This Diabetes Drug Causes Weight Loss (and Chaos)

The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare skl.sh/halfasinteresting04230
For a limited time (now through April 30, 2023), Skillshare is offering 40% off your first year of membership - one of their best offers out there! skl.sh/halfasinteresting40
Subscribe to Nebula for 40% off at go.nebula.tv/hai
Get a Half as Interesting t-shirt: standard.tv/collections/half-...
Suggest a video: halfasinteresting.com/suggest
Follow Sam from Half as Interesting on Instagram: / sam.from.wendover
Follow Half as Interesting on Twitter: / halfinteresting
Discuss this video on Reddit: / halfasinteresting
Video written by Amy Muller
Check out our other channels: / wendoverproductions
/ jetlagthegame

[@spookyghostwriter3110]

As a Canadian on Ozempic, watching the burning prescription was so very funny. I hope Amy enjoyed that marshmallow.

[@alexander-mauricemillamlae4567]

Stop taking Ozempic, there are many alternatives to losing weight 😭such as cutting off your left or even your right arm, liposuction, or just not eating anything but two steaks and several multivitamin pills per week (I call it "My method" because thats what I am doing) 😭 That said, if you have T2 Diabetes, probably don't stop taking it. Or switch to an alternative that does the same thing

[@bluecraney1]

i hopw she had a smore also didnt set thr fire alarm off

[@joshualieberman7558]

To be honest compounding pharmacies are really not “sketchy” as stated in this video. As a veterinarian this really upset me because it was more fear mongering than fact. A significant number of medications we prescribe in veterinary medicine are made at compounding pharmacies because many human medications are coated in xylitol (to give the medication it’s sugary taste rather than a mediciny taste) which is great unless you are a dog because it is toxic to them. So we highly rely on these pharmacies to make these medications safely. I have never had a compounding pharmacy make a mistake making any medication nor have I heard of it happening. Could it happen theoretically, yes, but it is exceptionally rare and this video makes them out to be sketchy underground drug dealers when that is not the case even in the slightest. Please like this comment so that it stays relevant for others to read.

[@FuImaDragon]

Yeah, i bought some fish antibiotics once and i am sure they came from one of these compounding pharmacies. They worked fine and fish can be pretty delicate.

[@BurningheartofSILVER]

Honestly there where a lot of little moments in this video that made me ask “who tf wrote this?”. It’s 2023, are there still people spouting that the BMI chart is “blatantly pseudoscientific”? It has its flaws like any tool, but no doctor is looking at someone who’s shredded like a Roman god with a BMI over 30 and saying “oh well, looks like you’re obese 🤷🏽‍♀️”.

[@yellowflowerorangeflower5706]

Can we get this comment pinned?

[@justanoman6497]

Ironically, compounding pharmacies are a lot safer for pets than humans. Because pet needs tend to be one off and unique, so they have to do their job properly and make stuff to order. Humans, on the other hand, have occasional tendency to all want the same thing and... sometimes the CP get lazy/greedy and make them in bulk, which introduces a variety of risks and is not something they are qualified for. And if you take the sort of doctors in question and the type of CP they are likely to work with into account...

[@insertjokehere212]

"it was more fear mongering than fact" That's a lot of his videos.

[@Thylaacine]

I need to use the phrase “Inject violence into their guts” much more regularly.

[@AlanTheBeast100]

Eat at McDonald's is probably the surest method.

[@Matt-fl8uy]

@@AlanTheBeast100 Taco Bell has entered the chat...

[@AlanTheBeast100]

@@Matt-fl8uy I'm from Montreal. On a business trip somewhere in the US in the 90's I decided to try Taco-Bell as I didn't have much time for lunch. Singular experience. Never again. OTOH, I've probably hit McDonald's at least once every 3 - 5 years. The Angus (Canadian mind you!) Burger is quite good.

[@sl0west]

@@Matt-fl8uy hhhhhhhh...

[@jimsvideos7201]

Amy's a trooper, bless her heart.

[@HalIucinations]

I could feel her anxiety through her pants

[@jimsvideos7201]

@@HalIucinations That's _one_ way to put it. I hope you negotiated consent first.

[@JHaven-lg7lj]

And those pants are awesome!

[@Chipnanimus]

I love that you actually illustrated how easy it is to get that prescription. I currently am dealing with medical shortages (not ozempic) and it's interesting to see the little barriers people who don't need meds face to get them

[@ZantharEos]

The video showed that if you lie to a doctor and make up a fake medical back story they will write you a prescription for anything that isn't opioids. Would you rather you somehow have to "prove" your medical condition? Can't wait to see all the people dealing with depression denied medication because they "don't seem depressed enough".

[@Jehty_]

@@vinezero how? She didn't get the medicine. She just got a prescription. Doesn't proof that there is not a shortage....

[@siphonlx]

​@@vinezero The medicine will be more expensive due to an increase in demand

[@IoEstasCedonta]

Ozempic isn't controlled, that probably helps. The first drug that comes to mind as having a lot of shortages has them because it's very tightly controlled.

[@Ranshin077]

"Need" most people need to be thinner. Maybe not as much as others but why wait till you're broke to take care of yourself.

[@junebug9320]

ugh, so true that us youngins don't see doctors for years on end. I finally broke down and went to my optometrist and got a ten minute lecture in which I was questioned why I haven't had an eye exam since I was 16 (I was 24 when I saw him) and then in the next sentence he handed my service worker ass a bill for $250 and then asked if i want to buy a $400 pair of glasses frames.

[@jackc3727]

Your health insurance didn't cover it? Strange

[@TheNixie1972]

Well there you have your answer why you hadn’t gone to him those years.

