Top doctor warns of 5 'incredibly dangerous' Ozempic risks after Lottie Moss' shocking overdose

The 26-year-old younger half-sister of supermodel Kate Moss recently shared her frightening ordeal with the weight-loss drug on her Dream On podcast. Weighing just nine stone (126lbs), Moss revealed that she used Ozempic - a medication designed to treat obesity and diabetes - without medical necessity, leading to her hospitalisation.

Ozempic, containing the active ingredient semaglutide, was initially developed for managing type 2 diabetes but has gained popularity for its weight-loss effects. However, using it irresponsibly can lead to severe health risks.

According to Professor Franklin Joseph of Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic: "Using a legitimate treatment like Ozempic in people who don’t need it is not only unnecessary, but it’s also incredibly dangerous."

Here are the top five dangers for non-overweight people using this medication, as explained by Prof Joseph.

1. Excessive dosages for lighter individuals

Moss confessed that she was taking a dose meant for those weighing over 100kg (220lbs), while she weighed in the 50kg (110lb) range. "The risk is very serious," Prof Joseph said. "When someone lighter uses a dosage meant for much heavier individuals, the effects are magnified. Nausea, dizziness, and even life-threatening side effects like seizures become more likely." Moss’ rapid weight loss and subsequent hospitalisation due to dehydration are prime examples of these dangers.

2. Severe side effects

For those who are not medically in need of weight loss, the side effects of Ozempic can hit harder. Moss experienced extreme nausea and had to remain bedridden for two days. "These medications are meant to be administered with careful monitoring, especially to prevent side effects," Prof Joseph explained. "When someone takes it without that medical oversight, symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration can spiral out of control, as we saw with Lottie Moss." Her seizure, caused by dehydration, highlights the serious risks of misusing Ozempic.

3. Risks from fake or compounded versions of Ozempic

Another growing concern is the availability of fake or compounded versions of Ozempic, particularly when obtained through unofficial channels. Moss admitted that she obtained the drug through a friend "below board" without proper prescription safeguards. "People who are emotionally driven to lose weight can be duped into using fake products," Prof Joseph said. "These products often have unknown ingredients, inconsistent dosages, and a lack of regulation, which can pose major health risks."

4. Lack of proper medical supervision

Moss acknowledged she hadn’t undergone any medical evaluations before starting the drug. "This is extremely concerning," Prof Joseph said. "Any legitimate use of a medication like Ozempic should be carefully supervised by a doctor, with regular follow-ups to assess the patient’s health and response to the treatment. In Moss’ case, she didn’t have that crucial safety net." Without professional oversight, patients are far more vulnerable to serious complications.

5. Long-term health consequences

Finally, the long-term health consequences of using Ozempic unnecessarily can be profound. "Rapid weight loss, especially when someone doesn’t need it, can lead to muscle wasting, nutrient deficiencies, and long-term metabolic issues," Prof Joseph warned. Moss herself now regrets her decision, calling it "the worst decision I ever made" and urging others not to make the same mistake.

"These drugs are incredibly useful for people who are obese or struggling with serious weight-related health conditions, but for individuals who are already at a healthy weight, they are not only unnecessary, they can be life-threatening," Prof Joseph added.