Ozempic, an appetite-suppressing drug initially intended for diabetic individuals due to its ability to decrease blood sugar levels and maintain insulin balance, has become a widespread choice among weight loss enthusiasts. The off-label use of Ozempic as a weight loss tool has surged tremendously that it might even be impacting food sales in big stores like Walmart.
Observations on shopping behaviors including those under the medication have been made by the popular chain supermarket. "Compared to the total customer base, we do notice a slight reduction in total basket size," mentioned John Furner, CEO of Walmart U.S., when interviewed by Bloomberg. "There's lesser quantity bought with slightly less calorific content".
Nevertheless, while patients taking weight-loss meds may purchase fewer groceries they tend "to spend more with us overall", according to CFO John David Rainey last August as reported by CNBC. Doug McMillon , President and CEO at Walmart is optimistic about people visiting their stores for varying item purchases other than edibles.
Concurrently this news comes up against controversy considering Ozempic. Among others being misuse of Ozempic for shedding pounds leading severe adverse effects. Dr Janice Jin Hwang from University Of North Carolina School Of Medicine candidly notified 'The New York Times,'"This class of drugs were not designed for healthy-average individuals who aspire becoming excessively slim.'"
In addition, Journal of American Medical Association , published a recent research which demonstrated Ozempic users experience severe gastrointestinal ailments, this includes pancreatitis, gastroparesis and intestinal obstruction risk enhancement.
"People need to comprehend what they are signing up for," cautioned the study's head researcher Mohit Sodhi via NBC News.
The extensive use of Ozempic by non-diabetic individuals has led to supply issues making it hard for type 2 diabetics procuring needed medicines. Dr Disha Narang an endocrinologist at Northwestern Medicine lake Forest hospital articulates her dismay saying ,"It's disastrous as patients don't know where to look."
Various people have resorted procuring Ozempic from questionable online sources "If you're obtaining over internet , its unlikely that you'll find robust safety measures," warned Dr Andrew Kraftson,a senior assistant professor in division of Metabolism , Endocrinology and diabetes at Michigan Medicine . He also mentioned his concern over compromise on health.
