The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday (Jun 20) issued a global alert warning against fake versions of Ozempic, a treatment for type 2 diabetes which is increasingly being used as a way of losing weight, flooding the markets.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the WHO say?</h2>

The United Nations health agency noted that they have observed an increased demand for these medicines as well as reports on falsification and that fake medicines could pose a danger to health.

The WHO, in its alert, said they found three falsified batches of the product in Brazil and the United Kingdom’s Northern Ireland in October 2023, and the United States in December last year.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ozempic-shows-promise-beyond-diabetes-new-study-reveals-kidney-benefits-728066">Ozempic shows promise beyond diabetes: New study reveals kidney benefits</a>

Therefore, the UN health agency urged people to buy the drug only through reliable sources, such as doctors, instead of random websites online or on social media.&nbsp;

“WHO advises healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities and the public be aware of these falsified batches of medicines,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO assistant director-general for essential medicines and health products, in a statement.&nbsp;

It added, “We call on stakeholders to stop any usage of suspicious medicines and report to relevant authorities”.

The fake drugs claim to contain the active ingredient – semaglutide – found in Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug Ozempic, which helps people with type 2 diabetes control the amount of sugar in their blood.

The injection, which is supposed to be taken weekly, signals the brain that we’re full. Therefore, the drug also helps people lose weight by suppressing their urge to eat.

The UN health agency also warned that the fake drugs could be harmful if they do not have the necessary raw components and can lead to unmanaged blood glucose levels or weight.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Deeply concerned’</h2>

American drug giant Eli Lilly published an open letter saying it was “deeply concerned” about people selling fake medicines or compounded versions of tirzepatide, an active ingredient in its Mounjaro and other GLP-1 drugs that promote weight loss.&nbsp;

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On Thursday, Eli Lilly also said that it has sued six more entities, including medical spas and wellness centres for selling products claiming to contain tirzepatide, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk said it has also sued several entities to stop them from selling products claiming to contain semaglutide.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday (Jun 20) issued a global alert warning against fake versions of Ozempic, a treatment for type 2 diabetes which is increasingly being used as a way of losing weight, flooding the markets.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday (Jun 20) issued a global alert warning against fake versions of Ozempic, a treatment for type 2 diabetes which is increasingly being used as a way of losing weight, flooding the markets. What did the WHO say? The United Nations health agency noted that they have observed an increased demand for these medicines as well as reports on falsification and that fake medicines could pose a danger to health. The WHO, in its alert, said they found three falsified batches of the product in Brazil and the United Kingdom’s Northern Ireland in October 2023, and the United States in December last year. Also Read | Ozempic shows promise beyond diabetes: New study reveals kidney benefits Therefore, the UN health agency urged people to buy the drug only through reliable sources, such as doctors, instead of random websites online or on social media. “WHO advises healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities and the public be aware of these falsified batches of medicines,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO assistant director-general for essential medicines and health products, in a statement. It added, “We call on stakeholders to stop any usage of suspicious medicines and report to relevant authorities”. The fake drugs claim to contain the active ingredient – semaglutide – found in Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug Ozempic, which helps people with type 2 diabetes control the amount of sugar in their blood. The injection, which is supposed to be taken weekly, signals the brain that we’re full. Therefore, the drug also helps people lose weight by suppressing their urge to eat. The UN health agency also warned that the fake drugs could be harmful if they do not have the necessary raw components and can lead to unmanaged blood glucose levels or weight. ‘Deeply concerned’ American drug giant Eli Lilly published an open letter saying it was “deeply concerned” about people selling fake medicines or compounded versions of tirzepatide, an active ingredient in its Mounjaro and other GLP-1 drugs that promote weight loss. Also Read | TikTok fights back: ByteDance appeals against potential ban in US, calls it 'unconstitutional' On Thursday, Eli Lilly also said that it has sued six more entities, including medical spas and wellness centres for selling products claiming to contain tirzepatide, reported Reuters. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk said it has also sued several entities to stop them from selling products claiming to contain semaglutide. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO issues global alert over fake copies of diabetes, weight loss Ozempic drugs

As the number of prescriptions for the appetite-suppressing medication grows into the millions globally, scientists are discovering the benefits and drawbacks of Ozempic in real time.

What began as a diabetic treatment now appears to be very promising for heart health, even for patients who do not lose much weight, and doctors are discovering that the drug may also boost renal function.

