Online Reporter
B-Metro Health Reporter
FROM Instagram feeds full of glowing selfies to WhatsApp groups buzzing with secret sales, Ozempic, the so-called “skinny jab,” has exploded in popularity among Zimbabwe’s young women desperate to lose weight fast. But behind the filters and hype lurks a dangerous truth that health experts warn could cost lives.
Ozempic, a prescription drug designed to manage type two diabetes, is now being abused as a shortcut to slimness. The drug’s active ingredient, semaglutide, helps regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite. For diabetics it can be life-changing, but for healthy users it carries serious health risks that many don’t fully understand.
In recent months, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) and the Health Professions Authority of Zimbabwe (HPA) have raised alarm bells about the skyrocketing illegal sale and use of Ozempic for weight loss. The drug is meant to be prescribed and monitored by licensed medical professionals. Instead, it is being peddled through unlicensed sellers on social media, online marketplaces, and shady beauty parlours across the country.
“We warn the public against purchasing Ozempic from unauthorised sources, including social media platforms, unlicensed premises and unregistered individuals,” the authorities said in a joint statement. “These products often lack quality control and may be substandard or counterfeit. Using Ozempic without proper medical supervision is a serious public health risk.”
Our investigations reveal how the “skinny jab” market thrives in secret. On Instagram, dealers boast of guaranteed results and offer private consultations. WhatsApp groups share tips on how to self-inject and where to buy, while some women order from neighbouring countries and even overseas, risking dangerous fake products.
A 24-year-old Harare university student, who asked to remain anonymous said she first heard about Ozempic from an influencer on social media. “They showed these before-and-after pictures and said it was safe,” she said. “I bought it from someone online for US$150. At first, I felt fine, but after a few weeks I got dizzy and started vomiting. I had no idea it could harm me.”
She is not alone. Local clinics have reported an increase in patients suffering from dehydration, severe nausea and other complications linked to Ozempic misuse. Some have developed kidney problems and irregular heartbeats. Doctors warn that without medical monitoring, the drug can cause life-threatening side effects.
Medical experts stress that Ozempic is not a magic weight loss solution. It requires a proper diagnosis, prescription and regular follow-up. “Taking this medication without a doctor’s supervision is extremely dangerous,” said a Harare endocrinologist. “People underestimate the risks because they are blinded by the desire to lose weight quickly.”
Despite the warnings, demand keeps growing. The promise of a slimmer body with little effort appeals in a society where physical appearance can seem tied to opportunity and status. Social media influencers fuel the trend, often without revealing the risks or legality of their sources.
“Girls are skipping meals and workouts, relying solely on the injections,” said a Harare fitness trainer. “It’s worrying. They don’t realise the damage they are doing to their bodies.”
The MCAZ and HPA have vowed to clamp down on illegal sales. They remind the public that selling prescription medicines without a license violates multiple laws including the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act and the Health Professions Act. Arrests and prosecutions are expected soon.
Authorities urge anyone offered Ozempic outside licensed pharmacies or hospitals to report it immediately. Users, who experience adverse effects should seek medical help right away.
For young women chasing beauty ideals, the “skinny jab” may seem like a quick fix. But as the warnings grow louder, it is clear that this shortcut comes with a heavy price.
If you see the glossy posts, remember the hidden dangers. A flawless selfie can mask a health nightmare.
Your body is not a trend to follow. Protect it. Stay safe. And don’t fall for the lure of easy fixes that could endanger your life.