[@cenach8145]

@@jackc3727 That was probably the cost after the insurance coverage

[@chofaimporovitch1543]

Look ONLINE!!! Glasses are much less expensive online. And sorry your optomitrist was such an ass.

[@johnmackshighlights8103]

That’s why i don’t want to go. I know I’m fat

[@qrackedrealyti3814]

My mom is a type-2 somewhat overweight diabetic who was just recently prescribed Ozempic. It has drastically improved her health, but it is VERY expensive for her due to the abuse of others. Thanks for raising some awareness. She's also working on a full treatment plan to help her get in the habit of eating healthier and prevent the "reverse weight loss" if she is ever able to come off it.

[@betelgeuse68]

My father has had Type 2 diabetes for 20+ years. Diabetes can be reversed... but not through drugs. I myself was prediabetic 13 years ago and was probably half a year away from bull bore diabetes. I embarked on a super strict ultra low carbohydrate lifestyle and in 3 years completely reversed course. Point is, choices matter. I simply refused to go down the route my father did which was to become dependent on drugs.

[@maskettaman1488]

It's not the "abuse" of others, it's the demand. Higher quantity demanded means a higher price for a given quantity supplied

[@Rosenzweigjcb]

Shortages and high prices for medicines are almost always a direct result of patent laws. The people using the drug for weight loss are jokesters, but I don't think it's really fair to blame them.

[@juzoli]

It is not really an abuse. Weight loss is an entirely valid way to use this drug. It is scientifically proven to be effective and low risk. The problem is that nor the regulations, neither the market could adapt to the new demand quickly. Later will happen soon, as production ramps up.

[@stoutyyyy]

It’s not expensive because of other people, it’s expensive because of government restricting supply. The solution is not more restriction.

[@A-lik]

There's a similar issue with Adderall. One of it's side effects is appetite suppression. People are taking it to control their weight, making it harder to obtain for people like me who need it to function on the same level as the rest of society. The stakes aren't as life or death as a diabetes drug, but people's likelihoods are at risk if they can't perform their jobs like they used to.

[@duck74UK]

It's also a popular esports drug, especially in online tournaments where it can't be cracked down on

[@motnosniv]

it's amphetamine

[@livingkiss]

The main reason for the current stimulant shortage is hidden drug-limits per pharmacy that were set in the same settlement as the recent opioid lawsuit. That is, manufacturers and pharmacies were sued over the opioid epidemic and now have limits per pharmacy for how many opioids they are allowed to distribute per month. Somehow, stimulants got tied up in the same settlement despite not being part of the original lawsuit. And the limits for stimulants are much lower than the demand for them. While people using Adderall for non-ADHD purposes drive some of this demand, even just the people using it for on-label purposes (ADHD, narcolepsy) exceed the amount allowed by these limits. Even if everyone using stimulants for off-label reasons stopped, there still would not be enough Adderall to meet demand in the US. And by the way, these limits are to last for the next 10 years with no adjustments for increased demand (population growth, more ADHD diagnoses). To me, it is life and death. I was hospitalized before finally getting an ADHD diagnosis and getting medicated on stimulants. I don’t take Adderall, but I take a similar drug that is longer-acting (Vyvanse) and metabolizes into the same thing, so the Adderall shortages have impacted me as more people switch to my drug because they can no longer get Adderall. I have severe ADHD as well as a host of other co-morbid conditions (bulimia, ASD, PTSD) and my life is so excruciating and miserable without meds that it’s not worth living.

[@stoutyyyy]

The adderall shortage is because of the government artificially restricting supply.

[@extragoogleaccount6061]

@@livingkiss How was the switch to Vy? I sometimes have trouble maintaining my sleep schedule, so I worry about going all in on extended release. Like, if I wake up at noon on accident, would I take it, or have to go without? Etc, etc

[@jamespingel8730]

This didn't just cause a shortage for type-2 diabetics, I couldn't get Tresiba to manage my type-1 diabetes for over a month earlier this year (at least, not from any pharmacy within 2 hours of my home). I found out after the fact it was because the plastic that is used to make Tresiba insulin pens is the same plastic used in Ozempic pens, and Ozempic had more accute shortages. If I didn't underdose (a big no-no for a type 1 diabetic) for a few weeks to stretch my supply, I would have run out. Without Tresiba, managing my diabetes would be like stepping in a time machine and going back 20 years in terms of the alternative medications in my roster. So yeah, insulin shortages for type 1 diabetics who will actually die in about 72 hours without insulin so that the elite can lose more weight more easily is the choice that got made here.

[@piuthemagicman]

You're welcome here in Finland. I'm a type one too and I pay 4 euros for my 4 months of Insulin, Novorapid + Levemir. Taxes pay for this and I couldn't be more greatful. Best wishes for ya buddy ✌️

[@sylvrwolflol]

You’re telling me, the person who’s been diagnosed and happily medicated for years only to have my higher education and career thrown off a fucking cliff because a tech company decided to abuse pandemic emergency measures. Only difference between pharmaceutical companies and drug cartels is that the cartels sometimes face justice :)

[@JatPhenshllem]

@@sylvrwolflol 😂Nice one

[@callabeth258]

That’s appalling! As an Australian pharmacist I feel for you!

[@alveolate]

america, why didn't you elect bernie? and why isn't hilary clinton blamed for all the loss of life due to the lack of m4a since 2016? you could've joined the normalcy of every other wealthy western nation and not be living under the whims of big pharma CEO bonuses. instead, you have late stage capitalism-itis... which i am terribly sad to inform you, is basically incurable.

[@georgewebb3935]

A correction that Semaglutide is FDA approved for the treatment of non-diabetic patients with obesity as of Dec. 23, 2022 under the name Wegovy. It was approved after showing efficacy and safety in a trial of 803 non-diabetic patients.

