For years, the search for quick fixes to lose weight has captivated people. Ozempic, a drug used to treat diabetes and obesity manufactured by Danish company Novo Nordisk, is gaining global popularity. Countries like the United States and United Kingdom have seen a growing trend of celebrities admitting to using Ozempic to lose weight. ALSO READ: Type 2 diabetes is preventable; understand the risk factors However, this trend raises critical questions: Is it safe to use Ozempic solely for appearance enhancement without medical prescription? And what do Rwandan health officials say about Ozempic and its cousin Wegovy, which is also made by Novo Nordisk? What is Ozempic? Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is a prescription medication designed to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It is administered as a once-weekly injection and works by helping the pancreas produce more insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels. WATCH: From 130 to 85kgs: A tale of successful weight loss The medication is typically prescribed to adults aged 18 and above with type 2 diabetes. For individuals without diabetes, it is only prescribed if they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 kg/m² or higher and have additional medical or psychological conditions related to obesity. According to Dr. Jean Claude Habineza, a diabetes specialist at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), the diabetes drug cannot be prescribed solely for weight loss without a related health condition. “Even in countries where it is approved for weight loss, it is prescribed only if you have obesity and another condition related to it, like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. It is not prescribed just for weight loss alone,” he said. ALSO READ: Regular exercise, well-rounded diet reduces dementia risk, says health expert In Rwanda, the drug is not currently available in pharmacies, Habineza said. “Even if one was prescribed Ozempic, they would likely have to source it from outside the country,” he said. Potentil risks of Ozempic Dr. Habineza also cautioned against using the drug without medical supervision due to possible side effects. “It can lead to thyroid tumours or cancer in some cases. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), and kidney failure,” he said. For individuals with diabetes, the medication could worsen vision problems in certain cases. “These side effects don’t happen to everyone, but they are important to keep in mind,” he noted. What about Wegovy? Dr. Habineza clarified that Wegovy is essentially the same as Ozempic. “The difference is just the brand name—they are the same medicine and serve the same purpose,” he explained. With the increasing popularity of the injectable drugs as a quick solution for weight loss, Dr. Habineza urged caution. “Even with the medication, once you stop taking it, the appetite returns, and people often regain the weight they lost,” he said. ALSO READ: One premium gym wants to make fitness Kigali’s next big thing ‘No quick fixes’ He explained that the drugs work by reducing appetite through the activation of specific brain receptors, making individuals feel full and eat less. However, without a commitment to healthy eating and regular exercise, the weight is likely to return after discontinuing the medication. “There’s no quick fix for weight loss. The most effective and sustainable way to lose weight is through regular exercise and a healthy diet. It may take time, but it’s a long-term solution that doesn’t come with the risks of quick fixes like Ozempic.”
