THE INDISCRIMINATE USE OF SEMAGLUTIDE (OZEMPIC) FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Abstract

Introduction: Ozempic (Semaglutide) is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, it has been used indiscriminately for weight loss, especially by young women. Although it is a proven effective option, its use without medical supervision has harmful consequences for the health of its users due to its adverse effects. Methodology: The methodology used was a literature review, which covers the importance of pharmacists in preventing the indiscriminate use of semaglutide. Electronic databases of scientific articles and journals, such as Scielo, Google Scholar, and the Ministry of Health, among others, were used to conduct this study. The articles were published between 2022 and 2025. Objectives: The general objective of this study is to identify the purpose for which semaglutide was developed and the health harms its indiscriminate use can cause. The specific objectives were: To describe semaglutide; to verify its mechanism of action; List the harmful effects of indiscriminate use of semaglutide; Identify the main benefits of correct use of semaglutide; Understand how pharmacists, through pharmaceutical care, can warn about the indiscriminate use of semaglutide. Conclusion: Although it offers significant benefits in weight loss and improved metabolic parameters, there are risks and challenges, especially when used without medical supervision.