[@NGCAnderopolis]

But who cares what the FDA has to say anyway? We got a misinformed video to make!

[@coenjch]

@@NGCAnderopolis Sam really dropped the ball with this video.

[@Daniel-yy3ty]

@@NGCAnderopolis not really, he said it's approved for obese people the video was about the truckload of those that aren't and still can get the prescription

[@CatWithHumanEars]

He wasn't saying that Ozempic isn't FDA approved but that the off-brand emergency supply ones are not regulated by the FDA

[@TheAdamChampagne]

Yeah this was a really insensitive and misleading video. Obesity isn't something to laugh at, and is a real medical condition that people struggle with.

[@Bryzerse]

I love how you are doing more real world things in your video to demonstrate the points, this one especially demonstrated the point well.

[@Nooticus]

Agreed!

[@rudolphna54]

The problem is that this makes it seem like anyone on semaglutide who isn't diabetic is doing it for vanity. I'm on Wegovy and have been since January and have lost 40 pounds since then which is the most I've ever been able to lose in my life. Looking better is a side effect, not dying is the other. And I personally haven't experienced the destroyed bowels side effect, I've had nausea (usually for a week after a dose increase) and constipation more than anything else.

[@cats400]

This video is pure fear mongering and makes it seem this drug is purely for diabetics

[@deltastripes]

for real, this is a way for many to break out of old habits that were created as kids :( finally a chance to restart a path to a healthy life

[@ronblack7870]

and i am a type 2 diabetic and lost 36 lbs from jan10 to march 31 by just not eating during the day and cutting back calories to 1100 - 1300 per day. went from 226 to 190 and i didn't use any weight loss drugs and only take metformin. and i have been about 220 all my life and am now 62 and since covid last year i can barely walk any more due to severe leg pain. so eat less and you will lose weight.

[@noahchen2368]

Yeah. It’s the best obesity drug we have. It’s a shame there are shortages, but I don’t think it’s fair to ozempic for obesity as wrong (it’s not; it genuinely works) or that it hasn’t been studied (it has, in a phase 3 trial with 12 months + more months of follow up)

[@0Clewi0]

@@noahchen2368 He didn't tackle the point right up, but the mention that being obese qualify you for insurance covering the medicine.

[@alanwolf313]

Even tough the prices are crazy high, when I started taking it I was (by the BMI index's definition) morbidly obese. Now I'm not, and it gave me just the help I needed to start exercising and going to the gym. Still a work in progress but eventually I will get better. Even if once in a blue moon I have to endure intestinal explosions , it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make for my health. Regardless, medicines are serious and people shouldn't abuse it.

[@orangebeagle3068]

Good luck!

[@IoEstasCedonta]

If you were morbidly obese, you probably needed it. That's why there are two brand names in the video - the second one is authorized for obesity. But not a lot of Hollywood stars are obese.

[@IoEstasCedonta]

@@TravisTheSavage I'm not going to tell you that. I'm six-even and I've never crossed two hundred (although I've come close). If you need pharmaceutical help, you need it. But if you've got a BMI in the twenties, any drug to lose weight is going to do more harm than good.

[@penname8441]

+

[@mrknowitalllearned]

I've used Ozempic for over 3 years. I'm overweight and have type 2 diabetes. I have lost and kept 80 lbs off since then. I still have another 100 lbs to go, but you still need to learn to eat properly. Control what you eat how much you eat and exercise. It just makes it a lot easier to do. I also don't suffer from any of the side affects. If it safe to use for healthy people to use I'm all for it. As long as the company does not screw the customer by over charging for it. I was shocked to hear that Americans are getting screwed being charged $1000 a month. In Canada I only pay $320/ month. I get that the drug companies need to recover there research costs and help pay for failed research, but having a monopoly on something that can seriously help people become healthier needs to be better controlled. At $320 a month I'm sure the company is still making a nice profit. At $1000 / month it is criminal.

[@gladitsnotme]

It's not safe to use for healthy people. It fucks with your pancreas so all these people will have diabetes 10 years from now LOL

[@steve1085]

Just an fyi, if you're having plateau issues with weight loss while on a med like this you should look into liver supporting supplements as adjunct support. Lipotropic shots, for example, are great for helping the liver which in turn metabolizes more fat. Kudos to you on your weight loss and best of luck in the rest of it.

[@julieharden2433]

Exactly. Ozempic (and Wegovy) just make it so you are not hunger, and it stops cravings. But, if you eat like you had been normally, you will not lose weight.

[@chench1lla]

Name brand psychiatric medication is even more expensive.

[@penname8441]

+

[@julieharden2433]

You don't have to be diabetic, or even have pre-diabetes for Wegovy. You just need a BMI over 25 - which in the US, is not hard to come by. And while there was a shortage of Wegovy last year, driving people to try and get Ozempic, Wegovy is no longer in short supply in many areas (it still is in some markets). We just got an email from Cigna stating they were no covering Wegovy for wait loss - if you meet the greater than 25 BMI requirement. Side effects don't last forever - maybe the first month. Some people don't experience side effects at all.

[@dr_intel]

Actually, you are wrong. It's overweight (BMI 25-30) plus at least one obesity comrbidity or obese, BMI 30 or greater. And while you are correct that adverse effects are worst in the beginning while dose escalating, many people have adverse effects. I prescribe this.

[@jacobk215]

This entire video is highly biased and completely inaccurate. He total skips that the vast majority using semaglutide, whether for weight loss or diabetes, have an FDA APPROVED medical indication.

[@boredtech6777]

I guess he completely forgot about the obesity epidemic and the correlation between obesity and diabetes. And eating food can be a disorder its classified in the DSM5 under "eating disorders."

