What Is Ozempic and Why Is It Such a Big Deal Right Now?

A drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat people with Type 2 diabetes has ignited a craze among social-media influencers, the rich and famous and everyday people alike. Ozempic, made by Novo Nordisk A/S, has gained popularity for its off-label use, helping users drop excess pounds within a matter of months.

Demand has soared for Ozempic as well its sister drug, Wegovy, and Eli Lilly & Co.’s Mounjaro. Ozempic’s main ingredient, known as semaglutide, is in Wegovy, which was approved by the FDA in 2021 to treat obesity. Lilly’s Mounjaro, whose main ingredient is tirzepatide, was approved by the FDA in 2022 to treat diabetes, though it has also been used for weight loss.