuals with diabetes or obesity. Wegovy has been on the FDA’s drug shortage list since March 2023. Since the treatments must be injected frequently to be effective, their scarcity is becoming problematic as patients may revert to their pre-injection states[1]. 

   Side effects of the medications also exist. Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and nausea are among the most prevalent side effects of Ozempic. Other possible side effects known are kidney problems, changes in vision, inflammation of the pancreas, serious allergic reactions, and thyroid tumors including cancer[2]. 

[1] The New York Times

[2] 2023 Novo Nordisk

[3] Forbes

[4] Off-label: Use of a medication for a purpose other than the one for which it has been approved 

[5] The Washington Post