[@cats400]

Overweight people are constantly forgotten about -An overweight person

[@bopete3204]

I do want to add that it appears that Ozempic is a legitimate weight loss drug with medical utility. A lot of doctors just tell people to diet and exercise and then blame patients when that fails. It is a trend right now that's being abused, but in the long-term shortages won't be an issue, and we'll have to evaluate Ozempic based on actual health outcomes for various Ozempic users.

[@edge21str]

It's funny how people keep insisting they don't eat too much and that they just can't lose weight no matter what, but a hunger suppressant makes everyone lose weight almost instantly.

[@marcellkovacs5452]

This isn't a "rich and famous" thing, it's been used by all sorts of people to lose weight. I first heard about it in the bodybuilding community.

[@rffinances8567]

I love that Amy keeps going out to prove the points in these videos, always in the most HAI way possible.

[@alansmithee7224]

Looking forward to the next video of Amy showing us how to get our hands on questionnable molecules in 15 min or less!

[@HeisenbergFam]

Nothing more inspiring than seeing drugs that cause more chaos when we already live in a chaotic GTA parody world

[@Avendesora]

The drug isn’t causing anything. People are the problem.

[@samuel_boivin]

Wise words my friend. Wise words

[@VietnameseBall911]

THIS CHANNEL IS ALL ACROSS KZbin COMMENT SECTIONS WTF IS HAPPENING, also very true

[@stoutyyyy]

@@Avendesora no, the government creating artificial shortages is.

[@cats400]

@@Avendesora This video is pure fear mongering

[@crunchytoast6007]

This was a weirdly serious video from HAI so much so I was shocked when it ended after 5 minutes. I thought there was about to be a 25 minute dive on the history and future of the problem lol

[@SeptemberMeadows]

I'm prescribed Ozempic for my Type-2 Diabetes. I've been using it weekly for a couple of years now. It did have the effect of making me drop about 18 pounds rapidly but the rest of the weight I've lost is due to increased exercise (which becomes easier as the pounds shed away) and eating healthier (alot of fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, barley, quinoa, wild rice... SO many grains and pulses). Fortunately I'm prescribed and get my medications through the VA Healthcare System and the drug shortages don't seem to impact them... yet.

[@AlanTheBeast100]

Cut the fruit and reduce the other carbs and you may not need much medications at all.

[@CaptainAlliance]

​@@AlanTheBeast100 *You must be one of those people who must think people with depression don't need therapy for medications, and that they should "just smile more and be happy".* 🙄

[@SeptemberMeadows]

@@AlanTheBeast100 Thanks. My doctors run a gauntlet of tests quarterly on me. My A1C and other results are excellent. They feel I'm on a great path to eventually being able to get off most of the medications once I reach and maintain my target weight. Cutting out all carbs isn't a healthy option, eating healthier carbs over junk carbs is.

[@AlanTheBeast100]

@@CaptainAlliance No idea why you would project that out of what I wrote. And dude: back off the *bold* - kind of rude - like shouting in all caps.

[@AlanTheBeast100]

@@SeptemberMeadows Glad to hear it! I'm not saying to cut all carbs, just reduce them. We (generally) eat far more carbs than we need.

[@dangerousmythbuster]

Being diabetic myself, I was prescribed semaglutide. That was the worst week of my life. It made me so sick I just called up my doctor and told them I was not going to be taking it anymore.

[@space.tel-e-grams]

It works really well for my mom, but everyone is different. I sincerely hope you were able to find something that works for you without horrible side effects!

[@paulkurilecz4209]

That happens sometimes. Sorry that it happened to you. For me it has been a godsend in managing my diabetes.

[@Chocomint_Queen]

The first week for me was awful, but my doctor encouraged me to push through it. The second week was pretty rough, but after that everything "settled" and I've been back to (better than) normal ever since. Truly a miracle for me tbh. Might be worth another shot, but I'm not your boss.

[@Chocomint_Queen]

@Albo alt Ozempic is the same, a month at 0.25mg, then a month or two at 0.5mg, then they decide if you're good there or need to move up to the full 1mg

[@stoutyyyy]

Have you tried a lower dose? My mom was on it and it did the same, but she lowered her dose and now it’s working as intended

[@trinomial-nomenclature]

I worked in a Pharmacy that did a bit of compounding, not one of the pharmacies that only compound. However, whenever I compounded something, I had to apply a DIN number to it. I couldn't just make what I wanted, there were "recipes" (so to speak) that I had to follow and I also had to document every ingredient (their DIN number, lot number and expiry date), when I made it, how much I made and sign off on it. I'm not saying you're lying about it not being heavily regulated, although my experience, as a Pharmacy Technician, says otherwise. Although, I'm from Canada and it may be different in other places.

[@rallymaniac92]

DIN number as in Deutsche Institut für Normung? If that's the case, I almost find it crazy you guys are applying German norms in Canada.

[@burnte]

I take one pic as I’m lose weight TO STOP BEING DIABETIC. I’m actually taking it for diabetes, but i also have been getting healthier physically and the drug definitely helps lose about 15 pounds, but the rest need real work. The supply shortages are a huge pain in the ass.

[@Kristina-ek8yt]

The BIGGEST PROBLEM in all of this that Novo Nordisk, the sole manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy and the patent-holder of semaglutide, said in a statement that it does not provide the ingredient to these pharmacies, leading some experts to question where pharmacies are sourcing the drug - and whether it is semaglutide at all. So... what are the folks getting from those compounding pharmacies? Compounded medications are usually created using the active ingredients in drugs, but what happens when you can't buy that active ingredients?

