📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists have dominated the weight loss conversation throughout 2024. Initially developed for managing diabetes, these medications have gained significant traction for their weight loss benefits. From celebrity endorsements to social media buzz, they’ve become a go-to option for those looking to shed pounds quickly. However, this surge in popularity hasn’t come without controversy.
Critics have raised concerns about the ethics of off-label use, the affordability gap that makes these drugs inaccessible to many, and the long-term implications of relying on medication over lifestyle adjustments. With public demand continuing to climb, questions about the future of these drugs are more relevant than ever.
Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health intellectual, says, “The normalisation of GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy as weight-loss solutions in 2024 can be attributed to several interrelated factors. First, clinical trials have demonstrated significant weight loss with these drugs, with semaglutide showing a 15–20% reduction in weight compared to 2–5% from lifestyle interventions alone. These medications work by mimicking the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that regulates appetite and slows gastric emptying, making them effective in reducing caloric intake.”
Initially approved for type 2 diabetes, Dr Hiremath adds, semaglutide’s approval for chronic weight management broadened its use, reflecting a growing recognition of obesity as a chronic disease requiring medical treatment. Public awareness, driven by celebrity endorsements and social media, further boosted the visibility of these medications, with terms like ‘Ozempic face’ becoming part of the cultural lexicon. “Additionally, the rise of telemedicine in 2024 has facilitated easier access to prescriptions, although concerns about off-label use and minimal medical oversight have emerged. Finally, a 2023 Lancet study emphasised the importance of early pharmacological interventions to address the global obesity crisis, further legitimising medications like Ozempic,” he says.
Dr Hiremath explains, “While GLP-1 agonists are generally well-tolerated, their long-term use, especially in those without diabetes, poses risks.” Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, affecting up to 40% of users, and rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones.
Although rare, pancreatitis may occur, particularly in those with a history of gallstones or high triglycerides. Dr Hiremath adds, “Animal studies suggest a link to thyroid issues, though human evidence is inconclusive.” Additionally, rapid weight loss can cause electrolyte imbalances, and psychological concerns like body dysmorphia may arise without mental health support. Long-term effects on metabolic health are still being studied.
Dr Hiremath stresses that the high cost of GLP-1 agonists — often over $1,000 per month — presents a major barrier to access. He suggests that “governments could negotiate pricing directly with manufacturers, as has been done with insulin, and subsidise these medications under public health programs to make them affordable for those who need them.” The introduction of generic versions in the coming years may lower costs. To ensure ethical use, “regulators could implement stricter prescription guidelines to prioritise patients with clinical obesity.”
Dr Hiremath predicts that in 2025, the success of GLP-1 agonists will lead to the development of next-generation drugs with fewer side effects and better efficacy. “Dual or triple hormone receptor agonists, such as GLP-1/GIP, are already in clinical trials.” He also expects stricter prescribing guidelines to limit use to patients with clinical obesity or related conditions, along with the introduction of generic semaglutide to lower costs and improve accessibility.
Telemedicine platforms may integrate with wearable devices to monitor patients’ progress, while ethical concerns around cosmetic use will likely prompt public discourse and policy changes. Dr Hiremath concludes, “While GLP-1 agonists offer a promising solution for weight loss, their long-term effects, accessibility, and ethical use require careful regulation.”
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
