The Impact of Ozempic Across Health, Wellness, Lifestyle, and Culture

In recent years, Ozempic has become a part of the lexicon, from a relatively unknown type 2 diabetes medication to a trending term in beauty circles, weight-loss forums, and, of course, Hollywood green rooms. Who would have thought a clinical tool for blood sugar regulation would turn into an unabashed symbol of rapid weight loss? Beyond ethics, celebrity whispers evolved into viral TikTok content and have become a frequent topic of discussion in mainstream conversations among A-listers, influencers, and internet sleuths speculating about their drastic and unhealthy transformations. It’s become so embarrassingly common that descriptors like “the Ozempic glow-up” or “Ozempic face” are now indicators of identifying one’s recent medically-assisted physical attributes. So, what exactly is the appeal? Why is it so easy to access? And how has it become normal? Well, let’s break this down.

THE ALLURE

Plain and simple: fast results with low effort. No green juices, no intermittent fasting, no mental toll of dieting or intense workouts. Why wouldn’t anyone be enticed to lose up to one kilo per week by an easy injection? And for those who have a struggling history with yo-yo dieting or metabolic challenges, Ozempic is seen as a brilliant breakthrough. But just like today’s generation of short attention spans, this only perpetuates the culture of instant gratification.

BEAUTY AND BODY

For the longest time, since the introduction of the Kardashian clan to the global audience, the focus shifted from ‘heroin chic’ of the 1990s to the celebration of curvier figures of the late 2000s and well into the 2010s. Unfortunately, that, too, was assisted by a boom in cosmetic enhancements/surgery. In other words, remaining ‘natural’ had become a rarity. But how much is too much is a completely different conversation altogether. Fast-forward to now, and Ozempic has signalled the return to thinness as the aspirational norm. Unsuprisingly, critics have cautioned that such unrealistic and unsustainable body ideals, particularly among the younger generation, could risk downplaying potential medical implications.

REALITY CHECK

While there are literal “how to get Ozempic” guides making their rounds online, it’s completely legal for doctors to prescribe Ozempic “off-label” for weight loss. The reality is that the popularity of Ozempic has confused many endocrinologists (medical practitioners specialising in diagnosing and treating disorders of the endocrine glands) and patients with diabetes, wondering how this medicinal solution to their woes has been rebranded into a lifestyle drug. In turn, there are global shortages, robbing those who genuinely need the drug to manage chronic illnesses.

In the midst of this weight-loss craze and endless judgment through a moral minefield, we are left with the aftermath of a head-on collision between privilege, vanity, and access to healthcare. However, we can at least take the opportunity to understand how Ozempic affects an individual first-hand. Masala was fortunate enough to see two sides of this ethical grey zone. Here is an account of a patient who requires Ozempic for his physical well-being, and another who reaps the perceived benefits of staying slim.

(We’ve kept their responses anonymous to protect their identity and privacy.)

MALE, 34 YEARS OLD

FEMALE, 38 YEARS OLD

“I know we see a lot of Hollywood celebrities getting skinny all of a sudden, and there is this small, annoying spot of jealousy in the back of my mind, which I’m sure plenty of women share. We think, “Oh, well, here’s another easy way out.” But I know this can’t be true for everyone. Sure, I don’t look like I did a decade ago, I’ve had multiple occasions battling depression, and I’ve found my confidence at an all-time low. I felt it became very difficult to keep up with what society deems to be the standard of looking good or attractive, especially in my field of work. After taking Ozempic, I’ve lost a good amount of weight that I wanted, and it’s made me feel and look younger. Ozempic works because you eat less food or because there is a loss of appetite; the focus is shifted elsewhere. There is no denying the physical proof. With a clear conscience, I’ve seen the transformation in my body, and more importantly, my confidence has shot up to a level I haven’t felt in a long while. I’m kinder to myself because of it, but I know it takes work to keep it there. I am fully aware that there are people who really need this medication, and this isn’t for everyone. But for me, it dug me out of a mental hole and placed me back on track for a healthier lifestyle. It may not have been an easy experience, but it produced the outcome I wanted.”