Originally appeared on E! Online
An Australian mother’s quest to lose weight for her daughter’s wedding ended in tragedy after she passed away due to the effects of Ozempic, a medication widely known for promoting drastic weight loss.
Trish Webster, not diagnosed with diabetes, turned to Ozempic after struggling to shed pounds through conventional methods. Her husband, Roy Webster, recounted to “60 Minutes Australia” that the 56-year-old was lured by an Ozempic television commercial, and subsequently obtained a prescription from her doctor in 2022 upon discovering the drug’s potential for significant weight loss.
Driven by the desire to fit into her daughter’s chosen wedding dress, Trish turned to drastic measures, opting for Ozempic, and later, Saxenda, to aid in her weight loss journey.
However, her pursuit for weight loss was marred by severe side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which ultimately culminated in a tragic outcome. Despite losing 35 pounds in a span of five months, the toll on Trish’s health became unbearable.
Tragically, Trish passed away on Jan. 16, 2023, with her cause of death noted as acute gastrointestinal illness on her death certificate. Roy now firmly believes that the medication she was taking played a substantial role in her untimely demise.
While Ozempic is authorized as a type 2 diabetes medication in Australia, it has been increasingly prescribed “off-label” by medical practitioners for the purpose of weight loss, despite warnings from the country’s Department of Health and Aged Care.
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As the bereaved husband seeks to process the heart-wrenching loss of his beloved wife, questions linger about the use of Ozempic and its broader implications—a narrative forever altered by the devastating outcome.
E! News has reached out to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Saxenda, for comment but hasn’t received a response. Despite the absence of a formal statement, a spokesperson for the company emphasized patient safety as a top priority. They underscored that Ozempic is meant for type 2 diabetes and is not indicated for chronic weight management.
Despite the unceremonious turn of events, the manufacturers stand steadfast behind the safety and effectiveness of Ozempic, basing their position on extensive clinical studies and FDA-approved product labeling.
While the Australian healthcare system continues to grapple with the “off-label” prescription of Ozempic for weight loss, the tragic loss of Trish Webster has undoubtedly cast a somber shadow over the conversation, prompting contemplation on the delicate balance between medical innovation and its harrowing consequences.
