Around 25 percent of U.S. adults said they would consider using prescription weight loss medications, like Ozempic or Wegovy, without consulting their doctor, according to a new study from The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center.
Researchers found that those considering using the drugs without a physician’s approval cite lower prices without prescription (18 percent), lack of insurance coverage (15 percent), inability to obtain a prescription (9 percent) or lack of availability at the pharmacy (6 percent) as primary reasons, per the study released Tuesday.
Medical experts, however, adamantly warn patrons about the dangers of not consulting a physician prior to seeking alternatives.
“It’s really important for those who want to lose weight to first discuss options with their doctor. It is not one size fits all, and every medication can have risks and side effects,” said Shengyi Mao, an Ohio State internal medicine physician. “A trusted doctor can go through a patient’s medical history and current medications to assess their particular risks and benefits.”
Ozempic, and other alternatives, have come into the spotlight as options to help curb appetite and slow the emptying of the stomach. The medication, however, was originally developed to regulate blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes, the researchers noted.
“These weight loss drugs may be effective for some people, but they can cause serious side effects, and the weight may return after they stop taking them,” Mao advised.
Some studies have also shown that the drugs can lower risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in the weight loss medications, was approved in March for improving heart health in those suffering with obesity or other issues.
The World Health Organization and Food and Drug Administration have also warned about counterfeit products hitting the market.
The Ohio State study, which surveyed 1,006 adults between Aug. 16-18, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.