The Health Ministry has launched an investigation into the growing misuse of Ozempic, a drug meant for managing Type 2 diabetes but now being used by many Kenyans to lose weight.
Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni confirmed the move on Thursday, revealing that the Pharmacy and Poisons Board is already working on the case following rising complaints from healthcare workers.
Ozempic, which was designed to help diabetic patients control blood sugar levels, has become a trending product due to its ability to help users lose weight quickly.
This has led to serious concerns about drug shortages and the health risks it may pose to patients who genuinely need it.PS Muthoni raised the alarm over a rising number of Kenyans using the drug without any doctor’s guidance.
She stated that this misuse was a clear violation of medical rules and could endanger lives. The Ministry has now tasked the PPB with carrying out a detailed review and producing a report on the situation.
Muthoni also warned Kenyans against self-prescribing any drug, saying medicine should only be used if prescribed by a licensed medical professional. She urged citizens not to walk into pharmacies or supermarkets to buy medicine without a doctor’s advice.
Although Ozempic was officially approved by regulators in the United States as a weight loss drug, its rising popularity in Kenya is being driven by social media and local celebrities who claim to have shed weight with ease.
These claims have created a trend where people now turn to Ozempic without understanding the risks involved. While the drug may indeed help in managing weight, especially for people with serious obesity issues, medical experts are warning that it is not meant for everyone and should never be used without supervision.
Doctors point out that Ozempic, along with similar medications like liraglutide and tirzepatide, works by encouraging the pancreas to release insulin. This process may help reduce blood sugar, but in healthy individuals or those without diabetes, it can lead to hypoglycemia and even dangerous complications like ketosis.
They also warn that misuse of these drugs could bring on side effects that are difficult to manage, especially when taken without regular monitoring by a doctor.
In addition, recent studies are raising new concerns about how such medications might affect mental health. This area is still being studied, but health officials are urging caution as the full long-term effects of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic remain unknown.
The Ministry is asking Kenyans to be responsible, avoid shortcuts when it comes to health, and follow proper medical advice instead of falling into online trends that could put their lives at risk.
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