If you do decide to give Ozempic or another similar medication a try, be aware that while they may seem like miracle drugs, they are not without downsides. Here are some factors to consider.
Cost
Availability
According to Kumar, you may run into issues with availability: “The trend of med spas, boutique weight loss practices, and illegitimate telehealth businesses liberally prescribing to people who don’t meet criteria is not only irresponsible, it could also interfere with getting the medication to those who need it the most.”
Delivery Method
Afraid of needles? Most of these medications are delivered via injection, not a pill.
Treatment Length
Once you get on Ozempic, you’ll need to stay on it to maintain results. “Patients considering any anti-obesity medication as a treatment option should be prepared to take these medications long-term — [that’s how] we see the best outcomes in the scenario for achieving and, most importantly, sustaining all the health benefits achieved,” says Gudzune.
Side Effects
Your Other Health Conditions
Tell your doctor if you have had problems in the past with your kidneys or pancreas, a history of diabetic retinopathy, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. These conditions may affect whether you can use this drug, according to Ozempic’s website.
Some evidence suggests that people with certain other medical conditions should avoid these drugs, too. “People who have a history or family history of a rare thyroid cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma) should not use this medication,” says Gudzune. Similarly, anyone with a history of pancreatitis should discuss the safety of these medications with a healthcare provider.
Gudzune also cautions anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding to avoid using these medications and says anyone who plans to become pregnant should have a discussion with their doctor about whether and how to use these medications.
Finally, individuals with a history of disordered eating should discuss the drugs with their doctor and therapist before starting.
Unknowns
As prescription drugs go, Ozempic/Wegovy and Mounjaro/Zepbound are relatively new, so there’s a lot we still don’t know about them. Studies have not documented the effects of years- or decades-long semaglutide use.
Kumar points out that there’s minimal research on their effects on people with normal weight. “While it is true that taking [these drugs] may benefit those with overweight or obesity, testing hasn’t assessed the effects of Ozempic in those without obesity — meaning people who want to lose those extra ‘vanity pounds.’ So there’s no way to know what sort of weight loss or side effects can happen with inappropriate use.”
Remember, too, that as effective as these medications may be, they can’t solve emotional issues related to eating and weight. Depending on your relationship to food, it may be best to approach weight loss from a more comprehensive perspective that addresses the physical and the emotional.
The Takeaway
- Many celebrities are using Ozempic, a diabetes drug, as a weight loss aid, but it’s not FDA-approved for that purpose.
- Although they are showing promising results, these medications come with risks and should be taken under a healthcare provider’s supervision.
- Before considering such drugs, make sure you are following a healthy diet and regular exercise program, and consult with your doctor to explore all options.