Videos are not hard to find on the social media platform TikTok. The site features videos of people promoting Ozempic, his type 2 diabetes medication with weight loss, a popular side effect.
“I have no doubt that the viral TikTok videos have driven demand,” said Dr. Frank Che, medical director of bariatric surgery at Sky Ridge Medical Center near Denver. “Unfortunately, the TikTok trend has taken that drug and turned it into a viral epidemic, so to speak.”
Dr. Chae is one of many medical professionals who have noticed that Ozempic’s growing popularity is causing another potentially dangerous side effect.
“There’s a shortage of Ozempic for diabetics because of the unfortunate TikTok trend,” he said.
The CDC’s website states that Ozempic is “currently in short supply.”
Also missing is a weight-loss drug called Wegovy, which contains the same hormone as Ozempic called semaglutide, which helps control blood sugar levels.
“By acting on the centers of the brain, it reduces appetite and also affects the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. [gastrointestinal] It’s a system for absorbing less food,” Dr. Choi said.
Its effects can lead to weight loss. However, it can be a problem for diabetics who cannot find medication.The disease itself can cause a myriad of health problems if left untreated.
“It can affect the eyes, kidneys, and heart, and is actually associated with certain types of cancer,” says Griffin P. Rogers, Ph.D., of the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases. said.
The drug itself can have side effects other than weight loss. That’s why experts say it’s important to talk to your doctor about buying off-label drugs, that is, to treat a condition that’s not intended for.
“It’s not for everyone and should be monitored by a medical professional while taking it,” said Dr. Choi. “So if you’re thinking about weight loss therapy, talk to your family, doctor, or other weight loss professional. They’ll actually sit with you, consider your needs and goals, and make the appropriate recommendations. You can prescribe medicine. Something I saw on TikTok.”
Scripps Only Content 2022
