From Diabetes Treatment to Hollywood Trend: The Ozempic Debate
Maicey Navarro Griffiths examines Ozempic’s shift from diabetes treatment to weight-loss trend and its ethical impact.
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Is Ozempic becoming yet another marker of body standards and privilege? Or can it be a life-altering, crucial drug?
Originally prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has gained widespread attention as a weight loss aid. This growing trend of people using it for weight management has sparked debates surrounding both the benefits and potential risks.
For individuals considering weight-loss surgery or other invasive weight-loss treatments, Ozempic provides a non-surgical option with relatively low risk. This makes it an attractive alternative for weight management. Ozempic reduces cravings which can lead to more balanced and nutritious eating habits. Many users find it easier to make healthier food choices and avoid overeating. Some evidence suggests Ozempic helps reduce inflammation in the body, particularly in those with type 2 diabetes. This can improve overall health outcomes and reduce the risk of chronic diseases linked to inflammation, such as heart disease. According to Time, ‘Human trials reveal that they reduce blood inflammatory biomarkers, especially when compared with other standard anti-diabetic treatments. And they seem to affect both local and body-wide inflammation.’
Some users report feeling fuller for longer after meals, which may be due to the slower digestion process induced by Ozempic. This effect can contribute to better portion control and overall weight loss, supporting a healthier gut. Since weight loss is often associated with increased self-esteem, many people taking Ozempic may experience a boost in their confidence and emotional well-being. This can improve mental health, especially for those who have struggled with their weight for years.
However, the widespread prescription of Ozempic for weight loss raises ethical concerns, especially in a culture that already places excessive emphasis on body image. In an era of rapid medical advancements and celebrity-driven trends, Ozempic has emerged as a controversial medication, an off-label weight loss solution. While the drug has undeniably helped people lose weight, particularly those who medically gain weight and need assistance, its growing popularity has sparked conversations about its ethical implications.
Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Scott Disick have both been exposed for their use of weight loss medications. Disick only admitted to it after it was accidentally revealed, sparking conversations that blur the lines between health and vanity. This sends a negative image, as they seek to make their weight loss seem natural, creating misleading beauty standards. Kardashian’s dramatic weight loss for the Met Gala in 2022, which she attributed to a strict diet and exercise routine, reportedly included Ozempic. This kind of celebrity endorsement has a huge influence on the public, leading many to believe that quick-fix solutions are the key to achieving the ideal body. This mindset can be dangerous, potentially harming one’s mental health and behaviour surrounding diet and food.
While the use of Ozempic for weight loss may seem like a convenient solution, there are concerns about the lack of medical oversight. As demand for the drug skyrockets, some are seeking prescriptions from doctors with minimal consultation. According to the BBC, the illegal trade of Ozempic is rapidly increasing on the black market, as people seek a ‘quick fix’, often with dangerous consequences for their health.
This could mean bypassing the careful screening that is required for diabetes patients. The risk here is that the medication may not be suitable for everyone. Without proper monitoring, its side effects could be potentially harmful. Nausea, digestive issues, and the risk of pancreatitis are well-documented side effects. However, many are too focused on the immediate weight loss benefits. Is the weight loss worth these risks, especially for those who do not need to lose weight medically? Ozempic has the potential to set a dangerous precedent, especially for young girls and individuals with eating disorders, by reinforcing the idea that losing weight is the be-all-or-end-all.
However, for most people, Ozempic is well-tolerated with relatively mild and temporary side effects. Serious side effects are rare. Additionally, Ozempic isn’t just for short-term weight loss. Studies suggest that when combined with diet and exercise, the weight loss achieved with Ozempic can be maintained long-term. This is a challenge for many other weight loss solutions. For many individuals, Ozempic is not just useful but vital.
Ultimately, the conversation around Ozempic is not just about the drug itself. For many, it is life-changing when used carefully and responsibly under proper medical supervision. However, it also raises broader questions about how we perceive health and beauty in society. While Ozempic can be valuable, it should never be treated as a magic pill for weight loss and needs to be accompanied by a healthy lifestyle. As celebrities continue embracing the “Ozempic lifestyle”, it’s crucial to remember that health is not one-size-fits-all. True well-being encompasses more than just appearance. Mental health needs to be prioritised, not sacrificed in pursuit of an unattainable body ideal.
It is, therefore, crucial to consider, how much of the Ozempic hype is rooted in genuine health concerns, and how much is tied to an unattainable ideal of beauty. The drug, initially intended for those with diabetes and other medical weight concerns, has been co-opted by celebrities and a body-obsessed culture, but at what cost?