According to a big multinational trial supported by Novo Nordisk, Ozempic's pharmaceutical supplier, the kidneys appear to benefit when the drug is administered at a lower dose than is typically used for diabetes or weight reduction.

More than 3,500 people with type 2 diabetes and chronic renal disease, a combination that increases the risk of kidney failure and occasionally fatal cardiovascular events like heart attacks, participated in the experiment. The participants came from 28 different countries.

Half of the study participants were randomly assigned to receive a weekly modest dosage of semaglutide, the active component in Ozempic, between June 2019 and May 2021. Half of the group was given a placebo.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/blue-eyed-individuals-share-common-ancestor-claims-genetic-research-728055">Blue-eyed individuals share common ancestor, claims genetic research</a>

When compared to the placebo group, those who received the weekly injections lost kidney function at a slower rate, had a lower chance of renal failure, had lower systolic blood pressure, and weighed less.

After 3.4 years on Ozempic, participants had a 24 per cent reduced risk of significant renal events, an 18 per cent&nbsp;lower chance of having a heart attack or another major cardiovascular event, and a 20 per cent&nbsp;lower risk of dying from any cause.

Initial research, both with and without commercial funding, suggests that Ozempic may enhance kidney function, which is important for eliminating waste and fluid from the body and maintaining blood pressure.

Indirect effects of the medication include reducing blood pressure, body weight, and blood glucose levels, all of which can lessen kidney pressure.

For the time being, they are only hypotheses. More study is needed to determine how semaglutide and comparable medications affect the various organs of the body.

Researchers are currently looking into whether this type of drug is effective for chronic kidney disease in general, or if it is only beneficial for diabetic kidney disease patients. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

As the number of prescriptions for the appetite-suppressing medication grows into the millions globally, scientists are discovering the benefits and drawbacks of Ozempic in real time.

As the number of prescriptions for the appetite-suppressing medication grows into the millions globally, scientists are discovering the benefits and drawbacks of Ozempic in real time. What began as a diabetic treatment now appears to be very promising for heart health, even for patients who do not lose much weight, and doctors are discovering that the drug may also boost renal function. According to a big multinational trial supported by Novo Nordisk, Ozempic's pharmaceutical supplier, the kidneys appear to benefit when the drug is administered at a lower dose than is typically used for diabetes or weight reduction. More than 3,500 people with type 2 diabetes and chronic renal disease, a combination that increases the risk of kidney failure and occasionally fatal cardiovascular events like heart attacks, participated in the experiment. The participants came from 28 different countries. Half of the study participants were randomly assigned to receive a weekly modest dosage of semaglutide, the active component in Ozempic, between June 2019 and May 2021. Half of the group was given a placebo. Also read: Blue-eyed individuals share common ancestor, claims genetic research When compared to the placebo group, those who received the weekly injections lost kidney function at a slower rate, had a lower chance of renal failure, had lower systolic blood pressure, and weighed less. After 3.4 years on Ozempic, participants had a 24 per cent reduced risk of significant renal events, an 18 per cent lower chance of having a heart attack or another major cardiovascular event, and a 20 per cent lower risk of dying from any cause. Initial research, both with and without commercial funding, suggests that Ozempic may enhance kidney function, which is important for eliminating waste and fluid from the body and maintaining blood pressure. Indirect effects of the medication include reducing blood pressure, body weight, and blood glucose levels, all of which can lessen kidney pressure. For the time being, they are only hypotheses. More study is needed to determine how semaglutide and comparable medications affect the various organs of the body. Researchers are currently looking into whether this type of drug is effective for chronic kidney disease in general, or if it is only beneficial for diabetic kidney disease patients. (With inputs from agencies)

Ozempic shows promise beyond diabetes: New study reveals kidney benefits

Ozempic, a widely-used medication for weight management and type 2 diabetes, may unintentionally mitigate alcohol cravings and symptoms of alcohol use disorder (AUD), according to a case series in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

Dr Jesse Richards, the lead author, highlighted&nbsp;a significant reduction in AUD symptoms among people&nbsp;initially prescribed Ozempic for weight loss, suggesting additional therapeutic benefits, as reported by Everyday Health.

Participants, originally prescribed Ozempic for weight loss rather than AUD, reported decreased alcohol intake and frequency during treatment.

