Listen to Story Filmmaker Karan Johar recently found himself at the centre of a controversy over his dramatic weight loss. Speculation arose that he had used Ozempic, a diabetes medication known for its weight-loss side effects, to achieve the transformation. The rumours gained traction after Maheep Kapoor, on the show "Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives," criticised people for using Ozempic for weight loss, causing shortages for diabetic patients.
However, Johar, in an Instagram story, clarified that his weight loss was the result of "being healthy and eating well". The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the weight loss methods and the ethical use of prescription drugs for cosmetic purposes, most notably Ozempic. We look at what this drug actually is and how its use has transformed over time.
WHAT IS OZEMPIC? Ozempic is a prescription drug used to control blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes. It is a self-administered injection to be put under the skin once a week. Currently unavailable in India.
The controversy around Ozempic stems from its significant weight-loss side effect , which has led many people to use it off-label for weight management. This surge in demand has caused supply shortages, leaving some diabetic patients struggling to access their prescribed medication. While Ozempic is used for weight loss, Novo Nordisk, the supplier of Ozempic, used its active ingredient - semaglutide - in another drug called Wegovy for weight loss in a highe.