The Rise of Ozempic for Weight Loss Sparks Ethical Concerns

The buzz around Ozempic and similar drugs is inescapable. Anti-obesity medications (AOMs) are prescribed to an estimated 6% of Americans, with the number of prescriptions nearly doubling each year since 2019. Developed initially to manage diabetes, these drugs are being hailed as potential game-changers in addressing a range of conditions beyond reducing unhealthy body fat, including heart disease, Alzheimer's, sleep apnea, and even alcoholism.

Many experts are raising concerns about the potential risks these drugs pose to patients. These include side effects such as muscle loss and serious complications like pancreatitis, as well as kidney and gallbladder issues. There's also the risk of triggering eating disorders, along with concerns about harmful reactions from counterfeit versions of these medications. Additionally, broader ethical issues surrounding access and equity in their use are raising alarms. 

Robert Klitzman MD, an expert in bioethics and public health and coauthor of a recent Hastings Center report, “Anti-obesity Medications: Ethical, Policy, and Public Health Concerns, said that while drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy hold great promise for helping people lose weight and improve their overall health, he cautions against the potential societal impacts of relying too heavily on pharmacological solutions for obesity.

“The high costs of anti-obesity drugs and the need for lifelong use pose significant financial challenges, which could worsen health disparities,” said Dr. Klitzman, a professor of psychiatry and director of the Master of Science in Bioethics Program at Columbia University. “There's also a risk that the excitement about these new medications might overshadow crucial public health efforts focused on prevention and lifestyle changes.”

Columbia Psychiatry News spoke with Dr. Klitzman about the ethical and health concerns surrounding the use of AOMs, as well as the long-term risks and benefits that must be considered in tackling the obesity epidemic and broader public health challenges. 

How did Ozempic and similar medications become a cultural phenomenon?

In 2021, the FDA approved semaglutide, the active ingredient in weight loss medications, under Ozempic for people with Type 2 diabetes. The drug, which mimics a hormone called GLP-1 that helps stimulate the pancreas to make insulin so blood sugar levels are lower, quickly became widely recognized for its medical benefits and its notable side effect of weight loss. This led to a surge in its off-label use as a weight-loss aid, propelling the drug into the spotlight far beyond its original intent. In 2021, the FDA approved Wegovy for individuals who are obese or overweight with additional health challenges.

What ethical concerns are associated with the widespread use of AOMs?

The ethical concerns surrounding drugs like Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy focus in part on issues of equity and access. The drugs are expensive, ranging from $900 to $1,400 per month—with variable insurance coverage. This means they are likely to be accessible primarily to wealthier individuals or those with comprehensive health insurance. This exacerbates health disparities, leaving those in lower socioeconomic brackets without access to these potentially life-changing treatments. Moreover, the FDA included Ozempic and Wegovy on its drug shortages list in 2023.  Many with Type 2 diabetes or a life-threatening level of obesity, therefore, cannot access the medication to manage their condition. 

How might the reliance on AOMs impact public health initiatives to prevent obesity?

Reliance on AOMs can divert attention and resources from crucial preventive measures. Public health initiatives that promote healthy diets and physical activity and address the social determinants of health are essential in combating the obesity pandemic. If policymakers and the public perceive AOMs as a panacea, there might be less emphasis on these preventive strategies, which are vital for long-term health and well-being. Moreover, there is the risk of stigmatization for those who remain obese despite these medications, especially if they cannot afford them.

What are the potential economic implications of integrating AOMs into standard obesity treatment protocols?

The economic implications are substantial. The high cost of these medications, when considered for a significant portion of the obese population, could lead to a dramatic increase in healthcare expenditures. This might strain public health budgets and shift resources away from other crucial services. While there may be long-term savings due to reduced obesity-related comorbidities, the initial and ongoing costs are considerable and must be weighed carefully.

Can you elaborate on the societal factors contributing to obesity and how AOMs address or fail to address these factors?

According to the latest CDC statistics, obesity affects roughly 42% of U.S. adults. Societal factors contributing to obesity include poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, socioeconomic disparities, and the pervasive marketing of unhealthy foods. AOMs primarily address the biological aspect of obesity by regulating appetite and metabolism. However, they do not tackle these underlying societal drivers. Without addressing these factors, the obesity epidemic is unlikely to be fully resolved, as individuals will continue to be exposed to environments that promote unhealthy behaviors.

What are the long-term risks and benefits of AOMs that need to be considered in public health policy?

The long-term benefits include significant weight loss, improved metabolic health, and potential reductions in obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. On the other hand, the risks involve gastrointestinal side effects, the need for ongoing treatment to maintain weight and health benefits, and potential unknown long-term effects, particularly in children. Policymakers must carefully balance these benefits and risks while weighing the economic burden and the importance of sustaining preventive health measures.

How should policymakers approach the integration of AOMs in the broader context of obesity treatment and prevention?

Policymakers should adopt a balanced approach that integrates AOMs as one component of a comprehensive obesity treatment and prevention strategy. This includes continuing to fund and promote preventive measures, such as public health campaigns, improving access to healthy foods, and creating environments encouraging physical activity. Additionally, efforts should be made to ensure equitable access to these medications, such as letting government insurers negotiate prices with drug companies to prevent exacerbating health disparities.