Impact of Ozempic and Semaglutide on Diabetes and Obesity Treatment

• Ozempic, an injectable prescription drug, mimics the hormone GLP-1 in the small intestine, slowing down digestion and reducing appetite.
• It leads to weight loss and benefits to the heart and kidney.
• Available in oral and injectable forms, Ozempic results in weight losses of 10 to 15%.
• Widely used in India due to 10.13 crore diabetes patients and 40% prevalence of abdominal obesity among women and 12% in men.
• Reduces risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular deaths in such adults.
• Some patients experience side effects like bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
• In rare cases, it can cause stomach paralysis, inhibit stomach contraction, and cause pancreatitis.
• Between 5 and 10% of patients cannot tolerate the side effects and discontinue the drug.
• Cost barriers include high cost of Rybelsus tablets, potential side effects of self-medication, and a black market due to potential side effects.
• Future prospects include treating illnesses linked to heart failure, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.