These findings align with anecdotal reports from clinicians and patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists, indicating a potential connection between Ozempic and diminished alcohol use.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/australian-woman-allegedly-dies-due-to-side-effects-of-weight-loss-medication-ozempic-656025">Also read |&nbsp;Australian woman allegedly dies due to side-effects of weight loss medication Ozempic</a>

<h2>Case series highlights positive outcomes with Ozempic</h2>

Analysing medical records of six individuals using Ozempic for weight loss and AUD, researchers observed a substantial decrease in AUD symptoms, averaging 9.5 points on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT).

Notably, participants were on lower-than-approved Ozempic doses, bringing to light its potential in addiction medicine.

Also watch |&nbsp;Fear of Ozempic drug shortage looms large in UK

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Part of the GLP-1 analogue family, Ozempic, developed for diabetes, influences brain reward pathways. Studies, including those on animals, suggest GLP-1 analogues alter brain reward pathways, reducing cravings for substances like cocaine and diminishing alcohol consumption.

While these findings offer promising insights into Ozempic's unintended benefits, larger controlled studies are vital for validation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ozempic, a widely-used medication for weight management and type 2 diabetes, may unintentionally mitigate alcohol cravings and symptoms of alcohol use disorder (AUD), according to a case series in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

Ozempic, a widely-used medication for weight management and type 2 diabetes, may unintentionally mitigate alcohol cravings and symptoms of alcohol use disorder (AUD), according to a case series in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Dr Jesse Richards, the lead author, highlighted a significant reduction in AUD symptoms among people initially prescribed Ozempic for weight loss, suggesting additional therapeutic benefits, as reported by Everyday Health. Participants, originally prescribed Ozempic for weight loss rather than AUD, reported decreased alcohol intake and frequency during treatment. These findings align with anecdotal reports from clinicians and patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists, indicating a potential connection between Ozempic and diminished alcohol use. Also read | Australian woman allegedly dies due to side-effects of weight loss medication Ozempic Case series highlights positive outcomes with Ozempic Analysing medical records of six individuals using Ozempic for weight loss and AUD, researchers observed a substantial decrease in AUD symptoms, averaging 9.5 points on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Notably, participants were on lower-than-approved Ozempic doses, bringing to light its potential in addiction medicine. Also watch | Fear of Ozempic drug shortage looms large in UK Part of the GLP-1 analogue family, Ozempic, developed for diabetes, influences brain reward pathways. Studies, including those on animals, suggest GLP-1 analogues alter brain reward pathways, reducing cravings for substances like cocaine and diminishing alcohol consumption. While these findings offer promising insights into Ozempic's unintended benefits, larger controlled studies are vital for validation. (With inputs from agencies)

Craving alcohol but want to resist? Weight loss drug Ozempic might be able to help

Trish Webster, a 56-year-old Australian woman, embarked on a weight loss journey with hopes of fitting into her dream dress for her daughter's wedding.

However, her story took a devastating turn as she succumbed to a severe stomach illness, raising concerns about the safety of Ozempic,&nbsp;a medication primarily used to treat Type 2 diabetes and weight loss.

Ozempic works&nbsp;by replicating the action of GLP-1, a natural hormone that retards food digestion and prolongs the sensation of fullness.

While this medication has yielded weight loss benefits for some, it also has inherent risks.

When it excessively retards stomach function or leads to intestinal blockages, it results in a condition called "ileus."

The US Food and Drug Administration had received 18 reports of ileus linked to Ozempic use as of late September.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/patients-more-likely-to-shed-weight-if-advice-offered-in-optimistic-tone-study-655970">Also read |&nbsp;Patients more likely to shed weight if advice offered in ‘optimistic’ tone: Study</a>

<h2>The weight loss regimen</h2>

Trish Webster's weight loss journey involved not only Ozempic but also Saxenda, another prescription injection.

Over a period of five months, she managed to shed approximately 15 kgs,&nbsp;achieving her goal weight.

However, this transformation was accompanied by adverse effects as the medications reportedly took a toll on her health.

She died just months before her daughter's wedding. Trish Webster's husband, Roy Webster, discovered her in an unconscious state, with a disturbing brown liquid oozing out&nbsp;of her mouth.

Despite his frantic efforts to revive her, she died, the cause being attributed to acute gastrointestinal illness.

