Serena Williams Discusses Her Weight Loss with Ozempic and We Consulted Leading Professionals on Potential Consequences
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In a move that has sparked conversation and controversy, tennis champion Serena Williams has announced her use of the fat-loss medication GLP-1, also known as Ozempic. This announcement is part of a new campaign and partnership with Ro, a GLP-1 telehealth prescription service.
Ozempic, the brand name for semaglutide, is a drug that aids those with diabetes in stimulating insulin and regulating blood sugar. However, it has gained popularity beyond its initial purpose, with growing interest and coverage of the drug being used by those who are not considered obese.
The science of sustainable weight loss is not always appealing, and many people, including Williams, opt for quick fixes. The drug has been heavily marketed, with billions of views on TikTok posts under the hashtag #Ozempic, and on Instagram, multiple accounts come up with handles like "My Ozempic weight loss journey".
However, purchasing Ozempic online without a prescription may pose risks. These risks include mild symptoms, inflammation of the pancreas, thyroid tumors, cancer, hypoglycemia, kidney failure, gallbladder problems, changes in vision, and hair loss. Unregulated and dangerous black market alternatives have also sharply risen in recent years.
Williams' use of the drug is part of a paid partnership and advertorial. She joins a growing list of celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Amy Schumer, and Rebel Wilson, who have publicly shared their use of the drug, originally prescribed for diabetes sufferers. Many reported to be spending between $1000 to $1500 a month on the drug to maintain a slimmer physique.
The NHS waitlist for Wegovy, a variation of the drug, is currently rumored to sit at two years after nationwide interest. In the UK, those who qualify for a prescription of the drug must be obese (have a body mass index of 35 kg/m2) and have obesity-related health problems.
The Ozempic craze highlights the pressure on all genders, but particularly women, to look and act in a certain way to "fit in." The obsession with being skinny and the use of drugs like Ozempic send the wrong message, as they only focus on weight loss regardless of the effects on health.
Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, is an investor and sits on the board of Ro. This financial incentive has raised eyebrows, particularly as there have been numerous studies and stories about the long-term side effects of the drug, the lack of aftercare programmes currently available in the UK, and the necessity to stay on the drug long term to maintain fat loss.
The professions involved in the company Novo Nordisk, which manufactures and markets Ozempic, include pharmaceutical researchers and developers, production workers, marketing and sales professionals, regulatory affairs specialists, and IT personnel (under NNIT, the IT department). Novo Nordisk is a large multinational pharmaceutical company with divisions in drug development, manufacturing, marketing, and support functions.
The shortages of Ozempic in the UK have caused difficulties for those with diabetes who rely on the drug for medical reasons. The Ozempic craze is causing shortages for those who are prescribed the drug for weight loss and who may struggle to access treatments for obesity.
Comments on Williams' post about the announcement have been mixed, with some expressing concern about the emphasis on weight loss and the potential normalization of drastic measures for weight loss. The use of drugs like Ozempic is a complex issue, with benefits and risks to consider. It is crucial to approach weight loss with a focus on health and sustainability, rather than quick fixes.
