The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Health and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), has begun an official investigation into the off-label use of Ozempic, a drug originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes but now gaining popularity as a rapid weight loss solution.

The warning was issued by Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, who expressed concern over the drug’s growing misuse—particularly among social media influencers and public personalities using the drug without medical oversight.

“There are growing concerns about the mass misuse of the injection to lose weight, whereas that is not the primary purpose of the Ozempic injection,” Muthoni stated during a press briefing.

Ozempic: What Is It Really For?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication developed to help adults manage type 2 diabetes, with its core benefits including:

• Lowering blood sugar levels (HbA1c)

• Reducing cardiovascular risks in diabetic patients

• Slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease

The drug works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate insulin, appetite, and digestion. A well-documented side effect is weight loss, due to reduced appetite and delayed stomach emptying—but this is not its primary or approved use.

The Problem: A Weight Loss Craze Gone Too Far

Kenyan health officials say the problem has been made worse by influencers and celebrities who openly promote their slimming results using Ozempic, without acknowledging the risks or consulting medical professionals.

This off-label use is particularly concerning because:

• Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss

• Long-term unsupervised use may lead to serious side effects

• It diverts supply from patients who need it for diabetes management

Government Action and Next Steps

The Ministry of Health and the PPB have vowed to tighten regulations on how Ozempic is dispensed in Kenya. Investigations are already underway to uncover the scale of unregulated distribution, including reports of black market sales and unauthorised prescriptions.

“We are working on strategies to better inform the public, hold distributors accountable, and ensure that only patients with genuine medical need access this drug,” Muthoni added.

The ministry is also expected to issue new guidelines to medical practitioners on prescribing Ozempic and is calling on pharmacies to report suspicious demand or transactions.

Public Health Reminder

While weight loss may be a side effect of semaglutide, health experts warn against treating it as a miracle slimming injection. Misuse could result in dangerous complications, including pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, or gastrointestinal distress.

Kenyans are encouraged to consult licensed medical professionals before using any prescription drug and avoid sourcing medication based on online trends or celebrity endorsements.