If you've been scrolling through TikTok, however, you might have seen a third option for your weight loss goals: several TikTokers are injecting themselves weekly with a Type 2 diabetes drug called Ozempic, claiming it can help quickly trim your tummy.
A TikTok weight loss trend has caused shortages of Ozempic. What are the risks for those using this diabetes drug off-label? A diabetes drug is facing shortages worldwide and causing health concerns as users flood social media with posts boasting its properties as a "wonder" weight loss hack.
The story so far: The dramatic weight loss of Kim and Khloe Kardashian and other celebrities has been rumoured to be the work of an injectable drug, Ozempic, that's been called 'Hollywood's worst kept secret'.
The latest on diabetes medications
The ADA 2023 conference will unveil new findings on medications for type 2 diabetes and obesity, including high-dose oral semaglutide and Lilly's retatrutide, a GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor triple agonist.
Since Ozempic is expensive and can be difficult to obtain, it appears some consumers have instead turned to berberine. On TikTok, videos about the supplement have generated more than 92m views.
Wegovy is one of several new “miracle” drugs that promise to revolutionize the weight-loss industry. Praised by celebrities and social media influencers, Wegovy was approved for use in the U.S., as well as in the U.K.'s free healthcare system, where it will be available to patients in spring 2023.
Influencers and celebrities are using diabetes drug Ozempic to lose weight.
The latest buzzy diabetes drug semaglutide—better known by brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus—is drawing attention for its ability to both control blood sugar and cause weight loss.
In Australia, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available through several major pharmacy retailers, including: Chemist Warehouse - Chemist Warehouse is one of the largest pharmacy chains in Australia, with over 400 stores nationwide. They carry Mounjaro and can dispense it with a valid prescription from your doctor.
Common metformin alternatives are SGLT-2 Inhibitors (Invokana, Farxiga, Jardiance, and Steglatro), GLP – 1 Receptor Agonists ( Bydureon, Byetta, Ozempic, Adlyxin, Rybelsus, Trulicity, and Victoza), Sulfonylureas or SFUs { DiaBeta, Glynase, or Micronase (glyburide or glibenclamide) Amaryl (glimepiride) Diabinese ( ...
However, it is important to note that Adele has not publicly confirmed or denied using Ozempic or any other specific weight loss medication. Without official confirmation from Adele or her representatives, these claims remain unverified.
Revealing how she managed to drop such a substantial amount of weight in a short space of time, Kim explained: “I would wear a sauna suit twice a day, run on the treadmill, completely cut out all sugar and all carbs, and just eat the cleanest veggies and protein. “I didn't starve myself, but I was so strict.”
While metformin is a more common first-choice medication for Type 2 diabetes, weight loss is more likely with Ozempic. Ozempic can also lower your risk of heart attack and stroke if you have diabetes and heart disease. And it has been shown to have potential benefits for the kidneys.
On average, a user can lose about 3 to 5% of their body weight after using Ozempic for a month regularly. This equates to about 4 to 6 pounds on average. Using a higher potency of the drug may result in more weight loss, but it isn't recommended that you start taking it right away.
Ozempic has been widely used off-label for weight loss; the same drug, branded as Wegovy, is now approved for weight management in Australia, but is not currently available.
In addition, the introduction of the new GLP-1/GIP agonist, tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro) into Australia for the treatment of type 2 diabetes has been delayed until sufficient and continuing supply can be assured, due to its heightened use elsewhere, chiefly as an alternative to Ozempic – although its pending FDA ...
To buy Mounjaro you will need to consult a registered Australian doctor online or in person. If you are suitable for the treatment the doctor should be able to provide a prescription. The prescription can then be filled by an Australian registered pharmacy.
EXPLAINED: Ozempic helps people lose weight. But who should be able to use it? While the drug has become increasingly popular as a weight loss treatment, the TGA says it should only be prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide injections for weight loss
The typical dose for weight loss is 2.4 milligrams, administered weekly as subcutaneous (under the skin) self-injections. But as interest in semaglutide for weight loss continues to grow, health care professionals are finding ways to manage the demand.
Celebrity cosmetic dermatologist Simon Ourian, friend and doctor of the Kardashians, told The Hollywood Reporter he's seeing patients come in with saggy skin and "deflated" butts after losing weight too quickly from the popular new drug Ozempic. (No member of the Kardashian family has publically said they use Ozempic.)
Weight loss medicines that are available in Australia include orlistat, phentermine and liraglutide. These medicines have been shown to help achieve and maintain weight loss when used in combination with lifestyle change.
Both sisters have rejected claims using any unnatural means and said that it's because of diet and exercise. Khloe has shut down allegations that she or any of her sisters have used the medication to lose weight.
Ozempic is an injectable drug that is being prescribed off-label by Australian health professionals and doctors for weight loss. Originally meant as a diabetes treatment, the active ingredient Semaglutide has experienced supply issues in pharmaceutical wholesalers around Australia and the world.
Wegovy is a prescription obesity management medication. It provides the drug Semaglutide via a once weekly injection or subdermal jab. Semaglutide is primarily marketed locally in Australia and worldwide for treatment for type 2 diabetes but one of the main side effects is loss of appetite.