What is Ozempic?
Quick Answer
Ozempic is a brand of semaglutide, a weekly injectable drug that mimics the gut hormone GLP-1 to lower blood sugar and reduce appetite; it is approved for type 2 diabetes, and a higher-dose version is sold for weight loss.
The Full Story
Semaglutide was developed by Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk, and the US Food and Drug Administration approved Ozempic for type 2 diabetes in December 2017. It copies GLP-1, a hormone released after eating, which boosts insulin, slows the stomach from emptying and signals fullness to the brain. A higher-dose version, Wegovy, was approved for weight management in 2021 after a trial in which participants lost almost 15 percent of their body weight on average over 68 weeks. Demand exploded on social media, causing shortages and making Novo Nordisk the most valuable company in Europe in 2023. Common side effects include nausea and digestive upset, and the drug is meant to be used with medical supervision.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"The Ozempic Effect — How a Diabetes Drug Changed Weight Loss"