What is Ozempic and why should you know about it?

This post is a bit longer than normal, but I hope you’ll stick with it because it’s an important read. I’ve spent time researching and connecting the dots, but honestly I’ve just scratched the surface.

Lots of people are turning to Ozempic and other GLP-1s for weight loss, as the popularity of these drugs has skyrocketed in recent years. But there are growing concerns with these drugs, and their effectiveness is hotly debated. No doubt this is a challenging issue, as those living with excess weight can feel defeated and hopeless when weight loss efforts aren’t met with lasting success. Still, those considering Ozempic and similar drugs should be fully informed on the issue, including the prospective profits companies make and potential side effects patients experience.

That said, I’m certainly no medical doctor or pharmacist, but you don’t need to be to see the alarming trajectory of Ozempic alongside the increasing obesity epidemic. While these are certainly difficult subjects, discussing them from a biblical worldview is helpful, especially for Christians who are discerning whether or not to use these drugs.

On a side note, if you want to read more about the obesity epidemic, its trajectory, and its overlap with Christianity, check out these previous posts:

Christianity and the Obesity Epidemic

Examining Obesity and its Consequences

The Challenges of Childhood Obesity

What Can Christians Do about the Obesity Epidemic?

What is Ozempic and other GLP-1s?

Very simply, Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs (Wegovy, Trulicity, Victoza) help control blood sugar levels. Originally formulated to combat type II diabetes, in recent years, they have also become a popular means of quick weight loss. They influence feelings of hunger and slow down digestion in the stomach, which in turn, promotes weight loss. While only people with type 2 diabetes previously took GLP-1 drugs, now with the FDA’s approval, they are being prescribed for those who are overweight and obese. There are now 10 different GLP-1 drugs, some primarily for type 2 diabetes and others primarily for obesity.

Ozempic and most other GLP-1s are given via weekly injections at $1,000+ a pop. And to be clear, these are weight MANAGEMENT drugs meant to produce up to “about 15% weight loss.” For their benefits to continue, you must continue taking them…indefinitely. Studies show once off them, many people regain the weight lost.

Why does it matter?

The latest NHANES data shows that 80% of US adults are overweight or obese. That means MOST adults could be prescribed a GLP-1 drug. Additionally, about 40% of kids ages 2-19 are overweight or obese.

When most adults and a growing number of kids are candidates for these long-term drugs, it should come as no surprise that experts project weight loss drug, Ozempic, to be the most lucrative medication in US history. And with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommending bariatric surgeries and now GLP-1 drugs in kids as young as 12, you can bet untold profits are on the horizon. When you can get an adult to start Ozempic weekly injections at 55, that’s great. But if you can get a child dependent at age 12, you’ve got a customer for life.

And, understand, these recommendations come despite no long-term studies on the health effects in kids using Ozempic.

Novo Nordisk, the company who manufactures Ozempic and other GLP-1s, has become the “most valuable company” in Europe. But interestingly, they primarily sell these drugs to US consumers and also play a major role in funding the American Academy of Pediatrics – who just advised teens 12 and up to be prescribed these drugs.

You can read more about other potential conflicts of interest between government organizations and the propagation of these drugs. But there’s one more layer to this story that I noted nearly two years ago in the first Christianity and obesity post: the language revolving around obesity has shifted. Rather than “being obese,” the new terminology is “having obesity.” It’s now diagnosed as a disease, which demands the requisite medications. This shift in language over the years laid the foundation for GLP-1s to be prescribed and, in turn, be projected as the most lucrative drug ever. What a coincidence.

And, unsurprisingly, Novo Nordisk is calling for the government to have Medicare cover GLP-1s for patients, just as it does with other medications for chronic diseases. Given the rates of overweight and obesity in adults, imagine the potential Medicare spending costs.

What are the potential side effects?

The side effects of GLP-1s should not be overlooked. The milder ones include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. The more serious, albeit “less common” side effects are: pancreatitis or an inflamed pancreas, gastroparesis or when food cannot move out of the stomach, bowel obstruction or a blockage that clogs up the intestines, gallstones, and bile duct blockage. In other words, these potential side effects could mean severe abdominal pain, severe vomiting and diarrhea, inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement, and jaundice, a liver condition that yellows your skin. In other words, these drugs have the potential to wreak havoc on your digestive system.

Muscle loss is also a potential side effect, which is the complete opposite goal of transforming body composition. For lasting lifestyle change, weightlifting is essential. It decreases fat mass and increases muscle mass. Muscle mass constantly burns calories, whereas fat mass just stores excess calories. When you’re attempting weight loss and maintenance, the LAST thing you want is decreased lean mass. Still, “starvation causes an equal loss of muscle and fat…that is what these drugs do.” Robert Lustig, Neuroendocrinologist at UCSF

Additionally, anesthesiologists are warning of aspiration during surgeries, a serious complication under anesthesia. Most concerning are the studies being done to determine if GLP-1s cause suicidal thoughts due to the drug’s impact on the gut.

Another, perhaps, an unexpected side effect has been called, “Ozempic face.” In 2023, facial plastic surgeons described a 60% increase in patients with “facial deflation” and “a prematurely aged appearance” from taking Ozempic. This surgery costs patients already paying $1,000+ per  injection about $10,000 to fix effects from drastic weight loss.

Many eating disorder organizations have expressed concern over prescribing these drugs to kids, as they fear GLP-1s will increase the numbers of eating disorders. Because these drugs haven’t been sufficiently studied in kids, there is concern over their impact on teens’ mental health, particularly given the possible link to suicidal thoughts. These concerns are legitimate, especially if you communicate to a 12 year old that they’re victims of a lifelong disease that they need weekly injections to manage.

Is it worth it?

Despite Ozempic’s growing popularity, researchers are finding that only 1/3 of patients are still taking it a year later. Most who discontinue the weekly injections list the cost, side effects, or simply being uninformed that it required ongoing treatment.

There are a number of lawsuits mounting against Novo Nordisk with the plaintiffs claiming they weren’t adequately informed about the potential side effects. Many former users of Ozempic say their side effects continued despite stopping the injections – the worst of them being gastroparesis, or literally a paralyzed stomach. When your stomach can’t process food and empty into your intestines, you’re dealing with a serious medical issue. These growing number of lawsuits have led experts to wonder if they’ll “be the next big thing in mass litigation?” 

In the end, for those considering GLP-1s, hear the following words of concern from Dr. Courtney Younglove, medical director of Heartland Weight Loss Clinic. She summarizes, “without a comprehensive lifestyle intervention and proper medical oversight, these drugs have the potential to do significant harm.”

Should Christians use Ozempic?

Ultimately, the answer to this question is between those considering Ozempic and the Lord. If that’s you or you know someone who is debating it, here are a few questions that may help you work through the decision.

What does the Spirit’s fruit of self-control have to do with the weekly usage of Ozempic to manage weight?

Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and given his fruit to live holy and godly lives (1 Cor 6:19, Gal 5:22-23, 2 Pet 1:3-8). Self-control in all areas, even eating and exercise, is possible for Christians to progress in by the Spirit.

Is $1000+ a week to manage your weight wise use of the money God has given you?

Given the potentially harmful side effects of Ozempic, how might that impact the stewardship or responsible management of your body?

Have you spent time praying about taking these drugs? Or sought out wise counsel from other believers?

Are worldly concerns driving your desire to take Ozempic?

Have you committed to significantly changing your lifestyle factors of eating and exercise before turning to GLP-1s?

How does the command to glorify God in your body inform the reality of  these weekly injections and potential side effects (1 Cor 6:20)?