Ozempic - The science, stigma and rise of the 'miracle' drug in Ireland

Ozempic, hailed as the "miracle weight-loss drug" among the elite in Hollywood has been making waves in Ireland in recent months as people all over the country try to get their hands on it.

Ozempic is a prescription medication primarily used to treat type2 diabetes. It's active ingredient semaglutide, belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help the pancreas release the right amount of insulin when blood sugars are high, slows down digestion and reduces appetite and overall lowers blood sugar levels.

Besides managing diabetes, the drug has been widely used by many without any medical conditions as a weight loss treatment.

How did it become mainstream?

During clinical trials for the drug, patients experienced dramatic weight loss as a side effect, a side effect that would become it's main marketing point.

Further studies produced the release of Wegovy, a higher dose version of Ozempic that was specifically approved for obesity treatment.

Once social media got a hold of it, there was no going back as influencers and celebrities began posting their transformation before and after pictures garnering millions of views.

Rumours then began circulating as celebrities started showing up to red carpet events almost unrecognisable and media outlets began hailing the drug as a "miracle".

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Rising popularity in Ireland

The drug has gained rising popularity in Ireland in the last year as way to suppress appetite and curb weight gain.

Ireland has one of the highest levels of obesity in Europe, according to the HSE, with 60% of adults and over one in five children and young people living with overweight and obesity.

There are multiple drivers that influence obesity including genetics, environmental and socioeconomic factors and still remains a highly stigmatized condition.

The HSE also says many people, including healthcare practitioners, have negative attitudes and beliefs about people with overweight and obesity and that weight stigma in healthcare can prevent healthcare professionals from having supportive and non-judgemental consultations with patients, which can result in a lack of diagnosis and low efficacy of interventions for weight management.

Experiences of judgement and shame in the healthcare setting prevents people with obesity from seeking help. Weight stigma can also lead to the under-recognition and undermanagement of symptoms of eating disorders while stigmatisation is associated with greater psychological distress and can cause people to engage in behaviours that make obesity worse.

Stigma around Ozempic

The rise of the drug in Ireland has certainly sparked complex debates on the societal stigma, supply shortages and issues surrounding medical ethics.

Medical authorities have issued guidance emphasizing the primary use of the drug - to treat type 2 diabetes - and have expressed concern over it's use among those with no medical conditions.

This has been a double edged sword however, as many who have tried to get the drug from their GP or pharmacists and failed, have turned to online avenues which can not be 100% verified or trusted.

An article published in the Irish Medical Times (IMT) in 2024, said Irish patients were suffering from "severe side-effects" as a result of getting the medication online and taking the incorrect dosage.

Leading GP Dr Michael Crotty who specialises in weight management and bariatric medicine said that people desperate to source the drug have "risked their health" by taking the drug unsupervised and without dosage guidelines.

In 2024, it was reported that 656 units of fake drugs claiming to contain the active ingredient semaglutide were detained by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

Dr Crotty told IMT, 

"I've certainly had patients who have sourced medications online, on various websites, through social media.

"They've arrived in the post and often times they're not sure what they're getting. It's obviously branded as generic Ozempic or generic semaglitude.

"It's very challenging because they don't know what's in the medication, they don't know how it has been produced, whether there are contaminants, and under what circumstances.

I've seen people experience severe side effects from these products that they're taking, mostly because they're not getting the appropriate information", he added.

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What are the side effects?

Ozempic can come with a range of side effects, some mild and some potentially serious but it's important to note that not everyone who take this drug will experience any of these.

Most common side effects include, nausea, vomiting diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite.

Less common but more serious side effects include Pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney and thyroid problems and allergic reactions.

Other side effects can include hair loss, muscle loss and changes in mood.

Is it worth it and how much will it cost?

Ozempic may not be be for everyone, but for those struggling with weight loss and issues surrounding food, this may be a miracle drug - under correct medical guidance of course.

Clinical trials have shown a 10-15% body weight reduction over the course of a year for many users.

The injection is taken weekly, usually in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm and will cost you approximately €129 per month, breaking that down to roughly €32 a week.

Long-term use is required on the drug and with everything, it can come with side effects. Weight can return after stopping the drug.

Experts will always maintain that a healthy balanced lifestyle and diet is first and foremost the best way to keep weight down.

There will always be a stigma surrounding "quick" weight loss treatments such as the rise in gastric bands in recent years but everyone is different and some things that work for some may not work for others.

How to get Ozempic in Ireland?

Ozempic requires a prescription in Ireland primarily for manging type 2 diabetes, but in some case, doctors will prescribe the drug for weight-management.

You can consult your GP to discuss the drug and your eligibility - it may be considered if your BMI is 30 or higher and is accompanied by a weight-related health condition such as hypertension.

Some online pharmacies can also offer consultations with Irish-registered doctors who can assess your suitability for the drug.

Buying the drug from unregistered and unauthorized sellers will always be advised against as you never know exactly who you are buying for, the efficacy of the drug they are selling you are what the drug might actually contain.

It is always best to consult your healthcare provider first.