What do we know?

Shortages in the UK for Ozempic, a brand name for semaglutide, have been reported for long over a year. It is an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes, amidst a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These also cause weight loss, making them a treatment option for chronic weight management in people living with type 2 diabetes and who are overweight or obese.

Recently, GLP-1 receptor agonists have gained popularity – Ozempic in particular – and quickly become household names as weight loss aids for individuals, no matter their diabetic status. An increased demand developed, creating the aforementioned shortage which was expected to last until at least mid-2024. At the time of writing, it is yet to subside.