The Rise of Ozempic: From Medication to Celebrity Buzzword

byadmin •January 20, 2024

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The Rise of Ozempic From Medication to Celebrity Buzzword

When Kim Kardashian appeared at the Met Gala in 2022, it not only drew attention because she wore the iconic dress once donned by Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe in 1962 while singing Happy Birthday to President John F. Kennedy but also due to her noticeable weight loss – a staggering 16 pounds in three weeks. The 42-year-old media personality achieved this transformation by eliminating "carbs and sugar" from her diet, sparking rumors about the use of Ozempic.

Ozempic, administered through a self-injectable pen, quickly became a subject of discussion on TikTok, with claims of it being a 'miracle' weight loss drug. Celebrities, including Kim Kardashian, embraced this apparent quick fix, raising the drug's profile. However, the use of Ozempic, originally prescribed for individuals with type II diabetes, has faced increasing scrutiny.

The drug gained popularity among celebrities, with stars like Elon Musk attributing his weight loss to semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, also sold under the name Wegovy. The Kardashian-Jenner family, including Kris Jenner and Kylie Jenner, sparked speculation about using Ozempic due to their visible weight changes. Even Oprah Winfrey hinted at using weight-loss medication, emphasizing the positive aspect of medically approved prescriptions for managing weight.

Khloé Kardashian, on her 40th birthday, shared photos showcasing a slimmer figure, leading to more Ozempic rumors. However, medical professionals caution against considering Ozempic as a singular solution to weight issues, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach.

Dr. Ketan Pakhale, an endo-bariatric and metabolic physician, highlights the prevalent adverse effects of semaglutide, ranging from nausea to serious complications like pancreatitis and kidney issues. He emphasizes that semaglutide is not a quick fix but a therapeutic intervention requiring careful consideration and consultation with a doctor.

Semaglutide is currently available in India in its oral form, approved for treating type II diabetes. However, its off-label use for weight loss is common, prompting concerns about potential side effects. Efforts are underway to introduce semaglutide to the Indian market.

The rapid weight loss associated with Ozempic has led to reports of the 'Ozempic face' and 'Ozempic butt' phenomena, describing sagging of facial and posterior skin due to depleted fat pads. Content creator Anmol Raina suggests that while Ozempic might offer a temporary solution for a specific event, maintaining weight loss requires a more sustainable approach to fitness.

Ozempic's working mechanism involves semaglutide mimicking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, releasing in response to eating, ultimately reducing blood glucose levels. Despite its efficacy in managing type II diabetes, the use of Ozempic as a weight loss solution raises concerns about potential side effects and the importance of a holistic approach to addressing obesity.