"MIRACLE" FAT-MELTING DRUG OZEMPIC HAS been linked in a study to a series of rare but potentially fatal psychiatric episodes, scientists have warned.
The injectable prescription drug was developed to manage blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes, but it has gained popularity and gone viral on social media due to one sought-after side effect: weight loss.
Ozempic is based on a naturally occurring human hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1, which plays an important role in regulating appetite and blood sugar levels. Its active ingredient is a molecule called semaglutide, which mimics the structure of this GLP-1 hormone and activates its receptors.
In doing so, semaglutide induces feelings of fullness while delaying the emptying of our stomach, making us less hungry and therefore less likely to overeat.
Semaglutide is also used in Ozempic's sister drug, Wegovy, which has been approved by the FDA for chronic weight management. Between the start of 2020 and the end of 2022, prescriptions of GLP-1 mimic medications like semaglutide increased by 300 percent across the U.S., according to health care analytics firm Trilliant Health.
The drug has since been endorsed by celebrities and influencers, with #ozempic reaching over 1.4 billion views on TikTok. However, when used as a weight-loss drug, semaglutide has been shown to have some uncomfortable side effects.
Most studies into these have focused on gut problems, but a new study, published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, has highlighted a concerning association between semaglutide and adverse psychiatric events, including depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Pharmaceutical manufacturer Novo Nordisk, which produces Ozempic and Wegovy, cited the FDA saying that no evidence was found regarding suicidal thoughts or actions caused by these medicines.
Denne historien er fra March 22, 2024-utgaven av Newsweek Europe.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 22, 2024-utgaven av Newsweek Europe.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The Next Phase of War
After thousands of elite soldiers from North Korea joined Vladimir Putin’s forces against Ukraine, how has this latest move affected the conflict?
Hey, Don't Be So SAD
Seasonal affective disorder affects millions of people. Here’s how you can prep your body and mind for darker days
America's Best CONTINUING CARE
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, RESTAURANTstyle dining, unlimited pickleball-an impressive number of amenities are becoming standard at Continuing Care Retirement Communities.
NEW WORLD ORDER
HOW LEADERS ACROSS THE GLOBE ARE REACTING TO DONALD TRUMP'S REELECTION AS U.S. PRESIDENT
My Fight for Equality and Justice
It will take more than just science to end AIDS. Inclusion, empathy and compassion are essential, too
Saying No to Trump and Men
The election has led some women to boycott relationships and sex
Wendi McLendon-Covey
AFTER 10 YEARS OF PLAYING BEVERLY GOLDBERG ON THE GOLDBERGS, Wendi McLendon-Covey was not eager for a break. \"I need to go do a job where I can just throw everything at it and then come home totally exhausted.\"
'I'm the Highest Earner in Esports'
Johan \"NOtail\" Sundstein has won over $7 million but says, \"I don't really crave that status...I play for my own reasons\"
AMERICA'S BEST Weight Loss CLINICS & CENTERS 2025
WHETHER IT'S FOR MEAL PLANS, PROFESSIONAL guidance or access to medications like GLP-1s, weight loss clinics can offer personalized assistance for those hoping to make sustainable lifestyle changes.
AMERICA'S MOST ANTICIPATED NEW VEHICALS - 2025
WHETHER IT'S A NEWLY IMAGined sport utility vehicle or the re-emergence of a highly regarded halo car, the vehicles coming to market in 2025 prove that Americans' attitudes about personal transportation are diverse and are being served from all angles.
