This article is a part of Poland Unpacked. Weekly intelligence for decision-makers
Ozempic and Mounjaro are drugs that entered the market in 2017 and 2022, respectively, hailed as revolutionary treatments for diabetes. Their origins lie in research on hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. This is why they quickly attracted interest from people struggling with obesity. A few years after their debut, they were officially approved for this category of use.
They arrived in Poland and quickly became a sensation. In 2025, Poles spent nearly PLN 3.4 billion (around EUR 740 million) on GLP-1 drugs, both for diabetes and weight loss, according to data from the analytics firm PEX, shared with XYZ. Popularity is soaring: sales were worth PLN 1.8 billion (EUR 390 million) in 2024, up from PLN 0.6 billion (EUR 130 million) in 2022. This rapid growth is driven largely by non-reimbursed sales – PLN 2.8 billion (EUR 610 million) in 2025 – targeting people without diabetes.
Ozempic and Mounjaro: the new Viagra?
The market is expanding rapidly, both in terms of sales value and the number of units sold.
“The most recognizable brand in the GLP-1 drug group is Ozempic, which comes as an injectable solution. It is one of several drugs containing the active ingredient semaglutide – the total sales value of all semaglutide preparations reached PLN 1.45 billion (EUR 315 million) in 2025. It is worth emphasizing that the brand name Ozempic is not synonymous with the entire therapeutic category to which it belongs. Several active substances exist within this group,” says Dr. Jarosław Frąckowiak, Director of Strategy and External Relations at PEX.
It is common for a single brand to dominate public recognition, with its name gradually being used as shorthand for the entire drug category.
“Within the GLP-1 category, another drug has gained mass recognition: Mounjaro, containing the active ingredient tirzepatide. In 2025, patients purchased 5.88 million units of this drug, worth PLN 1.6 billion (EUR 350 million), compared with PLN 0.5 billion (EUR 110 million) in 2024,” adds Dr. Frąckowiak.
This makes Mounjaro the top-selling GLP-1 drug by both value and volume in 2025.
According to PEX data, the number of units sold in this category rose from approximately 2.18 million in 2022 to around 5.88 million in 2025 – a more than twofold increase in three years.
“Over just a few years, drugs in this group have become one of the fastest-growing categories in the Polish pharmaceutical market. A similar surge in popularity occurred a few years ago with potency drugs containing sildenafil. The first of these was Viagra,” Dr. Frąckowiak notes.
PEX pharmacy sales data do not reveal the reasons for prescriptions in specific cases or the medical indications for patients; they only show the scale of sales and the market structure.
“The rise in prescriptions and dispensed drugs is linked to growing awareness among both doctors and patients that these medications are available and can be used in therapy. We also have increasing knowledge about which patient groups benefit most. All these factors contribute to these drugs being prescribed more frequently,” says Agata Strukow, Director of Medical Education at Alab.
Good to know
For diabetes and obesity
Semaglutide is an active ingredient that regulates the secretion of pancreatic hormones and slows gastric emptying, resulting in reduced appetite. The substance is also found in other medicinal products on the market, such as Wegovy. Depending on the specific preparation, these drugs may differ in therapeutic indications, dosage, and method of administration, but they belong to the same class of medications.
Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide and comes as an injectable solution. It is intended for patients with type 2 diabetes, as well as those with obesity or overweight. The drug helps regulate blood glucose levels and manage body weight.
Diabetes and obesity: the scourge of the 21st century
Access to these drugs requires a doctor’s prescription, and eligibility for reimbursement is further contingent on meeting specific medical criteria. Diabetes and type 2 obesity are an increasingly serious health challenge in Poland.
“It is estimated that around 3.5 million people in Poland have diabetes, of whom roughly 10 percent have type 1 diabetes. GLP-1 analogues are primarily indicated for patients with type 2 diabetes, especially when obesity is also present. Currently, obesity affects 20–28 percent of Polish adults, and projections suggest that by 2030 it may affect around 30 percent of the adult population,” explains Dr. Anna Jeznach-Steinhagen, a diabetologist and habilitated medical scientist.
A notable trend is the decreasing age at which overweight and obesity are diagnosed. The condition increasingly affects children, which in turn contributes to earlier onset of type 2 diabetes.
According to the expert, GLP-1 analogue drugs have clearly defined indications.
“They are intended for patients with a BMI above 30 kg/m², where treatment is recommended without additional criteria. Patients with a BMI over 28 kg/m² who also have obesity-related complications – such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or joint disorders – are also eligible. Additionally, patients with type 2 diabetes and a higher BMI who have not achieved glycemic control despite using two anti-diabetic medications may be considered. GLP-1 therapy in these groups allows for weight reduction, improved glycemic control, and reduced cardiovascular risk,” adds Dr. Jeznach-Steinhagen.
GLP-1 drugs: what does therapy cost?
Various GLP-1 analogue preparations are available on the Polish market, all by prescription. These include Rybelsus – oral tablets in doses of 3, 7, and 14 mg – approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Ozempic (for diabetes) and Wegovy (indicated for obesity) are administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection. Reimbursement is available under specific conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high BMI, or cardiovascular risk. A monthly course of these drugs costs approximately PLN 400–800 (EUR 90–170) when paid out of pocket.
Mounjaro, used to treat diabetes and obesity, is not reimbursed. Monthly costs, depending on the dose, range from PLN 800 to 2,000 (EUR 170–430).
