Gov’t Warns Against Rising Misuse Of Diabetes Drug Ozempic
The Health Ministry has initiated an investigation into the widespread misuse of Ozempic, a diabetic medication that Kenyans are instead using to lose weight.
On Thursday, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni confirmed the investigation, stating that the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) had taken up the case in response to mounting concerns from health professionals.
Ozempic, which was originally recommended to treat Type 2 diabetes, has grown in popularity because of its weight-loss effects.
This has raised concerns about shortages and potential health hazards for people who legitimately require it for diabetes control.
According to Muthoni, the ministry was concerned about the growing number of Kenyans consuming the narcotic in violation of health regulations.
She promised the public that the PPB will prepare a comprehensive report while cautioning Kenyans against self-prescription of common pharmaceuticals.
Ozempic misuse.
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) June 5, 2025
PS Mary Muthoni: Pharmacy and Poisons Board ( PPB) is currently looking into all concerns over the misuse of Ozempic , a diabetes drug that is now being used for weight-loss. Drugs must always be prescribed by a qualified medic.#FixingTheNationNTV… pic.twitter.com/isfykCSI2O
“Our Pharmacy and Poisons Board ( PPB) is currently looking into all concerns over the misuse of Ozempic, and I am sure we will have a good report around that,” Muthoni assured.
“Drugs must always be prescribed by a qualified medical professional. Ensure that you do not walk into a pharmacy or a supermarket by yourself.”
Ozempic was approved by US regulators for use as a weight reduction prescription, and it has since received praise for its benefits, which include immediate weight loss as well as heart and kidney protection.
Many Kenyan celebrities have recently praised the medicine, claiming that it has helped them lose weight without having to travel on a journey.
However, there is an emerging catch, as medical experts express worries regarding the safety of these prescriptions for a select group of persons as well as the broader population.
To regulate their weight, obese youth may be prescribed GLP-1 drugs such as liraglutide, semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), or tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound).
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While these medications stimulate the pancreas to create insulin, they also pose hazards such as hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar), which can progress to life-threatening ketosis.
Medical experts caution that these medications can cause serious consequences if misused or used unsupervised, particularly in those who do not have diabetes.
Despite their popularity for weight loss, these drugs should only be used under medical supervision.
Emerging research has also highlighted concerns about the potential mental health impacts of GLP-1 medications, an area that has gone largely unexplored amidst the weight-loss fad fueled by Ozempic’s expanding popularity.
Gov’t Warns Against Rising Misuse Of Diabetes Drug Ozempic