[@seattlegrrlie]

A few years ago, I was complaining to a rich friend of mine that my doctor wouldn't prescribe some sleeping pills for a trip I was going on and worried about the time difference. He said he could get me anything. He made a call, the physician assistant called me in less than an hour. I had a script at my local pharmacy fast, easy, and not covered by insurance. You have money and connection, you can get medication

[@ronblack7870]

wow doctors like that actually exist?

[@rodrigopaim82]

Here in Brazil this drug is already approved to weight loss and it is wonderful. Also way cheaper then $1000. (I pay R$600 for 2 months worth of meds. Thats around $150 for 2 months...) The only side effect I ever felt was nausea, but thats only if I take the maximum dosage, which I dont really need so I just dont do it. I lost 20kg (120kg to 100kg) in 4 months while getting muscle at the same time. Obviously a single medication wont do anything for you. I am on a gym daily, stopped eating junk food and started with a daily routine. But a medication that helped to control my hungry was amazing for me and with very little side effect. No gut destroyed or anything lol

[@wgcdrelliot8989]

Stay strong brother

[@williamallcorn1605]

As someone who has struggled with weight her whole life, due to intense stress, depression, isolation, and stress eating habits which exacerbate all of the above… Yeah no, I hate eating and would do anything to suppress my appetite such that I don’t feel compelled to to it. I already shed and regained over a hundred pounds once, and I would put up with literally any side effect to finally be free of this hell I live in - or at least the part of the hell which is being hopelessly overweight and miserable. If it wasn’t for the fact islets just morally wrong to go after and also absurdly expensive, you bet your ass I’d be using this stuff.

[@barrishautomotive]

I started taking Rybelsus, which is the pill form of semaglutide about 2 months ago. Because I have type 2 diabetes, my insurance covers most of it, so my cost is only $25 per month. I've lost about 15 pounds so far, and haven't experienced the crappy side effects people are complaining about. Not saying semaglutide is for everyone. Far from it. But so far it's been helping with my diabetes treatment and I have actually lost weight. The most important thing is to work with your primary care physician to determine what's best for you.

[@jvgama]

"4 lifetime subscriptions to Nebula" It was hard to pause the video in the necessary frames to read all the alternatives to the $1000 spent, but it was worth it.

[@cats400]

Use the "" keys while the video is paused to go frame by frame. You're welcome

[@brianholmes1812]

Any time Sam says Amy is going to do a thing, I know I'm in for an S tier HAI video

[@mbox314]

This channel really has a hard on for government regulation.

[@buitenzorg5970]

2:50 The fact that auto caption capitalized Among Us despite being in normal context is horrifying

[@thekinglydragon]

Amy is a celebrity in our hearts

[@degrassiglee2]

As someone who is currently on week 10 of Ozempic, my bowels are no different than having more normal IBS. Some people need this medication. Some people are obese and it is a chronic condition. I didn't even seek this out; I had both my family doctor and my rheumatologist recommend it to me.

[@cats400]

Same boat here. Type 2 diabetics cannot gatekeep this medicine

[@jasonhaven7170]

@@cats400 Ew

[@aaronth07]

IBS is not normal bowel function.

[@paulomartins1008]

If this was sold over the counter for weight loss, it would obviously cost less for people with diabetes. Lobbying against the interests of people who wish to weigh less is just a very sneaky way to keep on charging gross prices to people with diabetes...in a cornered market.

[@theRAVEN1337]

Chaos is already present, maybe will try to get side effects

[@facepalm5058]

I'm now looking into why the BMI chart is "blatanly pseudoscientific" because of this video. I think that could make for a good video on its own. I've set my own weight loss goal based on a target BMI (and still think it's a pretty good goal) but spreading the word could be beneficial.

[@dylansmith8142]

It's for measuring populations, not individuals. If you use a system of measurement on something that it's not designed for, you don't get to call it pseudoscientific.

[@facepalm5058]

​@@dylansmith8142 I don't know about you, but every time I go into the doctor's office, my weight is analyzed with regard to my BMI. When an educated authority is using a statistical index to analyze my personal health, I can absolutely say it's problematic if not pseudoscientific. Not to mention, updating the method by which obesity is measured would result in better data. Probably not by a huge amount, seeing as BMI assumes a person's fat to muscle ratio is average, and most people are average; but I do think it would improve the data.

[@dylansmith8142]

@@facepalm5058 your doctor is correct to use BMI. Do you think that he went to med school for 8 years just to have you doubt him after hearing a sentence on a youtube video? Good lord. I can understand why you're confused, but BMI is just one valuable tool that doctors can use to access a patient's health. It may not be perfect but it still provides valuable information for a population-level analysis. In the future, we may have a better way to quickly screen for obesity. I'd hate to be your doctor, truly.

[@facepalm5058]

@@dylansmith8142 Yes, it's good for a quick and dirty screening and statistics. Not for every individual's health. Like you said, "it's for measuring populations, not individuals." Clearly you're just slinging mud to sling mud. I wish you luck in your personal relationships. If you're as dense here as you are in your day to day, you'll need it.

[@dylansmith8142]

@@facepalm5058 to me it sounds like you're changing your argument. And if you thought that my insults were baseless, then why reply with your own? Seems hypocritical to me.

[@MarkNealon]

Does Sam really believe you can travel the world for $1k?

[@orangebeagle3068]

Just staying in the third world countries, maybe? 😆

[@blue39503]

My Cardiovascular Doc prescribed Jardiance in January and now my pants are falling down. Given the cost of medical care and groceries, I really can't afford to be buying pants.

[@stoutyyyy]

Don’t worry, baggy is in again.

