In a world fixated on body image and the quest for the ideal physique, new player Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic has entered the scenario with a lot of buzz.
And in recent years, similar drugs like Wegovy from the makers of Ozempic and Mounjaro from Eli Lilly and Co. have been creating a lot of excitement and hope worldwide.
According to a Bloomberg report, anti-obesity drug sales are expected to reach $44 billion globally by 2030, a huge leap from $2.5 billion in 2022, with big players like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly leading the way.
How These Drugs Shed Pounds
Originally designed as a weekly injection to treat type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has also been found to reduce body weight and has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 for such usage in overweight individuals.
In clinical trials, Ozempic, generally known as semaglutide, led to an average weight loss of about 15%. The drug mimics the action of human incretin glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which is naturally by the lining of the stomach after eating.
The drug also increases insulin secretion and improves blood sugar disposal, and hence glycaemic control. Further, it slows down the emptying of the stomach, creating a feeling of fullness, which reduces your appetite and food intake, leading to weight loss.
Mounjaro works similarly, but it uses tirzepatide, instead of semaglutide, to simulate both GLP-1 and a second hormone, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP).
More Than Just Weight Loss
Scientists believe these drugs are on the verge of transforming several medical fields, including cardiology and endocrinology.
Researchers are also exploring the potential of these drugs for treating Alzheimer’s, liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and even skin conditions. If these studies succeed, these drugs could extend lives, save billions in healthcare costs, and mark a new era in public health.
While those expectations are very high and not all may come true, we're already seeing real-world effects in a few areas.
In March 2024, the FDA approved Co. to reduce heart disease risk, making it the first weight loss drug also approved to prevent serious heart events in adults with cardiovascular disease who are obese or overweight.
Moreover, a recent study confirmed that Ozempic lowers cognitive functioning and reduce nicotine dependency. The research also found that Ozempic did not show an increased risk of neurological and psychiatric conditions like dementia, depression, or anxiety, compared to other widely used diabetes medications.
The Buzz and the Risks
In the past few years, Instagram, TikTok, and celebrities have shaped society's idea of the perfect body. For those not naturally gifted with ideal genes, these drugs are offering a shortcut to shed extra weight and feel free from its burden.
In fact, celebrities promoting this drug for quick weight loss have led to it being prescribed as a lifestyle treatment, even for those with normal BMIs.
For instance, Oprah Winfrey discussed using one of these weight-loss drugs in an ABC special called “Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution.”
In 2022, even Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk mentioned using these drugs in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He tweeted, “Down 30 lbs!” When asked what made the most difference by Tesla Owners Silicon Valley, Elon said, “Fasting + Ozempic/Wegovy + no tasty food near me.”
With all such hypes, the health risks are often downplayed, which could lead to medical malpractice and negligence claims. Moreover for people who are mildly overweight or use the drugs for aesthetic purposes, the potential long-term risks might outweigh the benefits.
Additionally, with a price tag of around $1,000 per month in the US, there are questions about their cost-effectiveness for managing weight loss over time. Also there's a concern about the emergence of black markets with illegal sales of fake products and the risk of overdoses.
This sudden increase in demand has resulted in shortages of the drug originally meant for diabetic patients.
Not to mention, this class of drugs has been around for less than 20 years. We don’t know yet what happens after lifelong use of these drugs. It will take us years of multiple trials and much more data to fully understand both the potential and the adverse effects of these drugs.
Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are using these weight loss drugs, and their use will likely increase as they gain approval for additional purposes. It could take many years or even generations before we fully understand their undisclosed limitations or their complete capabilities.
Edited by Harshajit Sarmah
