Donald Trump faced backlash for recent remarks he made about the drug Ozempic during a press briefing. Critics took issue with his characterization of the diabetic medication.
Earlier this week, Trump, alongside RFK Jr, spoke in the Oval Office, questioning the drug’s efficacy.
He controversially referred to Ozempic as the ‘fat pill,’ a moniker that does not align with its intended use.
Approved in 2017, the injectable GLP-1 medication is designed to treat type 2 diabetes.
In recent years, its popularity has grown as some celebrities have claimed it helped them lose weight.
Administered weekly, Ozempic functions by regulating blood sugar levels and stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin.
This effect curbs appetite, leading to weight loss, but its primary purpose is not weight management.
Other drugs, like Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda, are specifically approved for weight loss.
During the press conference, Trump criticized the high cost of medications in the U.S.: “From $1,300 for a shot of…like an Ozempic or… I call it the fat pill or the fat drug.”
He continued, “Sometimes it works for people, the ones I’ve seen, it hasn’t worked so well.”
He recounted conversations with friends who claim weight loss: “A lot of friends, they are fat, they say ‘yeah I’ve lost some weight’ I say ‘you don’t look it to me’.”
Trump also compared prices, noting, “But they paid $1,300, $1,200 and they go to London and they pay $88, then they call me and ask what is this all about.”
His comments sparked criticism on social media, with some arguing Trump should not dispense medical advice and should defer to healthcare professionals.
One person expressed their frustration: “What in the ever-loving F*** is wrong with this guy? With each passing day, the bull**** coming out of his mouth gets more & more ridiculous. How much more are we going to be forced to endure? And Ozempic isn’t a fat drug. It’s diabetic medication.”
Another commented on the drug’s purpose: “Trump calls Ozempic ‘the fat pill’ and admits it ‘hasn’t worked well’ for some. Reality: it’s a legit diabetes and weight-loss drug, not a magic fix.”
A third individual remarked, “I’m not a big fan of Ozempic, but he is in no position to be giving advice about pharmaceuticals.”
Finally, another user clarified, “Ozempic was created as a type 2 diabetes medication. Not a fat pill.”
Interestingly, despite his skepticism about the drug’s effectiveness, Trump’s administration is considering a pilot program to address obesity in the U.S.
Originally proposed by the Biden administration, the plan involves a five-year experiment where Medicaid and Medicare drug plans might cover drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound for ‘weight management’ purposes.