Overview

• Wegovy and Ozempic, based on semaglutide, were initially approved for diabetes and obesity but have gained popularity for weight loss.
• Celebrities like Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey have publicly endorsed these drugs, boosting their social and financial impact.
• Health experts warn against using Wegovy for cosmetic weight loss due to potential side effects like nausea and pancreatitis.
• The rise in demand has led to counterfeit versions and unproven supplements claiming similar benefits without clinical backing.
• Liraglutide, a related drug, is becoming more affordable as patents expire, though all GLP-1 mimetics carry similar side effects.