In recent months, the demand for Ozempic has soared drastically. However, it isn’t because of Ozempic’s impact on diabetes management but because of its capacity to support weight loss.
A chain of events led to the growing popularity of Ozempic in the latter part of 2022.
On Sep 22, 2022, Andy Cohen Tweeted, “Everyone is suddenly showing up 25 pounds lighter. What happens when they stop taking #Ozempic ?????”
On Nov 16, 2022, Elon Musk Tweeted: “Down 30 lbs. When one of his followers asked “how?”, the Tycoon tweeted, “Fasting + Ozempic/Wegovy + no tasty food near me.”
Since then, #Ozempic got more than 273 million views on TikTok in 2022.
A study published by the New England Journal of Medicine during the Obesity Week 2022 stated the effectiveness of Semaglutide in helping obese adolescents in weight loss.
The internet tagged Ozempic as a miracle diet drug because of how celebrities, tech moguls, and influencers describe the medicine as a weight loss medicine.
All these events tremendously impacted the global consumption of Semaglutide as Ozempic and Wegovy, leading to a global shortage. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, needs to catch up with the demands, and pharmacies are struggling to stock their inventory adequately.
Is Ozempic’s popularity for weight loss a concern for Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Yes! But we have an alternative!
Ozempic ranked 129th in the list of popularly prescribed medications for Type 2 diabetes until 2022. The recent surge placed it at number #1. Doctors are recommending this medication off-label for weight loss.
Prescriptions with Ozempic recorded a whopping 373,000 in 2022 in the US alone. This figure adds to a 111% increase in sales worldwide.
This parallel demand creates a shortage for the Ozempic buyers who need it to manage Type 2 diabetes. What is the next best alternative for Ozempic users who require it to suppress Type 2 diabetes? Doctors across the globe are now turning to Rybelsus to respond to the global shortage. Rybelsus is made of the same active component, Semaglutide, and serves the same purpose. However, it is more convenient than Ozempic for these reasons:
- It comes as oral pills and, therefore, is not painful at all.
- We can keep it at room temperature.
- It is less expensive than Ozempic.
Disha Narang, an endocrinologist at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, stated that prescribing off-label medications is not new for doctors, especially with Ozempic. She also added that the demand for Ozempic led to its shortage, making it challenging for diabetes patients and providers alike to get the medication.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia stated how Ozempic is extensively prescribed for weight loss. The organization urged doctors and health professionals to dispense the medication only to its approved usage.
Interesting Facts and Analysis of Ozempic’s high demand in the market today
Prescription for weight loss
– In 2022 weight-loss-related prescription drugs witnessed a growth of 72%. The expected market worth is only $905M. However, the actual market worth is $1.6B today.
– Because of the rise in demand, Ozempic’s expected market worth in 2023 is $1.9B.
Experts have highlighted the role of telehealth and social media in driving Ozempic’s demand in the market. They also added how digital health companies and pharmacies provide easy access to Ozempic by only asking for prescriptions online.
Share in the diabetes drug market
– The recorded share of Ozempic in 2018 started only at 1%. However, because of its rising demand, it is the highest-selling diabetes drug today. In February 2023, Ozempic claimed 41% of the total market. This figure is expected to increase in the coming months.
Popularity on TikTok
– In March 2023, the hashtag #Ozempic broke records with 848.3M views on TikTok.
What’s in store for Ozempic?
A surge in Ozempic will continue in the following months. However, the shortage can significantly affect those who use the medicine for blood sugar control. There is a greater health risk for type 2 diabetes patients who follow this treatment daily.
For non-diabetic individuals who use Ozempic as an off-label solution for weight loss, several side effects can develop. It is essential to note that this medication is intended for blood sugar management and not for weight loss. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) do not recommend using this medicine solely for slimming down.
Fasting + Ozempic/Wegovy + no tasty food near me
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 16, 2022
Everyone is suddenly showing up 25 pounds lighter. What happens when they stop taking #Ozempic ?????
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) September 22, 2022
