INTERNEWSTIMES.COM – The meteoric rise of the weight-loss drug Ozempic, originally intended for diabetes patients, has sparked a wild west of copycat products and dubious claims, prompting health experts to sound the alarm.
Ozempic and its sister drug Wegovy, both containing the active ingredient semaglutide, have become a sensation since the COVID-19 pandemic. Endorsements from celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Kelly Clarkson, and Elon Musk have propelled these drugs into the spotlight, transforming them from medical treatments into a social and financial phenomenon.
However, health experts are concerned about the potential for misuse. While Ozempic and Wegovy have proven effective in aiding weight loss, they come with serious side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and kidney problems.
“It’s not a magic pill,” warns Dr. Penny Ward, a physician at Kings College London. “These drugs are only recommended for individuals with obesity who have a high risk of health complications, and they should be used under strict medical supervision.”
The trend has also spurred a wave of new supplement products claiming to be “natural” and “side-effect-free” alternatives to Ozempic and Wegovy. One notable example is “GLP-1 Daily,” launched by celebrity Kourtney Kardashian.
But health experts are skeptical. They point out that these supplements do not contain GLP-1, either in its natural or synthetic form, and do not have the same effects as the hormone.
“There’s no convincing evidence,” states Simon Cork, a physiologist at Anglia Ruskin University. “The claims about these products are based on hype rather than facts.”
Health experts urge the public to be wary of extravagant claims and products that lack scientific backing. They emphasize the importance of consulting with a doctor before using any weight-loss medication or supplement, and always choosing products that have been reviewed and approved by health authorities. (Red)