[@joshcouse7249]

Really liking these facts videos with someone actually trying it and seeing what happens

[@kingarthurslance]

As someone who would meet the medical threshold for being prescribed Ozempic (read: am fat), the pearl-clutching framing around "approved use XX of drug is creating a shortage for use YY of drug" feels... extremely judgey and weirdly moralistic for HAI? It's a logistics problem that is extremely common when new uses are discovered for medication, which happens all the time, and is solved by scaling up supply, not by implying that everyone eligible for a drug based on a defined clinical criteria is selfish for taking a now medically-advised drug. How do you scale up production of a drug when a compelling new use is found? That sounds like an interesting logistics video. Do y'all know anyone who makes those...?

[@jamesb.8201]

I got prescribed Wegovy for being obese and pre-diabetic. Ive dropped 40 pounds in 10 weeks, my blood work is coming back really well, and i am overall a healthier person. This is by far the best medication i have ever been prescribed.

[@ben8557]

Never thought I would see HAI doing investigative journalism

[@apadgettski]

Not sure “wanting to be thin” and “eating food” are really good ways to describe the very well and well-documented medical condition that is obesity. This drug, once properly studied and documented, could improve the lives of many people who are obese. I’m not saying it isn’t being abused right now, but you’re also under playing the real impact that obesity has in many people’s lives as a medical condition, not just eating too much food, getting fat, and wanting to be skinny.

[@FirstnameLastname-ej4kv]

Self-discipline is a hell of a drug.

[@stoutyyyy]

It’s already been approved for weight loss as well

[@stoutyyyy]

@@FirstnameLastname-ej4kv and so those with poor self-discipline deserve to be punished with diabetes and joint pain? The moralizing helps no one. Making it easier for everyone to get healthy is something we should be celebrating.

[@FirstnameLastname-ej4kv]

@stephenm.stouter2238 The health problems are a symptom of poor self-discipline and gluttony. Self-discipline is what's necessary to become healthy. Talking medication to make up for an unwillingness to take action isn't an answer. This medication is not without its compromises to your health.

[@theninja4137]

​@@FirstnameLastname-ej4kv Being obese makes exercising difficult (especially if you dont want to put excessive strain on joints) Upset endocrine levels make dieting hard because it can lead to increased feeling of hunger For many people, losing weight (and then maintaining that weight) is easier with some help to break the cycle (just like many people need nicotine patches or similar to kick their cigarette addiction) I'm totally in favour for only prescribing weight loss drugs in combination with dietrician appointments, but it can be a helpful tool as part of the weight loss journey

[@Aedar]

Is anyone really surprised how easy it was to get a prescription considering how easy it was/is to get a "glaucoma" prescription?

[@bonelesswatermelon420]

I love this new format of half as investigative journalism

[@cenci4913]

All time HAI classic

[@edl5731]

Amy should be in the next edition of Jet Lag.

[@mattlau04]

this was truly half as interesting

[@Balshazar]

Oh there's a shortage? Uhhh just make more of the drug

[@JTSG15]

Would love a video about the BMI chart...

[@drvxd]

Please stop referring to a desire to keep to a healthy weight as a "body image issue".

[@maf654321]

The idea that the only problem with obesity is stigma is bizarrely popular and this video seems to have this (very wrong) perspective.

[@NGCAnderopolis]

​@@maf654321yeah, more Americans die from the side effects of obesity than anything else, but according to @HAI it is not a medical condition

[@ShankarSivarajan]

It's one of those retarded "fatphobia" correlates.

[@EvanAviator]

@@NGCAnderopolis you have a point but that statement is not true.

[@D_Winds]

Half as entertaining, yet twice as amusing. Keep up the great videos!

[@HarpaxA]

@3:00 I kinda expect to see "Donate to Half as Charity" Or "Treat Sam the Wiseover fancy dinner" 😂

[@samtherat6]

Thank you for telling and teaching us how easy it is to get drugs! :)

[@Martinsspiegel]

The wildly dismissive attitude taken here toward obesity is unhelpful. While it's true not every person who wants to lose weight needs to lose weight, an enormous number of people do. Obesity is an absolutely critical problem in society these days and one that has been getting worse rapidly. A new weight loss drug that is safe and effective for most people is one of the most exciting developments in medicine in the past few years and it's unfortunate to see a popular youtube channel suggest otherwise.

[@MeowjinBoo]

He mentions that the bmi scale is broken, then spouts some fat acceptance movement stuff. Was pretty disappointed in this video. I will keep taking the drug and losing weight and escape obesity.

[@cats400]

1000% agree. You said it so well -An obese person on semaglutide

[@munjee2]

He's not really talking about obese people, he's talking about Hollywood "bever too skinny" types as quoted in this video

[@finish_my_projects]

​@@munjee2who cares what they do

[@ShaunDreclin]

I don't get the mocking condescending tone in this video. Losing weight isn't just some frivolous goal of already-skinny rich people, it's a serious health concern for countless people who struggle to do it naturally.

[@13thravenpurple94]

Great video THank you

[@PhailingMath]

Surprisingly wholesome at the end!

[@daniloh8113]

Man these real life applications of the topics in HAI videos are pushing your content to the next level!

[@coenjch]

You can tell a twenty something that weighs 150lbs soaking wet wrote this script completely ignoring the fact that 1 in 2 adults in the US are obese and have a legitimate need for this medication.

[@FirstnameLastname-ej4kv]

They need discipline, not medication.

[@coenjch]

@@FirstnameLastname-ej4kv if that was the case and there was no physiological component of obesity then this medication wouldn’t work but unfortunately we live in a world where ghrelin exists

[@FirstnameLastname-ej4kv]

@coenjch there is definitely a psychological component to it. Self discipline is the answer to it. Same as quitting a drug.

