Filmmaker Karan Johar recently triggered headlines with his dramatic weight loss. As rumours about him using Ozempic circulated online, he clarified that his weight loss was a result of a healthy lifestyle. In a social media post, he wrote, "Being healthy and eating well and reinventing the wheel of your nutrition! Aur Ozempic ko mile credit (And the credit goes to Ozempic)??" Interestingly, his post came as Maheep Kapoor slammed people using Ozempic for weight loss and making it short for people with diabetes. What Is Ozempic?Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, is a once-weekly injectable medication primarily prescribed for managing blood sugar levels in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Since its approval in 2017, it has become a crucial tool for diabetes management, but its uses extend beyond just glucose control. Notably, the drug has been making headlines after popular celebrities like Elon Musk, and Kim Kardashian confessed to using it for weight loss. How Does Ozempic Aid Weight Loss?Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications mimic the action of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone, which is naturally released from the digestive tract. GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes a sense of fullness, making it a powerful tool in managing both diabetes and weight.Administered through a weekly injection into the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm, Ozempic helps in more ways than just appetite suppression. It modifies the signalling pathways between the gut and the brain, influencing how the body processes and responds to food. Experts have said that Ozempic not only reduces hunger but also helps the body seek a lower weight range and can mitigate risks for several obesity-related conditions, such as heart disease, chronic kidney disease, fatty liver disease, and sleep apnea.Ozempic Is Illegal In IndiaOzempic is not legally available in India. However, several reports have indicated that it is being sold in Indian black markets. There are several risks from Ozempic. A recent study has discovered that Ozempic may increase the riskon abdominal paralyses. The findings suggest a 30 per cent higher risk of developing this condition among users of this drug compared to non-users.