Is Ozempic a revolutionary cure for diabetes and weight loss or a dangerous trend?

Ozempic or a revolutionary diabetes drug with side effects for weight loss

Currently, the Czech Republic ranks among the countries with the highest prevalence of obesity in the European context. Many people who have tried to lose weight know that this process is far from easy. It requires a reduction in caloric intake, an increase in physical activity and often a large investment of time and money. But the situation has changed fundamentally in 2019, when a new drug, Ozempic, entered the market and has started to gradually change the way we look at the issue of weight loss, especially for people with type 2 diabetes.

More than just a diabetes drug

Ozempic was originally developed and marketed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. The drug, whose main active ingredient is semaglutide, was primarily intended to improve diabetes control and to support patients who had been taking insulin for many years. Its main advantage over other treatments is the simplicity of administration - instead of frequent insulin injections, which patients have to undergo up to several times a day, a subcutaneous injection of Ozempic once a week is sufficient. This aspect makes it a very attractive option for patients who have been struggling with type 2 diabetes for a long time.

According to diabetologist Martina Breburd, Ozempic not only brings better control over blood sugar levels, but also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. "It is a very potent anti-diabetic and anti-obesity drug. Patients achieve tremendous improvement in the compensation of type 2 diabetes, so much so that many can stop insulin after years," says Breburd, MD. An important side effect of the drug is also a reduction in the feeling of hunger and a slowing of gastric emptying, which brings a longer-lasting feeling of fullness.

Ozempic and its growing popularity: Social networks, celebrities and the weight loss phenomenon

Although Ozempic is primarily intended for the treatment of diabetes, its side effects aimed at weight control have made it a popular remedy among people trying to lose weight. This trend took off particularly in the US, where Ozempic quickly became almost synonymous with weight loss, thanks in large part to social media and celebrities who began openly promoting it.

According to Martin Haluzik, head of the Diabetology Centre at the Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine in Prague, the popularity of Ozempic was mainly brought about by a wave of social media sharing. This popularity led to a surge of interest in the drug in the Czech Republic, which resulted in a significant increase in its consumption. Some people see Ozempic as an easy way to lose weight without focusing on lifestyle changes, but this can lead to a dangerous yo-yo effect, experts say.

Diabetes, genetics and the importance of lifestyle

Doctors like Jiri Stern, an ophthalmologist at Oculista Eye Center, warn that relying solely on Ozempic without making major lifestyle changes can have serious consequences. "Type 2 diabetes is a genetic disease, but how it manifests itself is in our hands. If a diabetic reduces his body weight, his diabetes parameters will improve," explains Stern. He says many people choose the easier route - taking medication - instead of focusing on major changes in diet and exercise.

However, interest in Ozempic has become so massive in the Czech Republic that last year it was off the market. This particularly affected diabetics who depended on the drug. "Some patients had to secure the drug abroad, often at high costs," comments Emília Malicherová, head of diabetes and endocrinology at ResTrial.

Restrictions on prescribing Ozempic and new rules

Due to the massive increase in interest in Ozempic in the Czech Republic and concerns about its abuse, the Ministry of Health has introduced strict rules for its prescription since last year. Since then, only diabetologists, endocrinologists and internists can prescribe the drug. In addition, they must state on the prescription that the patient suffers from type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This move is an attempt to prevent Ozempic from becoming a commonly used weight-loss drug for people who do not suffer from diabetes.

According to Martin Haluzik, Ozempic should be prescribed in the Czech Republic primarily for the treatment of diabetes, not as a primary treatment for obesity. "The drug is very effective, but it is not for everyone. It is necessary that its use is under the careful supervision of a doctor, and patients should change their lifestyle at the same time," Haluzik said.

Wegovy: A stronger alternative to Ozempic

For the treatment of obesity, there is a stronger variant of Ozempic called Wegovy, which contains higher doses of semaglutide. This drug, which is taken in higher doses once a week, is not yet available in the Czech Republic. However, even Ozempic alone can cause a significant weight loss in patients. According to the available studies, Ozempic helps patients to reduce their body weight by 5 to 10% of their original weight, while Wega can reduce weight by up to 15 to 17%.

Economic impact and future of semaglutide-based drugs

Both Ozempic and Wegovy are manufactured by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which has seen tremendous growth due to its global expansion and the increasing demand for these drugs. Last year alone, the Danish economy grew by 1.9%, due in large part to Novo Nordisk's success. In addition, the company created more than 7 500 jobs in Denmark during the first half of 2023.

Yet some economists warn of potential risks. The increasing dependence of the Danish economy on the success of one company is reminiscent of Nokia's scenario in Finland, which after years of rapid growth suffered a steep fall, resulting in an economic slump for the entire country. But Danish Economy Minister Stephanie Lose dismisses these concerns. She says Novo Nordisk is not as deeply rooted in the Danish economy as Nokia has been in the past, and that some of its production takes place abroad.

Illegal copies and the dangers of counterfeits

The growing popularity of Ozempic has also led to illegal copies of the drug appearing on the market. These counterfeits are mainly sold on the internet and can pose a serious health risk. According to doctors like Jiri Stern, the biggest danger is incorrect dosage, which can cause serious side effects, including acute pancreatitis, a life-threatening condition.

"Ozempic is not an ordinary pill that you can take according to your mood. It is a powerful drug that must be taken under the careful supervision of a doctor," explains Stern. The State Institute for Drug Control (SIKL) warned about illegal copies on its website as early as 2023, and doctors strongly caution against taking them. Experts also stress that any treatment with Ozempic should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist who will determine the appropriate dosage based on the individual needs of the patient.

The future of diabetes and obesity treatment

With the growing demand for semaglutide-based drugs such as Ozempic and Wegova, more and more experts agree that the future of obesity and diabetes treatment will largely be associated with these drugs. Companies around the world, including China's Livzon Pharmaceutical Group, are already developing similar drugs that could be priced lower once the patent on Ozempic expires.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it should be emphasized that although Ozempic offers a number of benefits in the treatment of diabetes and aids in weight loss, its use should be strictly under the supervision of a physician and intended only for patients with type 2 diabetes. Relying on Ozempic as a simple solution for weight loss without lifestyle changes is not only ineffective, but may also carry serious health risks, such as the risk of serious side effects, including pancreatitis. In addition, uncontrolled use of the drug without medical supervision, especially in the pursuit of quick results, can lead to dangerous consequences that can be life-threatening. In addition, misuse of drugs like Ozempic can cause shortages for those who actually need it to treat their illness, which has already led to limitations in its availability.

When it comes to weight loss, changes in diet and physical activity in particular yield long-term results. A healthy lifestyle should always be a priority over any pharmacological solution, and the use of drugs such as Ozempic should remain solely part of medically indicated treatment, not a fashion trend. That's why our magazine is constantly publishing educational articles on nutrition and healthy exercise!

Image source: Shutterstock.com

Source of quotes: Forbes.cz