Is Ozempic a wonder weight-loss drug?

A drug approved in South Africa for type 2 diabetes is showing promising results for weight management.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist registered with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) for type 2 diabetes to reduce blood sugar. It's been on the South African market for about two years, approved only for this purpose.

But after being approved for obesity treatment in the United States a year ago, where it had been heralded on social media as the new wonder drug for weight loss, South Africa experienced a temporary stock shortage of the medication.

Dr Craig Perumal, a specialist physician at Mediclinic Kimberley, says studies have shown Ozempic is effective in managing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. He has successfully prescribed the drug to patients for glucose control, with the added benefit of improving their body mass index (BMI).

“Although it’s still early days for Ozempic, I think this is a wonderful drug that has changed the way doctors manage diabetic and cardiovascular disease patients as well as those who are overweight,” says Dr Perumal.

“All my patients have had very positive results with glucose control, and most patients are seeing greater than 10% weight loss within the first six months of use, with persisting results. I think we will see it gaining even more in popularity with all the social media attention.”

Weight management option

The initial GLP-1 receptor agonist available in South Africa was the daily injectable drug Saxenda (liraglutide). While the results were positive, says Dr Perumal, the costs were prohibitive for most people, at about R5 000 a month for the maintenance dose.

Meanwhile, the weekly dosing of the Ozempic injection at its maintenance dose is more reasonable at about R3 000 a month. Medical aids are often willing to cover some of the cost of Ozempic from members’ day-to-day savings but rarely from their annual chronic benefits. “This is unfortunate, as the conditions for which we are prescribing Ozempic are chronic conditions that require months, if not years, of management and treatment,” says Dr Perumal.

Side-effects of Ozempic

Ozempic does have potential side-effects, which may include nausea and diarrhea or constipation, notes Dr Perumal. Serious side-effects listed by the drug’s manufacturer include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and possible thyroid tumours, as seen in animal studies associated with Ozempic. Those at risk for medullary thyroid carcinoma (cancer) or multiple endocrine neoplastic syndrome type 2 are advised not to use Ozempic.

Dr Perumal says he has not come across or heard of a patient who has experienced these extreme side-effects.

How does Ozempic help with weight loss?

GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic work by stimulating the same receptors as the body’s own GLP-1 to increase insulin levels, decrease blood glucose levels, and delay gastric emptying. Studies showing that Ozempic specifically assists with weight loss were a welcome surprise to the medical community.

“My patients report feeling fuller faster, which assists with weight management,” says Dr Perumal. “[Positive] effects which were not anticipated from GLP-1 receptor agonists include patients in medical trials showing a decreased risk of a poor outcome for diabetes and cardiovascular disease."

Is Ozempic right for me?

To determine if you’re a suitable candidate for Ozempic treatment, it’s best to see your GP, who can refer you to a specialist if necessary. “Overall, this seems to be a very well-tolerated drug with established evidence from studies and anecdotal evidence showing persistent positive effects even when the patient’s diet or exercise regime is not 100%,” says Dr Perumal. “The results last for a while, and I wouldn’t say it is a fad.”

To find a healthcare professional near you, go to www.mediclinic.co.za