Crafty Messaging on FDA-Approved Diabetes Drug Used as Weight-loss Tool
- The Oscars will see an ad stressing the value of the popular weight-loss drug Ozempic, although it’s approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Admin. (FDA) for adults with diabetes. The commercial aims to redirect attention to the drug’s intended focus despite many people, including celebrities, using it simply to lose weight.
- Ozempic, the brand name of Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide. It’s also known by the brand names Rybelsu and Wegovy. It is an FDA-approved prescription medication for adults with type 2 diabetes. Although it has not been FDA-approved for weight loss, some doctors have prescribed it.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, “Being overweight or having obesity are linked with a higher risk of getting 13 types of cancer.” Some of these cancers include breast, colon, ovarian, and stomach (gastric).
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says fat tissue “produces excess amounts of estrogen,” which is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. Obesity is associated with high levels of insulin, which can lead to colon, kidney, prostate, and endometrial cancer.
- Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing stress are some ways people can practice leading a healthy life. For cancer survivors, a healthier lifestyle alongside getting regular checks for recurrence may improve your quality of life.
The Oscars will showcase an ad targeted to people turning to popular weight-loss drugs to “look better” as opposed to dropping weight to help a diagnosis like diabetes.
Several celebrities, including Amy Schumer and Sharon Osbourne, have admitted to using weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Moungaro. However, the head of the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company has come forward to say, “These medicines were invented for people with a serious health condition,” in an interview with CNN.
Ozempic, the brand name of Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide. The popular drug is also known by the brand names Rybelsu and Wegovy. It is an FDA-approved prescription medication for adults with type 2 diabetes. It’s administered as a weekly injection and assists the body by helping the pancreas make more insulin, ultimately lowering blood sugar levels. Although it has not been FDA-approved for weight loss, some doctors have prescribed it.
According to UC Davis Health, “Ozempic works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone. As those hormone levels rise, the molecules go to your brain, telling it you’re full. It also slows digestion by increasing the time it takes for food to leave the body. This is similar to the effect of bariatric surgery.”
“When using Ozempic to treat diabetes, weight loss is a common side effect. It is designed to be taken long-term.”
The academic health center further explains, “Ozempic is not approved for weight loss. However, semaglutide is approved for weight loss under the name Wegovy. Ozempic has a smaller dose of semaglutide than Wegovy.
Lexicomp, a resource for medical drugs, says the known side effects of Ozempic include:
- inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis)
- changes in vision
- low blood sugar, kidney problems
- kidney failure
- serious allergic reactions
Celebrities Who Used Ozempic
A host of well-known media personalities have admitted to using the popular weight-loss drug in recent years. Among them was Amy Schumer, who had previously admitted that the side effects had caused her to stop.
Comedian Tracy Morgan said he used Ozempic, adding, “[He] went and got a prescription,” in an interview on the Today Show.
Reality TV star Sharon Osbourne admitted to using Ozempic and losing 42 pounds but stopped after nearly losing too much weight.
Comedian Claudia Oshry admitted to using Ozempic to help her lose weight. However, when she took herself off of the drug, she was constantly hungry.
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Does Being Overweight Influence Cancer Risk?
Bodyweight can be a sensitive subject for many people on any given day. However, among cancer patients whose treatment and diagnosis may influence their weight, the numbers on the scale fuel an already emotional journey.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, “Being overweight or having obesity are linked with a higher risk of getting 13 types of cancer.”
Research published in the journal “Cancers” says that “Obesity also increases the risk of dying from cancer and may influence the treatment choices. About 4–8% of all cancers are attributed to obesity.”
Some of the cancers associated with being overweight or obese include:
- Colon
- Breast
- Ovarian
- Esophagus
- Pancreatic
- Multiple myeloma
- Endometrial
- Liver
WATCH: Living a healthy lifestyle.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), fat tissue “produces excess amounts of estrogen,” which is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. In fact, the NCI says a person who is severely obese is “7 times” more likely to be diagnosed with endometrial cancer.
Obesity is associated with high levels of insulin, which can lead to colon, kidney, prostate, and endometrial cancer.
Obesity can affect cancer survivors in various ways, including the chance of cancer recurrence and overall quality of life.
To learn more about your ideal healthy weight, determine your body mass index (BMI).
Body weight that exceeds what the body mass index deems appropriate for your weight and height can help determine body fat content. Although your BMI can help you learn if you are at a healthy weight, underweight, overweight, or obese, other factors may contribute to your overall health.
The NCI analyzed several studies to observe physical activity’s impact on overall cancer risk. The NCI says that “higher levels of physical activity are linked to lower risk of several types of cancer.”
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing stress are some ways people can practice leading a healthy life. For cancer survivors, a healthier lifestyle alongside getting regular checks for recurrence may improve your quality of life.
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