A diabetes medication that has become a global weight-loss trend is now under legal and medical scrutiny, raising concerns for users in Antigua and Barbuda.

Ozempic, once hailed as a “miracle injection,” is the subject of more than 1,200 lawsuits in the United States. The claims, consolidated in federal court, allege that the drug has caused severe side effects including stomach paralysis, chronic vomiting and irreversible vision loss. Potential damages could exceed US $2 billion.

The manufacturer maintains the drug is safe when used as directed and points out it is officially approved only for diabetes management. However, its off-label use for weight loss has surged worldwide, fuelled by celebrity endorsements and social media trends.

In Antigua and Barbuda, Ozempic is widely used not only by diabetics but also by people seeking rapid weight reduction. A recent ophthalmology study has heightened alarm, finding that patients taking the drug were up to seven times more likely to develop a rare eye condition that can cause sudden, permanent blindness. Doctors caution that symptoms may appear overnight.

One young woman in Antigua who experienced warning signs discontinued the medication immediately, according to local reports.

Health professionals stress that while Ozempic can produce significant weight loss, it is not a cure-all. Experts warn that the broader issue lies in the growing pressures of body image, social media influence and rising obesity-related illnesses.

“Rapid fixes carry risks,” one doctor said, urging patients to consult medical professionals before starting treatment. Nutrition, exercise and long-term lifestyle changes, they argue, remain the safest and most sustainable approach.

For Antiguans and Barbudans, the lawsuits in the US may feel distant—but the risks, doctors warn, are very real.