The prestigious scientific journal Science has analyzed the unexpected consequences of Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists in its latest editorial. The authors, Luc. L Hagenaars from the University of Amsterdam and Laura A. Schmidt from the University of California, have dubbed the current situation "the Ozempic era," where GLP-1 agonists have taken over everything: scientific journals, clinics, the market, social media, and public attention.
Although initially used to treat diabetes, the list of conditions they can now treat has expanded, including skin conditions, erectile dysfunction, fertility issues, and addictions. The authors have examined both the positive and negative aspects, concluding that there is a risk of increasing social inequalities and of a flawed perspective on obesity prevailing. Consequently, they have called for the World Health Organization (WHO) to intervene.
“"GLP-1 agonists have taken over everything: scientific journals, clinics, the market, social media, and public attention"
Among the positive aspects, they mentioned the WHO's global guidelines, which explain the appropriate use of GLP-1 drugs and propose establishing a framework for their accessibility to everyone. They also highlighted that these medications reduce cravings for ultra-processed food, which facilitates the tightening of policies on ultra-processed items. They also serve to alleviate the guilt of individuals with clinical obesity, as it is understood that the situation is not entirely within one's control.
On the other hand, the market leaders in GLP-1, pharmaceutical companies Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, are reinforcing their perspective: according to them, obesity is a chronic disease that is not permanently overcome. They have even created the category of "pre-clinical obesity" and have built an entire framework to focus the anti-obesity effort on the individual.
“"they have built an entire framework to focus the anti-obesity effort on the individual"
Amazon and wellness platforms align with this view, offering lifestyle programs and telemedicine recommendations for GLP-1 users. The food industry, for its part, has always demonstrated its ability to adapt and create new products and markets. Although they all compete in the same market, they support each other in constructing a specific view of obesity, emphasizing individuals and prioritizing economic gains over health and equality.
The editorial authors believe that the WHO should intervene so that GLP-1 drugs can be useful in reducing health discrimination, rather than increasing it.
