Health experts have issued warnings about the potential side effects of Ozempic, a medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, as its popularity for off-label weight loss surges. The drug, which can lead to an average weight loss of around 15 per cent when combined with diet and exercise, has seen a national shortage in Britain, affecting those who need it for medical reasons.
According to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Ozempic is not approved for weight loss but is commonly used off-label for that purpose. The medication works by lowering blood sugar levels and reducing appetite, but it also slows down the emptying of the stomach, which can cause side effects such as stomach paralysis, vomiting, nausea, and constipation.
Navin Khosla, a pharmacist at Now Patient, commented on the rise in online searches for 'buy Ozempic', which have exceeded 75,000 in the past year. He stressed that the drug should only be used for treating type 2 diabetes and warned against purchasing it from unregulated sources. 'It's important to source it from a regulated company so that you know the drug is fit for purpose and not illegally made and imported,' he said.
Khosla advised those struggling with weight loss to explore non-medication avenues and consult their GP if they are not seeing results. 'If you feel like you aren't seeing the results you’d like to, there could be an underlying issue behind this so speak to your GP,' he added.
