If there’s a buzzword in the world of health and wellness lately, it’s Ozempic. This injectable drug for diabetes has unusually become a weight-loss trend globally, and that craze has reached Singapore’s shores. Ozempic Singapore is now a popular search term, as people hear stories of celebrities and influencers shedding kilos on this medication.
But what exactly is Ozempic, and why is it in the spotlight? In this piece, we examine how Ozempic is used in Singapore, its sudden fame as a slimming aid, and the medical realities behind the hype.
Ozempic’s Origins and Off-Label Fame
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a drug originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes. It’s a once-weekly injection that helps control blood sugar by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone (similar to how Saxenda works, but longer-acting).
In Singapore, Ozempic was approved by HSA in 2021 for diabetes management. For that purpose, it’s intended for patients whose blood sugar isn’t well-controlled by oral medications.
The weight-loss angle emerged when doctors observed that diabetic patients on Ozempic were losing weight.
Clinical trials confirmed significant weight reduction, and soon a higher-dose version of semaglutide specifically for obesity, called Wegovy, was developed. Meanwhile, the popular narrative of “magic weight loss injections” took off internationally.
In the United States, for instance, Ozempic made headlines after celebrities and TikTok influencers touted it for slimming down. The social media attention even contributed to shortages, making it hard for some diabetics to get their medicine.
How Is Ozempic Being Used in Singapore?
In Singapore, Ozempic is officially a diabetes drug, but doctors can prescribe it off-label for weight loss under careful conditions. Generally, this has been considered for patients with obesity or serious weight-related health issues, especially when other weight loss methods have failed.
Before Wegovy’s availability, some endocrinologists and weight management doctors here had started using Ozempic for high-BMI patients for its weight-loss benefits.
That said, it’s not a free-for-all. Medical guidelines and ethical codes require that off-label use be in the patient’s best interest and with informed consent.
A doctor must evaluate the individual, checking their BMI, health status, and previous weight control efforts, before considering Ozempic as a weight aid.
Many clinics will not prescribe Ozempic purely for a mildly overweight person or for casual slimming. Still, demand is evident, clinics report inquiries from people who’ve heard about Ozempic, including some who are not obese.
Doctors often must explain that Ozempic isn’t meant for shedding just a few vanity kilograms and must be medically justified.
Firstly, side effects are common. Semaglutide often causes nausea, digestive discomfort, and sometimes more serious effects like inflammation of the pancreas. These are similar to what Saxenda users experience, and typically require medical oversight to manage.
Secondly, once you stop the injections, the weight can creep back if healthy lifestyle changes aren’t in place..
There’s also the ethical and supply dimension. Every dose of Ozempic diverted to weight loss is one less dose for a diabetic patient who needs it to control blood sugar.
In the U.S., the FDA flagged shortages due in part to off-label demand from non-diabetic users. Singapore, with its stricter controls, hasn’t seen such shortages publicly reported yet, but authorities would want to avoid that scenario. This is likely part of why MOH moved to curb the promotion of these drugs to the general public.
Public opinion is divided, some hail Ozempic as a game-changer for fighting obesity, while others worry about misuse and side effects. Even terms like “Ozempic face” (referring to a gaunt look after rapid weight loss) have cropped up, highlighting the social buzz and concerns.
For now, Ozempic’s role in Singapore’s weight management scene remains cautious and limited. Doctors largely prescribe it for diabetes, and only occasionally for weight loss when truly appropriate.
If you’re considering Ozempic for weight loss, the bottom line is to consult a doctor. They will evaluate your health and advise the best approach, perhaps a different approved treatment or a comprehensive lifestyle plan.
Any use of semaglutide for weight control must be under proper medical supervision. The hype is real, but so are the risks and responsibilities. Ozempic can be a powerful aid for those who need it, but it’s not a decision to take lightly based on social media trends.
Eve Buttenshaw is a wellness expert and contributor to My Healthy Living and Strategies, where she brings her extensive knowledge of mental health, nutrition, and holistic well-being to the forefront. Eve’s passion for empowering individuals to live healthier, more mindful lives is reflected in her thoughtful and informative content.