Though an indisputable link between Trish Webster's demise and her use of Ozempic and Saxenda remains unestablished, her husband, Roy, firmly places blame on these drugs for the tragic outcome, reported the New York Post.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/6-weight-loss-benefits-of-coconut-flour-1699263490957">Also read |&nbsp;6 Weight Loss Benefits of Coconut Flour</a>

<h2>Pharmaceutical companies' defence&nbsp;</h2>

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, maintains that reports of ileus only emerged after the drug was already in circulation, suggesting a lack of prior awareness of the risk.

Allegations assert that their weight loss medications may lead to severe gastrointestinal issues, including gastroparesis or "stomach paralysis."

In a regulatory response, the US Food and Drug Administration updated the Ozempic label in September to acknowledge complaints of intestinal blockages in certain people&nbsp;who had used&nbsp;the medication.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Trish Webster, a 56-year-old Australian woman, embarked on a weight loss journey with hopes of fitting into her dream dress for her daughter's wedding. However, her story took a devastating turn as she succumbed to a severe stomach illness, raising concerns about the safety of Ozempic, a medication primarily used to treat Type 2 diabetes and weight loss.

Trish Webster, a 56-year-old Australian woman, embarked on a weight loss journey with hopes of fitting into her dream dress for her daughter's wedding. However, her story took a devastating turn as she succumbed to a severe stomach illness, raising concerns about the safety of Ozempic, a medication primarily used to treat Type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Ozempic works by replicating the action of GLP-1, a natural hormone that retards food digestion and prolongs the sensation of fullness. While this medication has yielded weight loss benefits for some, it also has inherent risks. When it excessively retards stomach function or leads to intestinal blockages, it results in a condition called "ileus." The US Food and Drug Administration had received 18 reports of ileus linked to Ozempic use as of late September. Also read | Patients more likely to shed weight if advice offered in ‘optimistic’ tone: Study The weight loss regimen Trish Webster's weight loss journey involved not only Ozempic but also Saxenda, another prescription injection. Over a period of five months, she managed to shed approximately 15 kgs, achieving her goal weight. However, this transformation was accompanied by adverse effects as the medications reportedly took a toll on her health. She died just months before her daughter's wedding. Trish Webster's husband, Roy Webster, discovered her in an unconscious state, with a disturbing brown liquid oozing out of her mouth. Despite his frantic efforts to revive her, she died, the cause being attributed to acute gastrointestinal illness. Though an indisputable link between Trish Webster's demise and her use of Ozempic and Saxenda remains unestablished, her husband, Roy, firmly places blame on these drugs for the tragic outcome, reported the New York Post. Also read | 6 Weight Loss Benefits of Coconut Flour Pharmaceutical companies' defence Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, maintains that reports of ileus only emerged after the drug was already in circulation, suggesting a lack of prior awareness of the risk. Allegations assert that their weight loss medications may lead to severe gastrointestinal issues, including gastroparesis or "stomach paralysis." In a regulatory response, the US Food and Drug Administration updated the Ozempic label in September to acknowledge complaints of intestinal blockages in certain people who had used the medication. (With inputs from agencies)

Australian woman allegedly dies due to side-effects of weight loss medication Ozempic

Oscars 2023 comes to an end, however, drugs and medicines were also mentioned along with awards and applauses. Jimmy Kimmel the award show presenter sparked some amusement in viewers after joking about the rumoured diabetic drug Ozempic. Kimmel said, "Everybody looks so great. When I look around this room, I can’t help but wonder ‘Is Ozempic right for me?’” This comes as Kimmel during his opening monologue, where spoke about the use of the objectionable prescription drug that is used to lose weight. This comes as Kimmel during his opening monologue, where he spoke about the use of the objectionable prescription drug that is used to lose weight by Hollywood A-listers. The fact that this reference was made in a good, as per experts does not have good side effects, meaning a serious conversation is required. Now let's see what exactly the drug is, what is its function, what the experts' advice on the medicine and most importantly what are its side effects:

What is Ozempic and what does it do?

Ozempic or semaglutide is a once-weekly injectable drug that Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved but&nbsp;for only adults with type 2 diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. It is only used by patients who have heart and blood vessel disease to reduce the risk of a stroke, heart attack or death. The drug was found to have given remarkable results in weight loss.&nbsp;

The drug has been connected to weight loss due to semaglutide present in it, which is FDA-approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy, but the Ozempic brand of semaglutide is not FDA-approved yet.

