Summary: The research study explores the growing public interest in the off-label use of Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, particularly Ozempic, for cosmetic weight loss. Using Google Trends, the study reveals a significant surge in relative search volume (RSV) for “Ozempic”, “Wegovy”, and “Mounjaro” over a 5-year period, indicating a heightened curiosity and potential demand for these medications for cosmetic weight management. The study emphasizes the need for informed decision-making, responsible healthcare practices, and further research to ensure patient safety and well-being in response to the evolving trend of off-label medication use for cosmetic purposes.

Key Takeaways: The off-label use of GLP-1 Agonists (Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro) for cosmetic weight loss has garnered significant public interest, largely influenced by celebrities, social media, and news outlets. The Google Trends analysis demonstrates a substantial and growing demand for these medications, necessitating plastic surgeons, particularly in the aesthetic setting, to be well-prepared for the implications of this trend. Increased awareness, understanding, and further scientific studies are crucial to ensure the safe and informed management of patients seeking off-label use of these medications.

Introduction

In recent years, there has been a surge in public interest surrounding the off-label use of medications for cosmetic purposes. With celebrity and social media influencers largely shaping aesthetic trends in society, this influence has extended to pharmaceutical choices. One such medication, Ozempic, originally approved for the management of type 2 diabetes, has gained attention for its potential role in cosmetic weight loss. Other drugs include “Wegovy”, an FDA-approved drug for weight-loss management, and “Mounjaro”, an FDA-approved drug for diabetes, and a newly approved for weight-loss. This recent study delved into the growing fascination with Ozempic and similar drugs, shedding light on the increasing public interest in using these medications for off-label weight management.

Understanding the Study

The study, conducted using Google Trends, analyzed the relative search volume (RSV) for “Ozempic”, “Wegovy”, and “Mounjaro” over a 5-year period from March 2018 to February 2023. The results revealed a remarkable surge in public interest, as evidenced by the exponential growth in RSV for “Ozempic” in the United States. This indicates a significant curiosity and potential demand for the off-label use of GLP-1 agonists for cosmetic weight loss. Furthermore, the study compared the RSV for “Ozempic,” “Wegovy,” and “Mounjaro,” with Ozempic consistently maintaining the highest RSV, highlighting its prominence in public interest.

Implications for Patients, the Cosmetic Industry and Healthcare Providers

This study confirms the significant increase in public interest in pharmaceutical weight loss drugs over the last 5 years. There are implications for patients who need the medication for its intended purposes, the cosmetic industry and healthcare providers, with the increasing interest and desire for these trending products. Specifically, in 2022, while providers turned to writing off-label prescriptions for Ozempic to meet their patients’ rising needs, the increased demand led to shortages of this formulation, and in turn, significantly impacted patients dependent on Ozempic for management of their diabetes. This societal trend is making it difficult for patients to obtain their required medication.

Additionally, as public interest in these medications continues to soar, individuals seeking weight management solutions may turn to plastic surgeons for primary medication management and body contouring procedures for weight-loss-induced skin laxity. This is especially pertinent as many plastic surgery aesthetic practices now include “med spas” or weight-loss centers not primarily run by plastic surgeons. This trend may lead to an increased demand for comprehensive aesthetic treatment modalities, prompting the need for healthcare providers, particularly plastic surgeons, to be well-informed and prepared to address patient inquiries and provide appropriate counseling and treatment plans. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the shifting dynamics guided by media, social media influencers, and celebrities in predicting future trends in the cosmetic industry.

Considerations for Patient Safety and Well-being

The discussion also underscores the need for healthcare providers to consider the potential implications of off-label use of GLP-1 agonists for cosmetic weight loss on patient safety and well-being. Although GLP-1 agonists are well tolerated by patients with diabetes, there is insufficient information of data on using these medications for cosmetic weight loss in obese, nondiabetic patients, and even more so in nonobese, nondiabetic patients. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of conducting more research to investigate outcomes after the cosmetic use of GLP-1 agonists and to provide operative guidelines, ensuring that patient safety remains a top priority in the evolving landscape of aesthetic treatments.

For individuals considering cosmetic weight loss treatments, it’s important to note that off-label use of medications should only be pursued under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Consumers should engage in open and informed discussions with their healthcare professionals to understand the potential risks, benefits, and suitability of such treatments for their individual needs. Additionally, being mindful of the influence of social media, news publications, and celebrity endorsements on aesthetic trends can help consumers make well-informed decisions about their health and wellness journey.

Conclusion

The study’s findings underscore the growing public interest in the off-label use of GLP-1 agonists, particularly Ozempic, for cosmetic weight loss. As this trend continues to gain momentum, it’s imperative for both consumers and healthcare providers to approach such discussions with diligence and a focus on patient safety and well-being. By staying informed and engaging in open, transparent communication, individuals can make empowered choices about their health, while healthcare providers can ensure the delivery of safe and comprehensive care in response to evolving trends in aesthetic treatments.

References

Han, S. H., Safeek, R., Ockerman, K., Trieu, N., Mars, P., Klenke, A., Furnas, H., & Sorice-Virk, S. (2023). Public Interest in the Off-Label Use of Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Agonists (Ozempic) for Cosmetic Weight Loss: A Google Trends Analysis. Aesthetic surgery journal, 44(1), 60–67. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjad211