Aug. 1, 2023 – Ashley Raibick is no stranger to the weight loss yo-yo. She has tried various popular programs like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig, but always ends up regaining the weight she loses. However, a visit to her local med spa changed everything for the 28-year-old hairstylist who wanted to lose 18 pounds. While at the spa, she noticed that the owner had lost weight and when she asked how, the owner explained that she was taking semaglutide. Convinced, Raibick got a prescription that same day.
Raibick’s starting weight before taking the drug was 158 pounds, which classified her as overweight but not obese based on her BMI. Her goal was to reach 140 pounds. The drug she was prescribed, Ozempic, is part of a group of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists that contain semaglutide as the main ingredient. While originally intended to treat type 2 diabetes, these drugs gained popularity when it was suspected that thin celebrities were using them for weight loss.
Although Ozempic is currently only approved for diabetes treatment, curious patients who don’t meet the criteria can still obtain off-label prescriptions if they can afford the high cost, which can exceed $1,400 per month. But is Ozempic worth it for those looking to lose a relatively small amount of weight?
Many individuals who have been taking Ozempic for a few months and have experienced weight loss attest to the drug’s effectiveness. It not only helps them shed stubborn weight but also quiets the constant internal thoughts about food. However, experts disagree on whether semaglutide is the right choice for individuals who aren’t technically obese, particularly in the long term.
After just 9 weeks on semaglutide, Raibick had already lost 18 pounds. She shared her experience on TikTok, and her videos on GLP-1s gained hundreds of thousands of views. While there is currently no data on how many people are using semaglutide specifically for weight loss, the company that manufactures Ozempic has reported increased sales and projected profits.
Raibick knows of others like her who are seeking the drug for minor weight loss but choose to keep their journeys private due to the stigma of using a weight loss drug intended for obesity treatment. Additionally, some individuals feel guilty about using their financial privilege to obtain a drug that was in short supply and may have been needed by other patients.
The medical director of the University of California, San Francisco’s weight management program, Diana Thiara, has witnessed the struggles firsthand. Patients who have finally managed to access GLP-1s and lose weight often face challenges in obtaining a prescription refill due to insurance coverage issues.
Ann, a 48-year-old mother who has been working from home full-time, has been taking Ozempic since January. Initially, she had to pay $1,400 per month, but she discovered a Canadian pharmacy that sells it for $350. Ann never had body image concerns until she started gaining weight during the pandemic. She tried various methods, including a well-known weight loss program, but nothing worked until she heard about Ozempic from another mother at her daughter’s school. Ann also experienced menopausal symptoms, making weight loss more challenging.
Starting at 176 pounds, Ann now weighs 151 pounds and falls into the normal weight range according to BMI measurements. However, she still struggles with the shame of potentially depriving someone else of the drug and worries about how long she’ll need to continue taking it to maintain her weight loss. Studies have shown that most people regain the weight they lost within a year of stopping Ozempic.
Raibick was able to reach her goal weight and decided to gradually reduce her semaglutide dose once she reached around 120 pounds. However, she realized that without the drug, the hunger cravings and thoughts about food returned. She resumed a lower dose to aid with weight maintenance.
Concerns about side effects surround Ozempic, with some users reporting nausea, digestive problems, and potential long-term effects on thyroid and reproductive health. Recent reports even suggest that the drug may cause stomach paralysis. Despite these concerns, Raibick continues to pay around $600 per month for the drug because of the peace of mind it provides.
Dr. Dan Azagury, a bariatric surgeon, believes that GLP-1s like Ozempic may be a lifelong treatment option for patients with obesity before considering surgery.