New Ozempic data reveals who’s on it, prompts shortage fears

To ensure that patients with diabetes still have access to treatments like Ozempic, healthcare providers must carefully monitor the prescription patterns of GLP-1 drugs. These medications, originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, are now being increasingly used for weight loss, leading to concerns about potential shortages.

A new study by Dr. Yee Hui Yeo and Dr. Ali Rezaie analyzed medical records of 45 million Americans and found a significant increase in the use of GLP-1 drugs for obesity, especially among white women with a BMI of 30 or higher. The popularity of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, has surpassed liraglutide in recent years.

While GLP-1 drugs offer benefits, they are also associated with common side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as rare side effects like blindness and behavioral changes. Users often discontinue the medication due to these side effects.

Moving forward, researchers aim to test the effectiveness of these drugs in preventing chronic diseases and reducing substance abuse. Careful monitoring of prescription patterns and side effects is crucial to ensure the safe and effective use of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and diabetes treatment.