The Zimbabwean government has issued a stern warning to citizens over the illegal use and distribution of Ozempic, a prescription drug originally designed to manage type 2 diabetes, which is now being widely misused for weight loss.
Health authorities have raised alarm over the growing trend, particularly among young adults and social media influencers, who are turning to Ozempic in pursuit of rapid weight reduction. Officials say the drug is being acquired through unregulated online markets and private networks, bypassing proper medical oversight.
Dr. Agnes Mahomva, Zimbabwe’s Chief Coordinator for COVID-19 Response and a senior official in the health sector, cautioned that the misuse of Ozempic could pose serious health risks. “This is not a weight-loss medication,” she said. “It is a powerful drug meant for managing a specific chronic condition. Using it without a doctor’s guidance can lead to dangerous side effects including severe gastrointestinal issues, low blood sugar, and complications with the pancreas.”
The government emphasized that the unauthorized import, sale, or administration of prescription medications like Ozempic violates national pharmaceutical regulations. Authorities have promised stricter enforcement to crack down on black-market vendors and unlicensed dispensaries selling the drug.
Local pharmacies are also being urged to ensure prescriptions are verified and to report any suspicious demand patterns. Health officials further appealed to the public to avoid falling for online weight-loss fads that promote unapproved drugs and to seek professional medical advice before taking any medication.
The rise in demand for Ozempic as a quick-fix slimming solution reflects a broader trend sweeping across parts of Africa and the global south, where body image ideals are increasingly influenced by Western media and celebrity culture.
Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health has confirmed that it will continue monitoring the situation and is working with regional partners to ensure that public health is not undermined by the unregulated use of prescription drugs.
