Semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy, has been celebrated as a groundbreaking solution in the battle against obesity.
Yet, it’s increasingly raising eyebrows as concerns grow about its misuse among people of healthy or underweight status seeking cosmetic enhancements.
A High-Profile Case: Lottie Moss’s Overdose
Recently, model Lottie Moss, 26, drew attention after she was rushed to the hospital due to an Ozempic overdose.
Moss experienced severe symptoms, including vomiting, a seizure, and dehydration, after taking an excessive dose of the drug.
At the time, she weighed around 60 kg (about 9 stone).
She claimed that a friend had obtained the medication from an unlicensed source, contributing to her health crisis.
How Ozempic Affects the Body
Ozempic promotes weight loss by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which is released in the gut after eating.
This hormone helps regulate insulin production and signals the brain to feel full, thereby preventing overeating.
However, semaglutide, the active ingredient, has a longer-lasting effect compared to the natural GLP-1 hormone.
This can lead to a build-up in the body if doses are not properly timed, potentially resulting in an overdose.
Risks and Side Effects
Misuse of semaglutide can lead to dangerous side effects.
Overdose symptoms may include an increased heart rate, sweating, dizziness, and irritability.
In severe cases, it can cause confusion, delirium, and loss of consciousness, potentially leading to a coma.
Data on the exact lethality of such overdoses is limited, but case reports suggest that the effects can be life-threatening.
Proper Usage and Regulations
To mitigate risks, the recommended starting dose of Ozempic is 0.25 mg for the first four weeks, gradually increasing thereafter.
Currently, Ozempic is not approved by the NHS for weight loss but is prescribed for managing blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients.
Wegovy, another semaglutide option, has been approved for weight loss in individuals with health issues related to obesity.
Official Ozempic pens are designed to prevent overdoses by setting a fixed dose, reducing the risk of accidental errors.
However, compounded versions from pharmacies can be risky, as patients might need to draw their own doses, increasing the chance of mistakes.
Expert Opinions and Warnings
Dr. Joseph Lambson, director of the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center, highlighted the dangers of self-administering compounded versions of the drug.
Dr. Vicky Price from the Society for Acute Medicine also noted a rise in hospital admissions due to misuse of the drug.
Lottie Moss’s Cautionary Tale
In a recent podcast, Lottie Moss shared her harrowing experience, expressing regret over her decision to use Ozempic.
She revealed that her weight dropped from 60 kg to 53 kg in just two weeks, a change she now views as unhealthy.
Moss criticized the lack of guidance and warned others about the risks of using such medications without proper medical oversight.
Access and Eligibility
For those considering Wegovy through the NHS, strict criteria must be met.
It’s only available if lifestyle changes like diet and exercise have been ineffective, if there are related health issues, and if the individual has a BMI of 35 or higher.
In summary, while semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy offer potential benefits for weight management, misuse and incorrect dosing can lead to serious health risks.
Proper medical supervision and adherence to guidelines are crucial for safe use.
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