Study associates weight-loss medication with a rare eye condition
The popularity of semaglutide, marketed by Novo Nordisk under brands like Ozempic and Wegovy, has surged amid claims of substantial weight loss benefits, especially highlighted by celebrities on social media. Despite its prescription-only status for individuals with type 2 diabetes and severe obesity, the drug's availability through online pharmacies with minimal oversight has raised concerns. Health authorities caution against its misuse as a quick-fix solution for achieving a "beach-body ready" appearance, noting potential serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and rare eye conditions like non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Harvard Medical School researchers underscore the need for more extensive studies to fully understand these risks in diverse populations, while UK ophthalmologists advise informed patient counseling on potential eye-related complications associated with semaglutide use.
