Kerry Toneguzzi struggled for years to lose weight, trying numerous diets and even undergoing bariatric surgery in 2007, only to regain the lost weight. In 2020, after being diagnosed with diabetes, her doctor recommended Ozempic, a drug approved in Canada for treating diabetes that often leads to weight loss as a side effect. The 55-year-old insurance underwriter lost 115 pounds in two years and has maintained her weight ever since.
Many Canadian obesity specialists and endocrinologists consider Ozempic an effective treatment for obesity, a genetic medical condition. Dr. Sean Wharton, an internal medicine specialist, believes Ozempic provides a new pharmacotherapy option for obesity that could be an alternative to bariatric surgery.
However, the drug’s popularity has surged recently thanks to celebrity endorsements and personal success stories. The increasing demand for Ozempic in Canada has raised concerns among some doctors and pharmacists who warn that the drug is not intended for those who want to shed a few pounds for cosmetic reasons. They also caution that patients who need Ozempic may have to take it for life to maintain their weight loss.
Ozempic, which costs between $200 and $300 per month in Canada, contains the active ingredient semaglutide, also found in Wegovy, a higher-dose medication approved for treating obesity. Semaglutide mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that promotes insulin production and stimulates appetite control in the brain. Although Wegovy is unavailable in Canada, some doctors prescribe higher doses of Ozempic to treat obese patients.
Dr. Ehud Ur, an endocrinologist, emphasizes that Ozempic and Wegovy should be used as medical solutions for life-threatening conditions in combination with lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and sleep habits. Family physicians like Dr. Iris Gorfinkel are increasingly receiving requests for Ozempic prescriptions from patients who are not obese, which necessitates in-depth discussions about weight loss and alternative methods.
Shelita Dattani, vice president of pharmacy affairs for the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada, has also encountered patients seeking Ozempic as a quick fix for weight loss. Gorfinkel and Dattani stress the importance of addressing obesity holistically, considering its biological, psychological, and social aspects.
Gorfinkel is concerned about potential side effects, although Ur claims most symptoms dissipate within a few weeks. Both doctors agree that the health risks associated with obesity often outweigh the potential risks of taking the drug. However, Gorfinkel remains skeptical and has yet to prescribe Ozempic to patients.
Novo Nordisk Canada, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, stated that decisions regarding the appropriateness and duration of medication should be made individually in consultation with a healthcare professional. Toneguzzi, who has started a Facebook group for others considering Ozempic, acknowledges that the drug is a long-term commitment and emphasizes that her success required more than just medication—it demanded a complete lifestyle change.
Ozempic’s growing popularity has raised concerns among healthcare professionals who want to ensure patients understand its intended use and the importance of implementing lifestyle changes alongside the medication. As demand for the drug increases, doctors and pharmacists are working to educate patients on the appropriate use of Ozempic and the necessity for a comprehensive approach to weight loss and obesity management.
Patients must know that Ozempic is not a simple solution for shedding a few extra pounds. Instead, the drug should be part of a broader treatment plan for individuals with diabetes or obesity, in conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise, and sleep habits. Healthcare professionals are urging patients to discuss their weight loss goals and medical history with their doctors to determine if Ozempic is the proper treatment.
As more people inquire about Ozempic as a weight loss solution, healthcare providers focus on dispelling misconceptions about the drug and emphasizing the importance of addressing obesity as a complex and multifaceted issue. Doctors are also working to ensure patients understand the potential side effects and long-term commitment to taking Ozempic.
In the meantime, patients like Toneguzzi continue to share their experiences with Ozempic, stressing the significance of a comprehensive lifestyle change and maintaining realistic expectations. As healthcare professionals work to balance the growing demand for Ozempic with responsible prescribing practices, they are reminded of the importance of patient education and the need for a holistic approach to obesity management.
