Vital drug hogged by dieters

DIABETICS are being deprived of a lifesaving drug because of its popularity as a weight-loss treatment.

Thousands of Australians have started using Ozempic (semaglutide) to shed kilos, with the once-a-week injectable drug helping to suppress hunger. But Ozempic is only approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for diabetes, not weight management.

The rise in demand for the now popular drug means people with diabetes like David have been unable to find their required medication for three weeks as weight-loss hopefuls snatch it up. “When I’ve gone to try and get one there’s none available in the country at all,” David said.

“We’ve actually spoken to our specialist and they said that there’s a supply issue.”

Pharmacy Guild of Australia president Trent Twomey said Ozempic is used for weight loss but it is only approved for people with type 2 diabetes as prescribed by their doctor. Aussies without diabetes have been able to access Ozempic through “Dr Google”, with online weight-loss doctors issuing it to patients without even speaking to them.