Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has launched a sharp critique of the growing buzz around Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs, pointing the finger at pharmaceutical companies for profiting off America's obesity crisis while ignoring deeper systemic issues. Speaking on social media, Kennedy, a vocal advocate for public health reform, took aim at Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical giant behind Ozempic and Wegovy, accusing them of using the U.S. obesity epidemic as a cash cow.
Kennedy's comments come as Novo Nordisk reports unprecedented financial success, with profits surging 62% this year, largely driven by the skyrocketing demand for their diabetes and weight-loss drugs. Ozempic and Wegovy, which are used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity, have catapulted the company into the global spotlight, boosting its net worth to a staggering $570 billion—more than Denmark’s GDP.
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YES or NO ? pic.twitter.com/fQ6pgPehte
— Marjorie Taylor Greene Press Release (Parody) (@MTGrepp) September 25, 2024
According to Kennedy, however, the excitement surrounding these drugs distracts from the real root of the obesity problem: America's highly processed food system. He argues that while these medications may help mitigate some symptoms, they don't address the underlying causes of obesity, such as poor diet and mental health conditions tied to overeating. "Instead of fixing our food system and addressing the obesity crisis at its root, the author focuses on a drug that may palliate the symptom – and gladden the wallets of distant Big Pharma execs,” Kennedy posted.
Kennedy's critique didn’t stop there. He went on to express concerns about the influence of "Big Pharma," claiming that companies like Novo Nordisk are more interested in profit than addressing the foundational issues plaguing public health. Analysts predict that Novo Nordisk could become a trillion-dollar company by 2030, further fueling Kennedy's frustrations about corporate exploitation of health crises.
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Donald Trump and RFK Jr Declares they are going to STOP the Mass Poisoning of US Children 🙌
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In response to Kennedy's accusations, Novo Nordisk defended their drugs, emphasizing that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, is designed to supplement a healthy diet and exercise. A company spokesperson argued that obesity is a disease that often requires medical intervention beyond lifestyle changes, particularly for patients who struggle to maintain weight loss. "Obesity is not a personal failing; it’s a matter of health – and people deserve respect, support, and care,” the company stated.
Kennedy, however, has long held a different view, advocating for holistic health approaches over pharmaceutical interventions. He has shifted much of his public health focus in recent years toward addressing the nation's "sick food system," blaming it for a host of chronic diseases, including obesity. During his brief presidential campaign, Kennedy pledged to overhaul food regulations and fight corporate control of agriculture and health policies. He now asserts that reforming how Americans eat—rather than relying on drugs—is the only long-term solution to the obesity crisis.
As Kennedy positions himself as a key health advisor to former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, his calls for addressing root causes of public health issues like obesity could become a focal point of future Republican health policies. Kennedy has vowed to tackle corruption within government agencies like the CDC and FDA, which he believes have been co-opted by pharmaceutical interests.
Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk's success shows no signs of slowing. The company continues to dominate the GLP-1 medication market, with Ozempic sales up 52% and Wegovy sales soaring 154%. Experts project that the anti-obesity drug market could be worth $100 billion by the end of the decade. As Novo Nordisk reaps the financial rewards of their popular drugs, critics like Kennedy remain skeptical, arguing that true solutions lie not in medication but in reforming America's broken food and healthcare systems.
