What Is Ozempic?
- Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk (Denmark)
- Use: Originally for Type 2 diabetes management
- Mechanism: Contains semaglutide, which helps the pancreas release insulin, reduces sugar production in the liver, and signals the brain to curb appetite.
- Dosage: Injected under the skin once a week.
How It Works in the Body
- Pancreas: Releases insulin when sugar spikes.
- Liver: Lowers excess glucose production.
- Brain: Reduces hunger and slows digestion.
The Obesity Context: A Public Health Lens
Obesity has tripled globally since 1975, according to the World Health Organization. In India, it is rising faster than ever, bringing an increased burden of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and liver complications.
“Ozempic offers a new medical tool, not a shortcut. It must be used responsibly, with medical supervision.”
The Global Perspective
The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) now recommends GLP-1 receptor drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide as first-line treatment for clinical obesity.
Studies show these drugs can improve conditions linked to obesity such as heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease.
Risks & Side Effects
- Who Should Avoid It: Those without medical guidance, non-diabetic individuals seeking cosmetic weight loss.
- Possible Side Effects: Nausea, fatigue, changes in facial appearance (often termed “Ozempic face”), digestive discomfort.
- What Happens When You Stop: Weight and blood sugar may rebound without gradual tapering.
- Emerging Concerns: Some studies suggest long-term use may reduce bone density.
The Bigger Question
As India joins the global conversation around semaglutide, the challenge is not just in access or price, but in understanding what it truly means to live healthy beyond numbers on a scale, and the superficial beauty standards seen online.