A recent study from The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center reveals that approximately 25 percent of U.S. adults are open to using prescription weight loss medications, such as Ozempic or Wegovy, without consulting a healthcare provider.
The research highlights several reasons behind this trend: 18 percent of respondents pointed to the appeal of lower prices for over-the-counter options, 15 percent cited a lack of insurance coverage, 9 percent mentioned difficulties in obtaining a prescription, and 6 percent indicated that the medications were unavailable at their local pharmacies.
However, medical professionals are raising alarms about the potential dangers of self-prescribing these medications. “It’s crucial for individuals looking to lose weight to discuss their options with a healthcare provider,” warned Shengyi Mao, an internal medicine physician at Ohio State. “Weight loss medications are not universally suitable; each comes with its own set of risks and side effects.”
Ozempic and similar drugs have gained attention for their ability to suppress appetite and slow stomach emptying, but they were initially developed to help regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Mao emphasized that while these medications can be effective for some, they may cause serious side effects, and weight often returns after discontinuation.
Notably, research has indicated that these medications might lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in these weight loss drugs, received approval in March for enhancing heart health in patients with obesity and related conditions.
Additionally, the World Health Organization and the Food and Drug Administration have issued warnings about counterfeit versions of these drugs entering the market.
The Ohio State study surveyed 1,006 adults from August 16-18, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.
