Ultimatey, Ozempic, a medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes, has gained widespread attention for its weight loss benefits. While the medication has been acclaimed as a miracle drug for those struggling with obesity, there are growing concerns about its side effects and the societal pressures that contribute to an increasing obsession with body size.
Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by mimicking a hormone in the body to regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite. People using Ozempic have reported significant weight loss, often as a primary benefit, which has led to its off-label use for weight management. This has sparked a surge in demand, with even individuals without diabetes seeking prescriptions for weight loss purposes. However, the drug’s popularity is not without consequences.
According to a scientific literature review on Ozempic’s clinical consequences, one of the most common side effects is gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. For many, these side effects can be severe enough to disrupt daily life, leading to discontinuation of the drug. There are also long-term concerns about the potential impact of GLP-1 medications on kidney health, gastrointestinal function, and hormonal balance. Additionally, the weight lost while on Ozempic often returns once the medication is stopped, creating a cycle of dependence on the drug that may not address the root causes of weight gain, such as poor lifestyle choices or underlying health conditions. A scientific study that descriptively analyzes the videos posted on TikTok under the hashtag #Ozempic concludes that it would be wise to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the consequences of prescribing drugs like Ozempic for off-label use, as this may be driven by information gleaned from social media.
The use of Ozempic highlights a larger societal issue—the relentless pursuit of a “perfect” body, often defined by being thin. This obsession with thinness is not a new phenomenon, but it has been exacerbated in the age of social media and beauty standards that prioritize a slim physique. Social media platforms are full of images of “ideal” bodies, often leading to feelings of inadequacy among individuals who do not fit these narrow standards. The growing popularity of weight loss drugs like Ozempic is symptomatic of a culture that equates self-worth with appearance. This creates immense pressure on individuals to conform to an unrealistic standard, often at the expense of their mental and physical well-being. The desire for thinness can lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as disordered eating, excessive exercise, and reliance on substances or medications like Ozempic that promise quick fixes without addressing the deeper societal and psychological factors at play.
In a world that is increasingly focused on aesthetics, the obsession with thinness and weight loss can overshadow the importance of health and well-being. True health cannot be measured by the number on a scale or the size of one’s body but should instead encompass mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Editor of Daily 27.
Predoctoral researcher at the Department of Sociology in University of Barcelona.