Ozempic after the holidays: What a senior doctor wants you to know about this weight-loss drug, and misuse

Doctors caution against using Ozempic as a quick post-holiday weight-loss fix, stressing medical supervision, realistic goals and lifestyle changes. (Image: Pexels)

• Ozempic use for weight loss rises post-holidays; doctors warn of misuse risks.
• Doctors warn Ozempic isn't a quick fix and can't replace healthy lifestyle changes.
• Self-medication and abuse of weight-loss drugs can cause serious health problems

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Post-holidays is frequently a time when attention turns toward health, fitness and weight control. All that holiday excess, out-of-whack schedules and much less movement can make people feel awkward in their bodies and clamouring for a quick fix. In recent years, drugs such as Ozempic have become hot topics for weight loss, prompting discussions well beyond those in the medical community. Used originally for treating type 2 diabetics, these medications are now being used more and more frequently to help with appetite control and weight loss.

But the increasing use of these drugs has come under scrutiny by physicians as well. From misuse and unrealistic hopes to shortages that leave patients who really need the medication for medical reasons without any, the post-holiday craze around weight-loss injections isn’t without consequences. Doctors caution that while such medications can be useful for some people, they are not an instant fix — or a substitute for lasting lifestyle changes. It’s important to understand how these medications work, who can benefit from their use and the potential risks of abusing them before considering them part of weight-management strategies.

Why Ozempic After the Holidays?

“Post the festive season, we tend to see a sudden increase in people demanding options for losing weight fast,” says Dr Raghavendra Kulkarni, Consultant Endocrinologist, Mumbai. “Ozempic is becoming a buzzword but many don’t know that it was primarily designed for managing diabetes.”

Also Read: Weight loss drug after effect: Weight regain and intense hunger, says woman who quit taking the pill

The Doctor say  that social media fads and celebrity endorsements have driven demand, setting unrealistic expectations for quick and easy weight loss.

Abuse and Self-Medication is a Growing Problem

Abuse is one of the greatest concerns for physicians. “There are people who are sourcing these injections from the internet, without following proper medical advice and taking doses on their own or using it for cosmetic weight loss,” says Dr Kulkarni. This can then result in issues including nausea, vomiting, dehydration, malnutrition and, in some rare cases, something more serious.

Drugs for obesity, he says, should always be part of a medically supervised program rather than a quick fix alone.

It’s Not for Everyone

Ozempic is not for everyone. Dr Kulkarni says, “Those with few gastro-intestinal problems like stomach ulcer or acidity, thyroid related issues etc could be not-so-ideal candidates, as well as those looking at faster results without making make lifestyle changes.” The medicine must be carefully evaluated before a therapy is initiated.

Also Read: How to lose weight: Fibre, not ozempic, may be the natural weight loss trick you have been missing

The Role of Lifestyle Changes

“No injection can replace healthy eating habits, physical activity, enough sleep and stress management,” insists Dr Kulkarni. “Medications might help, but sustainable weight loss happens with long-term behavioural modification.”

Doctors recommend patience and realism. Losing weight slowly with professional support is safe and enduring, instead of quick fixes spurred by seasonal guilt.

FAQs on Effects of Weight-Loss Drugs

What are the common side effects of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic?

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and malnutrition. In rare cases, more severe issues can occur.

Who should avoid using Ozempic?

Individuals with gastrointestinal problems, thyroid-related issues, or those looking for quick results without lifestyle changes should avoid using Ozempic.

Can weight-loss drugs replace a healthy lifestyle?

No, weight-loss drugs cannot replace healthy eating habits, physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management. Sustainable weight loss is achieved through long-term lifestyle changes.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.