Spike in Ozempic use demands public health focus
Spike in Ozempic use demands public health focus - The Labour Party
Labour’s Conor Sheehan TD has raised concerns following an answer to a parliamentary question which revealed that public spending on Ozempic and related drugs has increased dramatically over the past two years, warning that the increase demands urgent oversight to prevent overprescribing, protect young people, and clamp down on unsafe and illegal access to these medications.
Deputy Sheehan said:
“This parliamentary reply confirms what many clinicians and families already know. Public spending on Ozempic has risen sharply in a very short space of time, and while these medications have an important and positive role to play in treating conditions such as diabetes, I am concerned. Could there be a risk towards overprescribing?
“We also cannot ignore the role that celebrity culture and social media have played in driving demand. Weight loss drugs are being promoted, implicitly and explicitly, as quick fixes, particularly online. That kind of messaging is deeply irresponsible and it places huge pressure on individuals, especially young people, to conform to unrealistic and often harmful body standards.
“It is important to say clearly that the availability of effective treatments for people living with diabetes and other medical conditions is a huge positive. These drugs can be life changing when used correctly.
“However, we are hearing worrying reports that some people are sourcing these drugs from the UK without proper medical supervision. That is a serious concern. It raises clear questions about safety, dosage, and follow up care.
“Even more alarming are reports that these drugs are now appearing on the black market. That is a red flag for any public health system. Once prescription medications enter illegal supply chains, the risks multiply. There is no guarantee of quality, no medical guidance, and no protection for those taking them.
“I am particularly worried about the impact on young people. We are living through a period where body image pressures are intense, constant, and amplified by social media. The rise of body dysmorphia among young people is well documented, and the normalisation of prescription weight loss drugs risks deepening that crisis.
“A new National Obesity Strategy is due in 2026, and that deadline must be met. We cannot keep drifting while demand for medical interventions accelerates. A serious, well resourced strategy focused on public health, early intervention, education, and supports is essential, and Government must now show that it is committed to delivering it on time.”
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