The weight loss landscape is being remade by new injectable drugs like Ozempic for Weight Loss. The medications work by mimicking the gut hormone GLP-1, which stimulates insulin production and promotes feelings of fullness. But while these pills have given hope to people struggling with obesity, they can’t be considered a magic bullet.
The drugs can also cause side effects including gastrointestinal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Long-term use may also increase the risk for gallstones, pancreatitis, kidney disease and thyroid problems. While these risks aren’t as severe as those seen with other prescription weight loss drugs, they should be taken into consideration.
In August 2022, Novo Nordisk, the drug maker that produces both Ozempic and Wegovy, announced that it was limiting the supply of the medication due to unprecedented demand and short-term manufacturing issues. At that time, the company asked healthcare professionals not to start new patients on Wegovy and halted shipments of the lowest doses, which are typically used as initial weight loss treatments.