The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued a stern warning against the misuse of semaglutide, commonly marketed as Ozempic, by Kenyans using it as a weight loss shortcut. The regulator emphasized that Ozempic is a prescription-only medicine meant strictly for managing Type 2 diabetes and should never be taken without medical supervision.
“Semaglutide is a prescription-only medicine and should not be used without medical supervision. It is approved for the treatment of adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus that is insufficiently controlled. While the benefits of semaglutide outweigh its risks, serious safety concerns continue to be raised, particularly when it is used outside its approved medical purposes,” the Board said in a statement.
What makes Ozempic so popular for weight loss?
Originally developed for diabetes management, Ozempic has gained global attention for its appetite-suppressing effects, which can reduce hunger by up to 80 percent and alter cravings through its action on the brain’s satiety system. Influencers and celebrities have fueled its popularity, showcasing rapid body transformations on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
In Kenya, well-known names such as Pritty Vishy, who lost 41 kilograms, and Lydia Wanjiru, who claimed Ozempic delivered results that six months in the gym could not, have openly shared their experiences. “I tried working out in the gym, but I felt overwhelmed … So I opted for Ozempic … After Ozempic, my appetite reduced drastically,” Vishy admitted.
What are the health risks of using Ozempic for weight loss?
Despite its fame, experts warn that misuse of the drug can cause severe health issues, including low blood sugar, acid reflux, eye problems, and intestinal obstruction. International cases highlight its dangers, such as that of Australian mother Jamie Lee, who linked her repeated bowel obstructions to long-term Ozempic use. “Give me my 30 kilos back,” she said. “I’ll take that over going through this pain again.”
Dr Kenneth Blum, professor at Western University Health Sciences and Ariel University, stressed the importance of caution: “This study should not be ignored, despite the hype surrounding the positive clinical outcomes of GLP1 receptor agonists. We urge the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of ‘people dying to lose weight.’”
Is Ozempic a long-term solution?
While Ozempic has been approved in the US for weight loss and praised for its heart and kidney benefits, doctors caution that the drug’s long-term safety remains unclear. “We don’t have more than four years of real-world data on this drug,” noted medico-legal expert Dr Christopher Rudge.
Another concern is that weight loss only lasts as long as the drug is used. Many patients regain the weight once they stop due to supply shortages or personal choice. Health authorities, including the UK’s NICE, advise structured follow-up, behavioral support, and professional monitoring for those discontinuing the drug to prevent rebound weight gain.
Ozempic may be powerful, but experts insist it should never replace balanced lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and proper nutrition.
By Yockshard Enyendi