Ozempic could curb our shopping sprees. That doesn’t mean we should go there

These days, it feels like everyone is using Ozempic. The results have been astonishing: The average person taking Ozempic loses about 15 pounds after three months and 27 pounds after six months.

However, if you don’t have insurance — or your insurance provider doesn’t cover Ozempic — then you could pay up to $1,000 a month. You may be able to find coupons and discount programs to lower the cost, but many of these require that you meet certain income criteria or receive other types of government assistance. 

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“For individuals with compulsive shopping tendencies, the act of purchasing can create a dopamine surge similar to eating a favorite food or engaging in other pleasurable activities,” said financial therapist Dr. Alex Melkumian, Psy.D, LMFT.

“The chatter, often referred to as ‘food noise,’ is something we frequently hear about, but what I have noticed is that other rumination-related behaviors also seem to take a back seat,” said psychotherapist Rachel Goldberg, LMFT, PMH-C.

Some anecdotal data has found that patients who use Ozempic may also find themselves stopping smoking or using drugs less – even if that’s not the reason they were initially prescribed the drug.

Patients who are taking Ozempic for weight loss or diabetes management have also discovered fewer cravings for other addictive behaviors. 

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The cost of Ozempic

Like any prescription drug, the downside to a new drug like Ozempic is the cost. If you have insurance, your monthly cost for Ozempic could be as low as $25. That also depends on your particular insurance. 

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Some patients who are on Ozempic for weight loss or diabetes management have discovered that it also curbs their shopping habits. That’s because what Ozempic does isn’t necessarily limited to food cravings. It could apply to many types of cravings.

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How does Ozempic work?

From the outside, Ozempic seems to be a miracle drug. But here’s how it works: When you indulge in something rewarding, your brain releases dopamine, a feel-good chemical. So your brain tells you to take another bite.  

If you’re struggling with compulsive spending, talking to a therapist specializing in addiction can be helpful. You can find a list of qualified therapists through Psychology Today; filter for addiction specialists.

“Long-term treatment often benefits from combining pharmacological support with therapeutic interventions”

So if you have a shopping addiction or compulsive habit, could Ozempic help? It might help those struggling with other addictions, but consider how the drug works, its cost and what happens when you stop taking it. 

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