Weight-Loss Drug Ozempic Sparks Frenzy In Cyprus Despite Limited Accessibility

Residents of Cyprus are turning to the weight-loss drug Ozempic, despite limited availability and originally being intended for diabetics, Cyprus Mail reported.

The country has been swept up in the global craze for the drug, which contains the active agent semaglutide. This agent copies the GLP-1 hormone which is secreted in the gut in response to eating. It forms the basis of Ozempic, designed for diabetics, and Wegovy, a general weight-loss drug.

However, Wegovy’s launch in Cyprus was postponed due to overwhelming global demand, leaving those desiring weight loss to opt for Ozempic. As a result, the drug is becoming difficult to obtain for the diabetics it was initially meant for.

“Yes, it's being used by people who don't have diabetes,” said Dr. Iosif Kasios, a pathologist and member of the National Committee on Diabetes.

He added that the weight loss observed in some users is “spectacular.”

The drug’s popularity is further fueled by its noticeable results, with one 47-year-old non-diabetic user losing 10 kilos. Despite the substantial cost of EUR120-EUR150 ($129.66 – $162.07) per month, the drug is seeing widespread use.

Pharmacist Vera Christoforou revealed that she fills around ten prescriptions for Ozempic each month, primarily for women seeking weight loss. She also noticed that customers tend to become dependent on the drug, often continuing its use to maintain or further reduce their weight.

Despite the drug’s popularity, Christoforou and Dr. Kasios expressed concern over its long-term impact and the possible stress it could put on the pancreas. But now, the weight-loss drug continues to hold sway over Cyprus.

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