I’m using Ozempic for weight loss while people with diabetes can’t fill prescriptions. Am I the problem?
So I’ve been on Ozempic for 4 months now (0.5mg weekly) and I’ve lost 28 pounds. My doctor prescribed it off-label since my BMI was 32 and I have prediabetes. The results have been honestly life-changing and I finally feel like I have control over my eating.
But here’s what’s been eating at me… my pharmacy told me last week that they’re having trouble keeping it in stock because of demand. And I keep seeing news stories about people with actual type 2 diabetes who can’t get their prescriptions filled. I even saw someone in a diabetes support group talking about how they had to ration their doses.
I know my doctor prescribed this for legitimate health reasons – the prediabetes is real and weight loss should help prevent full diabetes. But I also know I’m not diabetic YET. Am I part of the problem? Should I feel guilty about this? My husband says I’m overthinking it and that my health matters too, but I can’t shake this feeling.
Has anyone else struggled with this ethical dilemma? How do you deal with it?
I’m actually type 2 diabetic (diagnosed 6 years ago) and yeah, the shortage has been frustrating. Had to switch to Mounjaro for 2 months last year when my pharmacy couldn’t get Ozempic. That said – I don’t blame individuals like you. Your doctor prescribed it for a legitimate medical reason. Prediabetes is serious and preventing progression IS diabetes care in a way. The real issue is Novo Nordisk not scaling up production fast enough to meet demand. They’re making billions off this, they should’ve anticipated the surge. Don’t beat yourself up, but maybe have a conversation with your doc about whether Wegovy might be more appropriate since it’s specifically approved for weight loss?
tbh I was in the exact same headspace as you a few months ago. My doctor actually brought it up with me – she said that taking care of YOUR health isn’t taking away from someone else’s. That’s not how medicine works. If you stopped taking it tomorrow, that dose doesn’t magically go to a diabetic person. The supply chain issues are more complicated than that.
What helped me was realizing that my prescription is between me and my doctor. We don’t question whether someone “deserves” blood pressure meds or antidepressants based on how severe their condition is compared to others. Your prediabetes and obesity are real medical conditions. You’re not taking it for vanity.
I see both sides here. coastal_mom makes a good point that individual prescriptions aren’t zero-sum, but MetforminMike’s experience shows real people ARE affected by the shortage. The system is broken when manufacturers can’t keep up with demand.
One thing to consider – if your main goal is weight loss and the prediabetes is borderline, you might ask your doctor about compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide from a reputable pharmacy. That takes pressure off the brand name supply chain. Or like MetforminMike said, Wegovy is the same drug but from the weight loss supply line. Insurance might not cover it though. I switched to compounded tirz 3 months ago (I’m 39F, no diabetes just weight management) specifically because I didn’t want to contribute to the Ozempic shortage. Just my 2 cents.