Ozempic claims in Sask. spike more than 3,000% in 5 years, many for weight loss – CBC
Obesity Canada says drug plans discriminate between diabetes and obesity, both chronic diseases
Jun 12, 2024
Chamundi Selvaraj takes a weekly dose of Ozempic because she’s afraid of dying from diabetes-related kidney failure like her mother and four aunts, who all passed away in their 60s.
But Selvaraj is in the minority among Ozempic users in Saskatchewan in a few ways.
First, she’s using the drug for the reason it was initially designed: to improve her blood sugar levels.
Second, she qualifies for Ozempic coverage through the provincial drug plan and private insurance. Saskatchewan only approves patients who have Type 2 diabetes.
And finally, she’s not shy about revealing her Ozempic use.
“I felt like this was a very good turning point in my life,” Selvaraj said.
The retired grandmother had no idea Ozempic’s side effect of weight loss has made it a much-sought-after drug for off-label reasons. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, mimics a hormone that controls blood sugar levels and curbs hunger.