The medicine is currently not available in India. However, as per medical experts, with rising obesity statistics almost &nbsp;9.5 per cent of all men and 13.9 per cent of all women will be obese by the year 2040 in India.&nbsp;

As per Indian Express, in a study participants lost around 15 per cent of their body weight, with some even losing up to 20 per cent, which is uncommon for any drug to do or even in case of surgeries.&nbsp;

Experts' advice for medicine on weight loss:

Experts have advised people to not take the medicine as their first choice for treatment for obesity and all, even when it is available in India.&nbsp;

The medicine is expected to cost almost Rs 8,000 to 9,000 ($97-$100) a month.&nbsp;

Dr Misra as quoted by Indian Express said that the medicine should be prescribed to people of these three categories: &nbsp;people who are obese and have some sort of dysfunction because of their weight, second to people who are obese but aren't able to lose weight the traditional way and third for those who are obese with uncontrolled diabetes despite taking medicines. But all of this should be prescribed by a doctor or else it can cause major health harm.&nbsp;

However, Dr Misra also mentioned that one will gain some of the weight back once he or she stops taking the medicine. He added that irrespective of what method one chooses to lose weight including surgery, some weight initially comes back.&nbsp;

What are the side effects?

Some side effects of the drug include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and burping.&nbsp;

While these are some light effects, many can witness major or severe side effects such as vision changes, fainting or dizziness and ongoing pain that begins in the left or right stomach but can later spread to the back with vomiting, rashes, itchiness and swelling of face, eyes, tongue and other body parts.&nbsp;

Oscars 2023 comes to an end, however, drugs and medicines were also mentioned along with awards and applauses. Jimmy Kimmel the award show presenter sparked some amusement in viewers after joking about the rumoured diabetic drug Ozempic.

Oscars 2023 comes to an end, however, drugs and medicines were also mentioned along with awards and applauses. Jimmy Kimmel the award show presenter sparked some amusement in viewers after joking about the rumoured diabetic drug Ozempic. Kimmel said, "Everybody looks so great. When I look around this room, I can’t help but wonder ‘Is Ozempic right for me?’” This comes as Kimmel during his opening monologue, where spoke about the use of the objectionable prescription drug that is used to lose weight. This comes as Kimmel during his opening monologue, where he spoke about the use of the objectionable prescription drug that is used to lose weight by Hollywood A-listers. The fact that this reference was made in a good, as per experts does not have good side effects, meaning a serious conversation is required. Now let's see what exactly the drug is, what is its function, what the experts' advice on the medicine and most importantly what are its side effects: What is Ozempic and what does it do? Ozempic or semaglutide is a once-weekly injectable drug that Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved but for only adults with type 2 diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. It is only used by patients who have heart and blood vessel disease to reduce the risk of a stroke, heart attack or death. The drug was found to have given remarkable results in weight loss. The drug has been connected to weight loss due to semaglutide present in it, which is FDA-approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy, but the Ozempic brand of semaglutide is not FDA-approved yet. The medicine is currently not available in India. However, as per medical experts, with rising obesity statistics almost 9.5 per cent of all men and 13.9 per cent of all women will be obese by the year 2040 in India. As per Indian Express, in a study participants lost around 15 per cent of their body weight, with some even losing up to 20 per cent, which is uncommon for any drug to do or even in case of surgeries. Experts' advice for medicine on weight loss: Experts have advised people to not take the medicine as their first choice for treatment for obesity and all, even when it is available in India. The medicine is expected to cost almost Rs 8,000 to 9,000 ($97-$100) a month. Dr Misra as quoted by Indian Express said that the medicine should be prescribed to people of these three categories: people who are obese and have some sort of dysfunction because of their weight, second to people who are obese but aren't able to lose weight the traditional way and third for those who are obese with uncontrolled diabetes despite taking medicines. But all of this should be prescribed by a doctor or else it can cause major health harm. However, Dr Misra also mentioned that one will gain some of the weight back once he or she stops taking the medicine. He added that irrespective of what method one chooses to lose weight including surgery, some weight initially comes back. What are the side effects? Some side effects of the drug include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and burping. While these are some light effects, many can witness major or severe side effects such as vision changes, fainting or dizziness and ongoing pain that begins in the left or right stomach but can later spread to the back with vomiting, rashes, itchiness and swelling of face, eyes, tongue and other body parts.

