Rethinking Health in the Age of Ozempic

By: Samantha Swanton

The Internet's Newest Fad

In our ever-changing society one thing has remained constant—appearances are emphasized. From celebrity culture to social media filters, the pressure to look a certain way is more extreme than ever. Within this environment, a new obsession has arisen: the diabetic drug Ozempic. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, you may be wondering—what exactly is Ozempic? 

This medication was originally intended to lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. But in recent years, it has gained popularity for a completely different reason. Rather than its intended purpose, this drug has been praised as a shortcut to a slim body. One of the first public mentions of Ozempic as a weight loss aid occurred in 2021, when Dr. Oz featured it in a segment on his show titled “Could a Diabetes Drug Cure Obesity.”  This segment spurred the radical shift from using the medication as a medical treatment to a weight loss aid. 

Since then, celebrities and influencers alike have jumped on the trend, flaunting their transformations and increasing public interest. As this trend continues to grow, it prompts important questions: What does the use of Ozempic say about our society, and what risks does its non-traditional use pose? 

A Misleading Narrative 

The way Ozempic is portrayed on social media can be very harmful to the general public. While it may be expected for influencers and celebrities to have full transparency with their fans, this is not always the case. Often, it is easier to show the results rather than the entire process or avoid allegations all together. This is troubling because it can present Ozempic in a different light, void of its harmful effects. 

Like many commercial medications, Ozempic comes with a long list of side-effects. Many people may turn to this medication—drawn in by its “miracle” abilities—only to be met with shocking side-effects that can be long-lasting and severe. In fact, about 10% of people who start Ozempic have to be taken off of it because their side-effects do not go away. On top of the side-effects, Ozempic is still a relatively new medication, and its long-term effects are still not entirely known to doctors. It's possible that the body could becomes resistant to the medication, but that can't be confirmed until longer research is done. This is why it is vital that individuals are being honest about their experiences, or else real harm can be done to unsuspecting individuals. 

Broader Societal Issues:

In a society that prioritizes efficiency and quick results, Ozempic might seem like the perfect solution to weight-loss. However, its rise in popularity reflects upon larger social and ethical issues. One of the most troubling issues that this trend shines light on is our society's extreme fascination with weight loss—particularly the idea of being thin. Weight-loss hacks are nothing new. From liquid diets to fasting, the internet has always raved about different ways to stay thin. But this craze can put pressure on individuals to conform— even pushing individuals at a healthy weight to resort to using medication. 

The use of Ozempic also poses ethical concerns, especially when it comes to social media. When someone amasses a large following on a platform, their actions are placed under the microscope of their fans. This is particularly true with weight-loss influencers, whose audiences looks up to them for motivation and validation. This is why it can be especially upsetting when “body positive” influencers turn to Ozempic, as it may seem contradictory to the message they hope to promote. The pressure to conform can be overwhelming. In an instagram post, Kelsey Ellis–a body positive fitness coach explains, “I don’t think I’ve ever felt peer-pressured so much, in my entire life, to lose weight.” 

While influencers may have an ethical responsibility towards their audiences, the blame does not entirely lie on them. Societies skewed values regarding weight and health create a large pressure to conform, leaving little room for personal choice. This can lead to a vicious cycle between social figures and their audiences, in which both sides reinforce a narrative that values appearances over well-being. Until these values are changed, people will continue to feel the pressured to conform.

Economic Inequalities Associated With Ozempic

In addition to the social and ethic surrounding Ozempic, it also perpetuates economic inequalities. Before insurance, the cost of  Ozempic can be nearly $1000 for a monthly supply—almost nine times the price that other countries charge around the world for the same product.  These high prices can make it hard for the average American to gain access to the medication, which has resulted in a rise of unsafe alternatives. Many individuals online have begun using laxatives and stool softeners as what they're calling “budget ozempic.” This is extremely dangerous, as these products are not safe for long-term use, and can result in

harmful effects, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and gastrointestinal issues. 

The increased demand for Ozempic in the past few years has caused the prices to skyrocket. This is problematic for individuals who rely on the drug to regulate their Type 2 diabetes. When Ozempic first started to be used as a weight-loss medication and gained popularity, there was a significant shortage. This was frustrating for many individuals who needed the medication. Because Ozempic has such extreme side effects, were forced to stop and later restart had to endure the side-affects all over again. The shortage of Ozempic caused tension between individuals who use the medication for medical purposes and those who use it for weight-loss. This highlights a larger issue of accessibility, showing how individuals can. 

The Benefits of Ozempic 

Despite the controversies surrounding its use, it's important to awknowledge the benefits that Ozempic can provide. For starters, Ozempic is highly effective as an aid for people with diabetes. By helping to regulate blood sugar, it has improved the lives of thousands around the world. Even when used for weight loss, Ozempic has several advantages. For individuals who have struggled with obesity for years, this medication offers them a new option. It is especially helpful for those who have tried different forms of diets and exercises with no luck. For these individuals, weight loss can be crucial to their health. This medication has the ability to “boost heart health, protect the kidneys, improve sleep apnea, and lower the risk of certain obesity-related cancers.” 

In addition to the physical benefits, Ozempic can have many positive effects on a person's mental well-being. For those who have struggled with their weight, this medication may be a form of empowerment. Having an easy medical option can bring people a sense of control over their lives that they may have lacked otherwise. For many, Ozempic is a path towards a more positive future. Despite the issues surrounding Ozempic, it is important to recognize the benefits it can provide for both physical and mental health. When it comes down to it, the issue surrounding Ozempic does not revolve around the medication itself, but rather the way society has decided to portray it.

Changing the Narrative

The rise of Ozempic has brought to light many social and ethnic issues. To fix the damage already done, we must work to shift the public perception of health. For too long, society has defined health by the number on the scale. This narrative is dangerous because it ignores other important factors that relate to one's health, such as mental health and access to care. 

The popularity of Ozempic highlights the troublesome burden that society places on people to be thin. All health journey look different, so rather than shame individuals who are using this medication, instead we should be pointing the finger towards the norms that have made their choice to use it feel necessary. It is up to us to challenge these harmful values and ensure that we are building a future where people can grow up feeling confident and unashamed of themselves!