[@stoutyyyy]

@@FirstnameLastname-ej4kv telling alcoholics to “just stop drinking lol”

[@FirstnameLastname-ej4kv]

@@stoutyyyy often times that's what they have to do in order to not kill themselves it's necessary

[@reallyhughish]

I'm so impressed by this video. You done big good!

[@kyrishere]

My sister is on Ozempic due to significant weight gain from multiple antipsychotic drugs. It sounds like vanity however her being 4’9”, gaining 50+ lbs is an issue.

[@FAKETV96]

I'm on it to lose weight and it was an amazing decision. It's not as dangerous as you are making it out to be lol

[@scottanno8861]

Not to mention the type 2 diabetics got so by being overweight lol

[@cats400]

This video is pure fear mongering. I just stated taking a version produced by a local compounding pharmacy that adds Vitamin B to it to curb the nausea side effects. Seeing some weight loss so far, hope to have more

[@V3ritas1989]

I'd say obesity is probably the leading cause for many many health issues. Given the fact that this drug is also prescribable for obesity in europe it makes sense that it is out of stock. Just create more or change the rules.

[@GojiMet86]

You gotta admit though, Oh Oh Oh Ozempic! is a very catchy jingle.

[@ShaneSparkyYYZ]

The weight loss comparison to an arm, so random, love it!

[@Dr.Coconut1245]

This is one of the best videos you have made recently, a great explanation, really good message, and real world evidence of the problem. Great job!

[@adrielsebastian5216]

Not often that HAI covers ongoing topics, but I thank you for doing that. People need to remember that there are actual people with real medical conditions who need this drug.

[@maf654321]

Obesity *is* a real medical condition and I’m not sure why this video is trying to imply otherwise

[@sampfrost]

@@maf654321 obesity at a guess is a less immediate danger than diabetes, and in theory obesity can be dealt with without external chemistry - it just sucks a lot

[@itsmejacobw]

Agree. My Dad is unable to get the meds he needs and it's making all of us very mad and frustrated.

[@maf654321]

@@sampfrost True it can, though the success rate for dieting is, well, about as low as you’d think it is. Gastric bypass really does work and is a less invasive procedure these days, but also AFAIK it actually works biochemically similarly to GLP1 agonists. Somehow a smaller stomach reduces the hunger signals to the brain just like semaglutide does, so much of the excitement of these drugs is getting much of the benefits of gastric bypass without the surgery.

[@SEAZNDragon]

@@maf654321 They're note suggesting obesity isn't an issue. They're mocking those abusing the current medical system to get a life saving weight lost medicine lose a small amount of weight to look good in an outfit.

[@ASMRPeople]

The problem with this drug for weight loss is most patients put all of the weight back on after they go off it. You always hear about the next weight loss drug, but the only medical treatment shown to work long term is bariatic surgery.

[@ssmallishplague]

weight loss techniques: Don’t eat. Brilliant. Been doing that for years.

[@karldrogo3741]

i think that the potential of semaglutide or drugs against obesity is huge. i dont want to get into beauty ideals or our perception of weight, bodyfat etc.. But from a public healthcare perspective, obesity is a gigantic (no pun intended) problem, reducing people`s life, worsening the quality of life and costing all of us billions in medical healthcare. And losing weight is as a matter of fact really hard. So a drug wil not get rid of all your problems but it could be a good support to start with

[@stoutyyyy]

Seriously. Both my parents were obese for my whole life, they’ve both been on ozempic and their quality of life has improved dramatically. The moralizing about “artificial” weight loss helps nobody. And regulating access to it only serves to worsen shortages, as we see with adderall and all sorts of other drugs.

[@CraigChrist8239]

Someone in my family actually did the same process as Amy, and went through with it. I had to run errands for her because she was "disabled on the bathroom floor" and couldn't stop puking. It sounds to be about as useful for losing weight as ipecac.

[@stoutyyyy]

Sounds like the dosage was too high

[@bethburnett3883]

As a pharmacy student this is now going to be my exam revision for the day lol

[@withouta315]

And here I am, morbidly obese with a number of other health conditions, and with a standing prescription of Ozempic, but my insurance will not cover it, it is prohibitively expensive. I guess my insurance thinks it is cheaper that I die from my helth problems than cover this drug for 6 months to a year.

[@artistwithouttalent]

I just want to tell Amy she is absolutely iconic and we stan.

[@tv-pp]

Dont blame the shortage on non diabetic users, blame medicine patents.

[@erickbarbosa2935]

gotta love the real life investigation element

[@BeeBrained-PS99]

Diabetic here. Lost 130lbs. It sucks when I struggle to find it, but at the same time, it is life-changing, so it should be available to everyone who NEEDS it, even for weight loss. Obesity is an issue as well as Diabeties. I'm not different from those who need it for that. That being said, it does piss me off for 8-15 lbs. That's some bullshit. And yes, it destroys my stomach, even after a year on the stuff. That being said... I'll take it over the crippling obesity and diabetes issues any day.

[@bather7483]

Seriously? We're going to blame individuals for pharmaceutical supply chain shortages and for the lack of regulation around the distribution of short supplies? There are so many professionals involved prior to a person obtaining a prescription drug. People with decades of education. The video here presents surface level information while glossing over more nuanced discussion. In hospitals we had to communicate with the health ministry of our on hand supplies and short supplies were tightly controlled in distribution. We had to follow new procedures to ensure an adequate supply in each hospital. We should be calling on the ministry to do the same with this kind of drug. The weight-loss benefits of Semi-glutide drugs are proven, if insufficient in my opinion, and therefore not appropriate to attack individuals seeking to be less hungry and lose weight.