Jimmy Kimmel jokes about weight loss drug 'Ozempic' at Oscars 2023. What is it and what are the side effect?

Ozempic, the anti-diabetes drug has made it to the headlines for its potential weight loss properties. The drug is riding on the wave of social media trends, with the videos under hashtag Ozempic reported to have amassed over 600 million views on TikTok so far.&nbsp;

But Ozempic's rising popularity has led to global shortages and doctors have warned about the potential side effects.

 
"Losing 40kg in less than three months is possible" thanks to Ozempic, a French TikToker cited by the news agency AFP said in a post in December. The video has nearly 50,000 views.

<h2>What is Ozempic?</h2>

Ozempic is an injectable drug from the Danish pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk.&nbsp;It was initially developed and approved in a number of nations across the world to treat type 2 diabetes. The drug slows down how quickly food leaves a person's stomach, reducing their appetite.

<h2>What exactly are Ozempic's weight-loss properties?</h2>

In early 2021, peer-reviewed research found that almost three-quarters of people who used the drug lost more than 10 per cent of their body weight.

After the research was widely publicised, it led to a large number of people obtaining Ozempic's "falsified prescriptions".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-diabetes-drug-that-helps-lose-weight-is-all-the-rage-on-social-media-since-musk-tweeted-about-it-528125">The diabetes drug that helps lose weight is all the rage on social media ever since Musk tweeted about it</a>

However, experts caution that it&nbsp;"is not a medication for people who do not have diabetes or are at risk of type 2 diabetes". France's medicines regulator has now urged doctors to only prescribe Ozempic for diabetes.

Novo Nordisk was quoted as saying by the AFP that "stronger than anticipated demand" for Ozempic had resulted in "intermittent availability and period stock-outs" around the world.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: FDA approves life-changing therapy for Diabetes

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The company's global manufacturing facilities "are now operating 24 hours, seven days a week" to bridge the gap, it added.

<h2>Fear of side effect</h2>

Nausea is one the most common side-effects of the drug, experts say.

There are also rarer and more serious risks such as acute pancreatitis, which can occur even at lower doses, billiary disorders, and rare cases of severe constipation which can lead to bowel obstruction, they add.

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Ozempic, the anti-diabetes drug has made it to the headlines for its potential weight loss properties. The drug is riding on the wave of social media trends, with the videos under hashtag Ozempic reported to have amassed over 600 million views on TikTok so far.

Ozempic, the anti-diabetes drug has made it to the headlines for its potential weight loss properties. The drug is riding on the wave of social media trends, with the videos under hashtag Ozempic reported to have amassed over 600 million views on TikTok so far. But Ozempic's rising popularity has led to global shortages and doctors have warned about the potential side effects. "Losing 40kg in less than three months is possible" thanks to Ozempic, a French TikToker cited by the news agency AFP said in a post in December. The video has nearly 50,000 views. What is Ozempic? Ozempic is an injectable drug from the Danish pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk. It was initially developed and approved in a number of nations across the world to treat type 2 diabetes. The drug slows down how quickly food leaves a person's stomach, reducing their appetite. What exactly are Ozempic's weight-loss properties? In early 2021, peer-reviewed research found that almost three-quarters of people who used the drug lost more than 10 per cent of their body weight. After the research was widely publicised, it led to a large number of people obtaining Ozempic's "falsified prescriptions". ALSO READ | The diabetes drug that helps lose weight is all the rage on social media ever since Musk tweeted about it However, experts caution that it "is not a medication for people who do not have diabetes or are at risk of type 2 diabetes". France's medicines regulator has now urged doctors to only prescribe Ozempic for diabetes. Novo Nordisk was quoted as saying by the AFP that "stronger than anticipated demand" for Ozempic had resulted in "intermittent availability and period stock-outs" around the world. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: FDA approves life-changing therapy for Diabetes × The company's global manufacturing facilities "are now operating 24 hours, seven days a week" to bridge the gap, it added. Fear of side effect Nausea is one the most common side-effects of the drug, experts say. There are also rarer and more serious risks such as acute pancreatitis, which can occur even at lower doses, billiary disorders, and rare cases of severe constipation which can lead to bowel obstruction, they add. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

How anti-diabetic Ozempic became a social media rage for weight-loss