The High Cost of ‘Ozempic Face’: The Unintended Consequences of Wegovy’s Popularity
The demand for Wegovy, a drug containing semaglutide and commonly used for weight loss, has caused a shortage of its sister drug, Ozempic, which is meant to treat type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is also being used off-label for weight loss, further constraining the drug's supply for diabetes patients.[0] Both drugs are manufactured by Novo Nordisk and are injected weekly, though Wegovy contains a higher dose of semaglutide and is approved specifically for weight loss. Common side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and “Ozempic face.”[1]
The popularity of Ozempic for weight loss has grown among celebrities, who are paying top dollar to get the drug off-label.[2] This has caused a drug shortage for diabetes patients, and the trend has even led to the emergence of “Ozempic face,” a side effect of using the drug without proper medical supervision.[3]
Semaglutide works by interfering with insulin production and suppressing appetites, causing people to eat less than they did before.[4] It can cause weight loss, but it’s important to note that a balanced diet and regular exercise are still essential for long-term weight loss and body weight management.[5] If the drug is stopped, people tend to regain two-thirds of the weight they lost, so it has to be taken continuously to remain effective.[1]
Wegovy and Ozempic are not interchangeable, as the maximum dose of semaglutide is 2 milligrams for Ozempic and 2.4 milligrams for Wegovy. Wegovy is effective within its approved use and was found to reduce body weight by 12% when combined with lifestyle changes.[6]
Unfortunately, taking Ozempic or Wegovy comes with a steep price tag, with the drugs potentially costing up to $13,000 a year. Considering the potential side effects and the drug’s price, it’s important to talk to your doctor about a full range of treatment options.[7] If your weight is already in a healthy range, it’s not a good idea to take a medication to become thinner.[7]
0. “Doctors raise concerns over diabetes medication popular for weight loss” kuna noticias y kuna radio, 21 Feb. 2023, https://kesq.com/news/cv-questions-answered/2023/02/20/doctors-raise-concerns-over-diabetes-medication-popular-for-weight-loss
1. “What to Know About Ozempic, Wegovy and the Weight-Loss Market” CNET, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/what-to-know-about-ozempic-wegovy-and-the-weight-loss-market
2. “Ozempic's off-label use creates buzz beyond Hollywood” MD Linx, 21 Feb. 2023, https://www.mdlinx.com/article/ozempics-off-label-use-creates-buzz-beyond-hollywood/1nUYdJyAcfgGr81k3coG4p
3. “The Alarming Side Effect Of Ozempic's Popularity As A Weight-Loss Solution” Medical Daily, 19 Feb. 2023, https://www.medicaldaily.com/ozempic-alarming-side-effect-weight-loss-solution-468144
4. “Healthy Living: Danger of using diabetes medication for rapid weight loss” ABC7 News, 22 Feb. 2023, https://abc-7.com/news/health/2023/02/22/healthy-living-danger-of-using-diabetes-medication-for-rapid-weight-loss/
5. “10 before and after Ozempic Weight Loss Photos You Need to See to Believe” Sportskeeda, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.sportskeeda.com/health-and-fitness/10-ozempic-weight-loss-photos-you-need-see-believe
6. “Diabetes drug Ozempic used for weight loss suffers shortages” WVNS-TV, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.wvnstv.com/community/health/diabetes-drug-ozempic-used-for-weight-loss-suffers-shortages/
7. “What happens when a drug goes viral?” Harvard Health, 21 Feb. 2023, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-happens-when-a-drug-goes-viral-202302212892
