On social networks, young people highlight taking Ozempic to lose weight. However, this drug is not authorized for weight loss in France, but only for type 2 diabetics. The risks to be aware of.
I’Ozempic is the new medicine for weight loss trending on social media. But attention ! If this medicine (whose active substance is semaglutide) may have effects on weight lossit is only authorized in France than in type 2 diabetics. So not to lose weight! It responds (like all drugs) to indications and dosages supervised by the health authorities. Outside, the risk ofSide effects cannot be ruled out.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a GLP-1 analogue called semaglutide prescribed in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. “GLP-1 is anaturally produced hormone through the intestine when eating and which slows gastric emptying, improves the production of insulin, acts on the production of sugar by the liver and on the appetite centers located directly in the brain. This is a drug that has been used for about ten years in the treatment of type 2 diabetes“, explains Dr. Emmanuelle Lecornet-Sokol, endocrinologist. Ozempic is produced by the Novo Nordisk laboratory and marketed since April 2019 in France.
Is Ozempic authorized for weight loss?
No, the Ozempic is not authorized in the treatment of obesity. Nevertheless, “Reports from the field report misuse in non-diabetic people with the aim of weight loss” reported theNational Medicines Agency on March 1, 2023. Approximately 1% of prescriptions between October 2021 and September 2022 were outside of its marketing authorization or AMM (2000 French). These off-label prescriptions lead to shortages for diabetics and put patients at risk. “Ozempic should only be prescribed in insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes, in accordance with its marketing authorization (AMM). (…) This medicine may cause potentially serious side effects, such as gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, or low blood sugar“ recalled the ANSM.
► The Wegovy (higher dose semaglutide than in Ozempic) is authorized for weight loss and weight maintenance, in adults obese or overweight if they have a weight-related comorbidity factor (prediabetes or type 2 diabetes), high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease), in accordance with its CPR.
Can you get Ozempic without a prescription?
No, this medication is on Schedule I of medications and is only available on prescription.
What are the side effects ?
Ozempic can cause potentially serious side effects, such as gastrointestinal disorders, pancreatitis or hypoglycaemia. “IThere is some doubt about the possibility that this could lead to pancreatic and thyroid tumors“, says Dr. Emmanuelle Lecornet-Sokol. It is also important to respect the doctor’s indications and dosages.
Whether its use occurs in the context of type 2 diabetes or obesity, the use of one of these drugs must be integrated into a overall weight loss process with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
“It is important to be followed by his doctor or by a specialist such as an endocrinologist to limit weight regain. Most of the time, the injections gradually stop”.
What is the price of Ozempic? Is it reimbursed?
The Ozempic costs 77 euros. Her repayment rate by health insurance is 30%. It is reimbursed if it is prescribed in case of type 2 diabetes, in combination with certain drugs only (either with metformin, or with metformin or a sulfonylurea).
Thanks to Dr Emmanuelle Lecornet-Sokol, endocrinologist, president of the Fenardediam, co-author with Caroline Balma Chaminadour of the book “And if it was hormonal” (Marabout pocket editions).