Written by: Alejandro Pineda Catalan

Medicinal medicine is a practice and study that dates back to 3300 BCE. Humanity saw it in ancient Egypt in what is known as the Old Kingdom. Fast-forward to the present, and we have made leaps and bounds in what we now know as modern medicine. While the pharmaceutical industry splits medicine into many different profiles, we’ll discuss how cash-cow pharmaceutical drugs have begun to shift everyday individuals’ perspectives on so-called “good” and “bad” drugs. 

In the past few decades, society has witnessed various medications rise from what we now call “Big Pharma.” The term describes the major pharmaceutical companies and the smaller ones supporting them. The pharmaceutical industry intersects with the most significant medications we see daily. Some have been around for decades, but most are relatively new, with many concerns behind them. Ozempic has seen its rise within the last few years, following its approval in 2017. The company Novo Nordisk releases Ozempic.

Ozempic medication, with its potential benefits, is intended for those with type two diabetes to help lower their blood sugar, and users should combine a healthy diet with exercise. Semaglutide, the main drug in Ozempic, is an injection that is to be taken weekly, unlike insulin, which people with diabetes take daily. Semaglutide classifies as an incretin mimetic, which helps the pancreas maintain the proper amount of insulin the body needs to break down sugar and store it in other body tissues to use as energy. Maintaining a healthier blood sugar level can also lower the chance of heart attacks, strokes, and heart and blood vessel diseases. Incretin mimetics also slow the process of digesting your food, which can lead to weight loss. 

Obesity has been a controversial topic as we have seen numbers skyrocket since the 1990’s, as data suggested by the CDC. It is not only a topic but has become an epidemic in the United States. Over three hundred thousand premature deaths can be accounted for by obesity and inactivity. While other methods have become popular to combat obesity, many of those methods have come from medicine and medical procedures. Ozempic has become the next “big thing” with its ties to weight loss. Even though diabetes and obesity closely relate to each other, individuals without type-two diabetes also receive this medicine. 

Towards the end of 2022 alone, doctors prescribed over nine million weight loss prescriptions to patients. Many of these prescriptions are classified as “off-label,” regarding it as prescribed for other reasons than what they’re approved for. This allocation has raised concerns relating to whether the medication is being abused by those who are seeking faster weight-loss results but are not fully aware of the long-term side effects. 

There are many precautions and side effects that come with the use of this injection. According to US clinical trials, patients taking Ozempic experienced nausea and vomiting, with these adverse effects going away as the body adapted to the new drug. Many users may also experience fatigue; these are just the known mild consequences. There are rare cases where the drug can result in more alarming concerns. Some patients are intolerant to the drug overall, and others have to lower their dosage than the recommended amount.          

While it is possible Ozempic is being abused by those who are seeking weight loss, it will be interesting to see if the FDA, the regulatory body responsible for approving and monitoring medications in the United States, will create stricter guidelines that can prevent the overuse of this prescription. The FDA has close ties with large pharmacy companies, which have created issues that result in patients misusing and abusing opioids, which has resulted in addictions along with deaths. Research does not show whether Ozempic has addictive properties. Ozempic may reduce the urge for certain habits like drinking, smoking, and opioid addictions. 

Ozempic may not have the effects that psychoactive drugs usually cause, but the reward of losing weight in such a quick amount of time may blind users to misuse this medication and disregard the other health concerns that can result in long-term use. This year alone, countless actors, artists, and entertainers speak openly about taking the medication. Some battle with diabetes, while others see the weight loss benefits and decide to take a chance with the medication. Ozempic has become undoubtedly popular as it constantly circulates in the mainstream media, commercials, and ads to promote the pharmaceutical drug. It has reached households all over America, the UK, and Australia. 

In 2023 alone, Novo Nordisk recorded an 18 billion dollar profit from the glucagon-like peptide. Ozempic is their number one seller, and another similar weight-loss drug is Wegovy. The company now has a market evaluation of $500 billion since the release of these drugs, along with the other medications under them. For-profits like this, it is easy to see why the widespread use of this medication is occurring. Even with concerns and patients speaking on their negative experiences with the medication, the benefits for type two diabetes patients, along with weight loss, outweigh the questions of harm. 

As for now, consumers have few options regarding diabetes and weight loss medication and the concerns surrounding it. If you or a loved one is considering the injection, it is crucial to conduct research relating to what can occur while on this specific medication. Also, please speak with a trusted doctor who comprehensively summarizes what one can expect while using the medication. Speaking with those taking the drug may also be beneficial. While obesity can cause many underlying health issues and diseases, one must not be too quick to jump into using medications while unaware of the side effects. Continue working on maintaining a healthier diet along with daily exercise. Remember, your healthcare provider is your best guide in this journey.   

Ozempic is a medication that patients should use in conjunction with their healthcare provider. Remember, weight is only one aspect of your health and well-being. It’s essential to take a holistic view of your health and prioritize eating well, moving more, and getting enough sleep. 

Thanks for reading!

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Earthshiners@earthshinersmagazine.com

Work citation 

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“Considering Taking a Weight-Loss Drug like Ozempic? Here Are Some Potential Risks and Benefits.” School of Public Health – University of Queensland, 3 Apr. 2024, public-health.uq.edu.au/article/2024/04/considering-taking-weight-loss-drug-ozempic-here-are-some-potential-risks-and-benefits. 

Morris, Chris. “Considering Ozempic or Another Weight-Loss Drug? It Could Cost You More Now.” Fortune Well, Fortune, 18 Jan. 2024, fortune.com/well/2024/01/18/ozempic-getting-more-expensive/. 

“Ozempic Maker Now Worth More than $500 Billion.” Ozempic Maker Now Worth More than $500 Billion , Tina Reed, 31 Jan. 2023, www.axios.com/2024/01/31/novo-profits-jump-wegovy-ozempic. 

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