Weight loss drugs have been all the rage lately. Like a magician's wand these drugs in the form of injectables, pills and more have transformed the body and lives of many including influential figures such as Serena Williams and Oprah Winfrey.

While these might be promoted by the who's and whos of Hollywood, a recent survey has revealed some shocking considerations when it comes to taking Ozempic . According to the survey by the RAND research group , more than 1 in 10 Americans have used a GLP-1 drug for weight loss.

The enlightening survey


Since 2020, prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs have more than tripled, said the researchers and thus they tried to see how widespread their use is by surveying 8,793 Americans in April and May.

About 12% participants said they've tried GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy or Zepbound with the rates of use being highest among people ages 50-64. “Of all demographic groups, women between the ages of 50 and 64 had the highest use rate,” wrote the research team led by Robert Bozick, director of RAND Survey Panels. “One in five women, or 20%, reported having ever used GLP-1 agonists.”

Along with the 12% who have tried the drugs, another 14% were interested in trying them. However, 74% Americans stated they don't plan on trying the GLP-1 drugs. This report is the most recent and largest survey to date analysing the number of Americans who have used the revolutionary weight-loss drugs, said researchers.

Why do Americans not want to try GLP-1 drugs?


Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs mimic the effect of the GLP-1 hormone, which aids in regulating insulin and blood sugar levels, decreasing appetite and slowing the digestion of food.

However, various GLP-1 users have reported side effects like nausea and diarrhea, found the survey. According to the respondents the most common side effects of the popular drugs were:

Nausea (52%): Nausea is the most commonly reported side effect of taking Ozempic. About 1 in 5 people have reported the side effect while taking the drugs. While it is not absolutely clear why this happens, experts believe that the drug slows down how quickly the food leaves your stomach. The longer the food stays inside the stomach, the pressure can build in the abdomen and stretch the nerves around the gut, thus triggering nausea.

Diarrhea (34%): Mild to moderate gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and constipation have been reported by people taking the weight loss drugs, as per a study published in the National Library of Medicine.

Vomiting (20%): As per the same NLM study, vomiting is another side effect of Ozempic use. This is reported more when the dosage of the drugs is increased; however, the effect subsides after a few weeks of consistent use as the body adjusts to the drugs.

Hollowed-out “Ozempic” face (9%): According to a study published in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Ozempic use can lead to a loss of facial fat and volume across the cheeks, temple, chin and preorbital area, causing a hollowed-out appearance. This effect is particularly noticeable in middle-aged and elderly patients, whose skin already has diminished levels of collagen and elastin.