While Ozempic’s weight loss benefits are widely touted, the conversation is increasingly shifting toward its side effects. Commonly reported issues include: nausea, constipation and “Ozempic face,” a condition where rapid weight loss leads to a gaunt appearance.

What health experts think of the growing Ozempic “microdosing” trend that claims taking very small doses of GLP-1 drugs can still help people lose weight with fewer side effects at a lower cost.

The “Flow Joe” rapper made the admission after revealing in a July 2023 interview that he once weighed in at 470 pounds.

FDA approval: Ozempic is FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss. Cost: Ozempic is typically more affordable than Wegovy. At the time of publishing, the list price for Ozempic was $968.52 per month, whereas the list price for Wegovy was $1,349.02 per month. List prices are the price set by the manufacturer.

As for why it’s not approved for weight loss in the UK, Dr Kayat added: “It works by helping to regulate your appetite and reduce cravings and hunger. But in the UK, it’s only supposed to be used for type 2 diabetes, and that’s in order to try and protect the resources for the type 2 diabetics.”

Weight loss drugs have risen in popularity in the recent years, but a disconnect remains between those who need the drugs and those who can afford to buy them. Drugs like Ozempic, which isn’t available in New Zealand,