[@EnragedTurkey]

Normally your videos are really good, but I can tell you probably have never dealt with being overweight. Obviously a drug like this needs to be prioritized for people with diabetes as they need it to live, but allowing others to use it will drastically lower future medical costs. Obesity is a massive strain on the medical industry and everything we can do to lower than load is a good thing. There needs to be increased production to cover everyone who needs it for diabetes and everyone who wants it for weight loss because contrary to what you said by the end, eating too much food absolutely can be a problem.

[@still.rendering]

Right? I'm not overweight but this video seemed surprisingly out of touch and aggressive for no reason.

[@gregoryb6494]

The quote "never too rich, never too thin" is one of the most terrifying and vile things Ive ever heard.

[@MorningThief_]

Great video & good job Amy. But are Corduroy pants really back in now?

[@DeathsOnTheYAxis]

The thing is that it has genuine health benefits. Even for the not-yet-obese, it's beneficial to reduce your consumption of sugary and fatty foods. Semaglutides also improve general impulse control, including for internet and online shopping addiction.

[@_Neutrino]

As someone who actually has a perscription for Ozempic for Diabetic needs, I can tell you 2 important things, 1) getting it is a struggle because nearly all pharmacies are running behind on it, and 2) HAI is under selling how much it physically destroys you. Food poisoning is an upgrade compared to the first 2 months of using this drug. After 2 months or so it levels off and I take 3 extra meds to deal with the side effects of just Ozempic.

[@Jehty_]

Are there no better options than Ozempic?

[@teelo12000]

​@@Jehty_ depends on your definition of "better". I didn't encounter side effects from empagliflozin that caused me to struggle in any way. Just have to take a leak way more often.

[@neosovereign]

I prescribe it all the time and it really depends on the person. Some have almost no side effects, some can't tolerate it. It doesn't "destroy your body".

[@neosovereign]

@@Jehty_ Depends on your goals. For weight loss, Mounjaro is similar and more effective, but the side effects are the same. A lot of drugs for diabetes work well, I can treat anyone, but nothing will help with weight loss, which is a huge underlying cause of diabetes.

[@Jehty_]

@@neosovereign OP was talking about their diabetes. So the goal would be to treat that.

[@Deltarious]

3:01 just letting you know I did, in fact, read all of those. I hope your next outfit really *does* make everyone say "dang, that's a slay"

[@thegnosticalien]

The result of watching too much always sunny in Philadelphia… when my brain hears diabetes it autocorrects the pronunciation to “diabettis” lolllll

[@perpetualcollapse]

Understandable, have a nice day.

[@watajob]

No mention of those amongst us that are type 2 diabetics and need to lose weight. Good news: A1C lowest since I was diagnosed using Ozempic. Bad news: I must have the constitution of a Clydesdale as it didn't even make me burp once and I haven't lost a pound. So there's that...

[@ConorBTarHeelLucky]

I take great issue with this video Sam. Obesity is not just a problem of laziness, it IS a medical condition. Millions of Americans are obese and this massively increases their risk for other medical issues including heart disease, certain cancers, physical injury, and ESPECIALLY DIABETES. My mother, along with many people in my family who have struggled to lose weight the old fashioned way with just diet and exercise alone, have had their lives changed by using these drugs with dieting and exercise plans and have finally returned to a healthy weight for the first time in decades, reducing their likelihood for fatal disease and improving their quality of life drastically. Your video acts like obese people are simply making a choice and this could not be further from the truth. None of my family members have experienced the major side affects you mentioned, one has had mild nausea. These drugs are not a miracle, they are a revolutionary step in medical science that can be the solution to one of Western society's greatest health challenges. And as for taking them from people who need them, sure celebrities who are already a healthy weight taking them is problematic, but truly obese people are nearly the same consumer as the diagnosed diabetics. There is a reason the same drug is being sold under a different brand and being marketed for weight loss. I absolutely love your content, your humor, and love learning something new from you every day, but today you are wrong and this video is insulting to hundreds of thousands of people whose lives have been genuinely changed for the better by these medicines and propagates a dangerous myth that people with obesity are just too lazy to be healthy. Please do better.

[@God-ch8lq]

found the lardo kek

[@foy1der]

What amazed me most about this video is that there exists stock footage of a dude scratching his butt.

[@morbital]

Canadian here, obese, and in high risk group for diabetes. I take Ozempic and I've lost 30lbs. It's actually quite a miracle drug as years of dieting and fasting always resulted in yo-yo weight and gaining it all back. With Ozempic the weight comes off and stays off. Thankfully my health plan covers it as well. Obesity is a recognized disease and claiming we don't need a "cure for eating" is not a very helpful message to put out there, this drug can save people's lives.

[@TheBuckweat33]

Very hard to take comments like this seriously. Diet failures are discipline failures, its a self-inflicted disease…

[@morbital]

@@TheBuckweat33 Thankfully medical professionals don't share your viewpoint at all.

[@TheMrFabian1]

It's interesting that in the US this is a thing for the 1%. I am in med school and while I was interning with a family doctor, we got loads of people in their early 20s asking for the stuff.

[@NGCAnderopolis]

It isn't in the US, HAI is just making that part up.

[@mikea5745]

Definitely mostly regular people in the US going for it. The costs do push away some poorer people that would benefit from it though, unfortunately

[@DeadFocussed]

"She even roasted a marshmallow over it" *props go off screen* My brain: She ate the burning paper too

[@GayAnnabeth]

finally, our man answering the question on everyone's minds: wtf were those frikkin ads about something called "Ozempic" all about?

[@remytherat1357]

1:56 obesity is a huge epidemic in the USA, but sure, trivialize it by conflating it with “wanting to be skinnier” and “body image struggles”. refusing to look real issues in the eye will be the death of this country