As interest in weight loss grows, some are turning to Ozempic—a diabetes drug—for slimming down, even without having diabetes. This trend, popularized by social media, has raised alarms among doctors.

Ozempic contains semaglutide, which mimics a hormone that helps control appetite. Though approved in Malaysia for type 2 diabetes, it's being used off-label for weight loss, causing shortages and health concerns.

Dr Rohana Abdul Ghani from UiTM warns that the proper weight-loss dose (2.4mg) isn’t available in Malaysia, and using lower doses may be ineffective—or worse, lead to weight gain. She also points out that side effects like nausea, vomiting, and even serious conditions like pancreatitis can occur.

Experts stress that Ozempic should never be used without medical guidance. It's not a quick fix—healthy eating and lifestyle changes are still key.