Online pharmacies, medical spas, and diet clinics are capitalizing on the surge of interest in weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, running thousands of ads on social media platforms, NBC News reports.
Surge in Ads: More than 4,000 active ad campaigns in the U.S. mentioning semaglutide, the drugs’ active ingredient, were found on Facebook and Instagram alone. This heavy marketing surpasses even that of Viagra, a long-time favorite of online marketers.
Consumer Reaction: While some consumers find the ads amusing, others express anger and frustration, feeling inundated with ads suggesting they could benefit from the drug. The surge in ads comes amidst increased scrutiny of Instagram over its potential contribution to body image issues and eating disorders among young women.
Regulation and Enforcement: Meta Inc. META, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has a policy requiring advertisers to get written permission and provide evidence of an appropriate license before they can promote prescription drugs. However, enforcement of this policy has been inconsistent, with ads often being removed only after they have been reported.
Impact on Drug Supply: The sharp rise in demand for semaglutide drugs has led to a shortage, affecting their availability for their other purpose: helping people with diabetes keep blood sugar levels in check. This high demand has also incentivized pharmacies to make or dispense unauthorized copycat versions of the drugs.
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