In the last few months, the demand for Ozempic has surged significantly. Interestingly, this surge isn’t tied to Ozempic’s effectiveness in managing diabetes, but rather its potential to assist with weight loss.
A series of events has contributed to the increased popularity of Ozempic in late 2022.
On September 22, 2022, Andy Cohen tweeted, “Everyone is suddenly showing up 25 pounds lighter. What happens when they stop taking #Ozempic ?????”
Then, on November 16, 2022, Elon Musk tweeted: “Down 30 lbs. When one of his followers asked “how?”, the Tycoon tweeted, “Fasting + Ozempic/Wegovy + no tasty food near me.”
Since these posts, the hashtag #Ozempic garnered over 273 million views on TikTok in 2022.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine during Obesity Week 2022 highlighted the effectiveness of Semaglutide in assisting obese adolescents with weight loss.
The internet quickly latched onto Ozempic as a miracle diet drug, given how celebrities, tech moguls, and influencers touted it as a weight loss solution.
All these events have significantly impacted global consumption of Semaglutide, both as Ozempic and Wegovy, resulting in a worldwide shortage. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, is struggling to keep up with the soaring demand, leaving many pharmacies unable to maintain adequate stock.
Is Ozempic’s Popularity for Weight Loss a Concern for Type 2 Diabetes Patients?
Yes! But there’s a viable alternative!
Until 2022, Ozempic ranked 129th among popular medications prescribed for Type 2 diabetes. The recent surge catapulted it to the number one spot. Many doctors are now prescribing this medication off-label for weight loss.
In 2022 alone, Ozempic prescriptions hit a staggering 373,000 in the U.S., marking a 111% increase in sales worldwide.
This parallel demand is creating a shortage for those who need Ozempic to manage Type 2 diabetes. So, what’s the next best alternative for these patients? Doctors worldwide are now turning to Rybelsus to address the shortage. Rybelsus contains the same active ingredient, Semaglutide, and offers several advantages over Ozempic:
- It comes in oral pill form, eliminating the pain associated with injections.
- It can be stored at room temperature.
- It is more affordable than Ozempic.
Disha Narang, an endocrinologist at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, mentioned that prescribing medications off-label, especially Ozempic, is not a new practice for doctors. She further noted that the increased demand has led to a shortage, making it difficult for diabetes patients and healthcare providers to access the medication.
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration has also reported extensive Ozempic prescriptions for weight loss. The organization has urged healthcare professionals to prescribe the medication strictly for approved uses.
Interesting Facts and Analysis of Ozempic’s High Demand in the Market Today
Prescription for Weight Loss
– In 2022, prescription drugs for weight loss experienced a 72% growth. The market’s expected value was $905M, but it has soared to $1.6B.
– Due to rising demand, Ozempic‘s expected market value in 2023 is projected to be $1.9B.
Experts attribute the surge in demand to the impact of telehealth and social media. They also highlight how digital health firms and pharmacies facilitate easy access to Ozempic through online prescription services.
Share in the Diabetes Drug Market
– Ozempic’s market share in 2018 was just 1%. However, it has now become the top-selling diabetes drug. As of February 2023, Ozempic holds 41% of the total market, with expectations of further growth.
Popularity on TikTok
– As of March 2023, the hashtag #Ozempic has amassed a record-breaking 848.3M views on TikTok.
What’s Next for Ozempic?
The demand for Ozempic is expected to continue rising in the coming months. However, the shortage poses a significant risk for those using it for blood sugar control. Type 2 diabetes patients who rely on this treatment daily may face health risks due to the scarcity.
For non-diabetic individuals using Ozempic off-label for weight loss, various side effects may occur. It is crucial to understand that this medication is intended for blood sugar management rather than weight loss. Both Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, and the FDA caution against using this medicine solely for slimming purposes.
Everyone is suddenly showing up 25 pounds lighter. What happens when they stop taking #Ozempic ?????
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) September 22, 2022