The GLP-1 Receptor Agonist with the most recognizable name is OZEMPIC. The manufacturer of semaglutide, the generic name for Ozempic, did a very clever job of marketing the drug by adapting the catchy tune “Oh, Oh, Oh, it’s magic, you know oh.” Novo Nordisk had everyone singing, “Oh, Oh, Oh, Ozempic!” and forever after every GLP-1 is called Ozempic. Thus, the past several years have seen control of diabetes and weight loss by obese Americans dominated by the persistent use of Ozempic and its clones.
The Ozempic Era has a lot of professionals confused and concerned. It seems like almost everyone is taking one GLP-1 or another so it seems some kind of controls or guidelines need to be established so the situation stays under control. Health care leaders and government big wigs are calling for clarification of the situation and a slowing down of the rapid popularity of these drugs.
World-wide there are an estimated 1 billion obese people (WOW!). Most of those 1 billion can’t afford a GLP-1 so the World Health Organization (WHO) has committed resources to build a global framework to promote “fair access” so underprivileged folks can have affordable access to these medicines. The WHO also established global guidelines so GLP-1’s are used properly.
Out-of-pocket costs of GLP-1’s are quite high so that situation has increased public demand for generic equivalent products. No generics are available, yet, as far as I know, and only one oral GLP-1 Is available. Revenue from sales of GLP-1’s has been so good that Eli Lilly, makers of Zepbound and Mounjaro, became the first “healthcare company to reach $1 Trillion in valuation” meaning the share price times the number of shares outstanding equals one trillion dollars. Profits from GLP-1’s are quite rich to say the least.
The Ozempic era could put pharmaceutical companies in a position of financial superiority over other industries which have previously been dominant, but are no longer. This is already happening with the announcement from Eli Lilly.
Previous guidelines for GLP-1’s required a period of lifestyle intervention before approving the use of a GLP-1. Evidence for that decision is lacking so new guidelines support starting “Ozempic” and lifestyle changes at the same time. The American College of Cardiology is one of the several organizations who have dropped the lifestyle changes requirement and promoted both at the onset.
“Lifestyle interventions remain essential, but their optimal role is alongside anti-obesity drugs, not as a gatekeeping condition for accessing them.” The new approach is to do a “full court press,” using all the available treatment options from the start! This maximizes weight loss more quickly than trying lifestyle changes before Ozempic.
References: Tedeschi V. Med Op-Ed: GLP-1 Equity, GI Obesity Care, Prescriptions vs. Lifestyle. Medscape,com. 2026 September 23.