“Treatment should be lifelong. After reaching the desired body weight, at the earliest one year into therapy, dose reduction can be considered,” says Dr. Anna Jeznach-Steinhagen, diabetologist and habilitated medical scientist.
Reimbursement covers certain groups of seniors (65+) and patients meeting specific criteria, allowing full coverage of therapy costs.
“Generic versions are likely to appear by the end of the year, approximately one-third cheaper than the original drugs. This could drive significant price competition and improve accessibility,” adds Dr. Jeznach-Steinhagen.
Expert's perspective
Slimness and self-care are socially rewarded
In the discussions and projects I am involved in, it is clear that self-care encompasses not only health and physical activity but also facial and body appearance, and the social pressure linked to attractiveness. These perspectives appear across various social circles, and I observe them within my own “bubble.” There is a marked cultural and social emphasis – particularly on women – that appearance is tied to success, both the success they have already achieved and the potential success that may come. Appearance thus becomes not only a matter of health but also of self-discipline and personal investment.
In this context, the drug can be seen as a kind of “shortcut,” a veritable “happiness pill.” Surprisingly many people admit to taking Ozempic and similar drugs outside medical indications, which in some circles may also signal social status. Initially, I assumed that taking a drug without medical need would be judged negatively. However, in certain circles, it is viewed as an element of self-care, much like the lifestyle portrayed on social media.
Women aged 45–50 and older particularly emphasize that maintaining their figure becomes more challenging with age, especially during perimenopause and menopause. They do not abandon physical activity, but see the drug as additional support. They also note professional and social realities: for those working in media, marketing, or senior positions where appearance matters, this is perceived as an investment in themselves and in how they are perceived by others.
Ozempic and similar drugs are treated as tangible support and a way to regain control over one’s body. I also know women who have struggled with overweight their entire lives and, thanks to the drug, achieved a slim figure for the first time. They describe it as a transformative improvement in quality of life, noting that people – both strangers and close contacts – treat them differently in daily interactions. For them, this experience is groundbreaking.
The aspect of defiance against criticism is also important. Women emphasize that the drug has genuinely improved their lives, while they operate in a culture that rewards slimness. Access to means that enable the desired appearance is perceived as a privilege, a form of knowledge and cultural capital. Not everyone is aware that such solutions exist; those who have the knowledge and resources see it as a “lifehack,” a clever way to care for themselves and quickly achieve socially valued results.
When it comes to social acceptance, it is difficult to speak of broad approval, as knowledge about off-label use is still limited. However, in certain circles, openness and acceptance are growing – similar to the early days of Botox, when opinions were mixed.
While off-label use raises ethical and health questions, one cannot ignore the influence of social and cultural pressure, which shapes attitudes toward appearance and the adoption of such solutions.
GLP-1 drugs work by controlling blood glucose, improving metabolic parameters, and reducing cardiovascular risk.
“GLP-1 and GIP analogues are highly effective, relatively safe, and well tolerated by patients, with a low incidence of complications when used according to recommendations. They also show potential benefits in other health areas, such as cardiovascular protection, neurodegenerative processes, sleep apnea, and metabolic fatty liver disease,”explains Anna Jeznach-Steinhagen.
However, lifestyle changes, physical activity, and modifications to eating habits are crucial when using these drugs.
“Without these measures, treatment is less effective. Improper use carries risks such as nutrient deficiencies, reduced basal metabolic rate, and complications like gallstones. Use of these drugs requires monitoring of metabolic parameters, body weight, and body composition to prevent muscle mass loss,” adds Anna Jeznach-Steinhagen.
Expert's perspective
Up to one-third of GLP-1 analogues may be used off-label
However, long-term safety data for GLP-1 analogues in people without obesity or diabetes are not available, making it difficult to assess the risk-benefit balance in this group.
The most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal. About half of patients experience nausea, vomiting, or constipation. Severe constipation can lead to fecal impaction and, in extreme cases, intestinal obstruction. Chronic abdominal pain, dyspeptic symptoms, and worsening of reflux are also reported. Because these drugs slow gastric emptying, food can remain in the stomach longer, potentially aggravating upper gastrointestinal symptoms.
Gallbladder disease is another concern. Higher doses are associated with an increased risk of cholecystitis, partly due to rapid weight loss itself, which raises the likelihood of gallstones. Gallstones, in turn, can predispose to pancreatitis. Although this risk is rare, it must be considered.
In healthy individuals, muscle mass loss can be significant. Rapid weight reduction often involves loss of lean body mass, which may promote future weight regain (yo-yo effect) and make maintaining a healthy weight more difficult.
Dehydration and secondary kidney function deterioration are additional risks. GLP-1 analogues reduce not only appetite but also thirst, and dehydration may exacerbate vomiting or diarrhea.
Animal studies have also suggested potential risks of C-cell thyroid tumors. For this reason, caution is advised in patients with rare genetic syndromes predisposing them to such cancers. Reports have also indicated a possible increased risk of mood disorders, though current data are limited and inconclusive.
Very rarely, cases of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy have been reported. The risk remains extremely low.
At the same time, an increasing number of studies point to additional potential benefits of this drug class, including anti-inflammatory effects, favorable metabolic impact, and possible applications in hepatology and neurology. In some countries, new therapeutic indications are being registered. Undoubtedly, these are groundbreaking drugs, comparable in significance to the discovery of insulin in the 20th century.
“We must recognize that we are still at an early stage of using these drugs in large populations, and we do not fully know what effects they may bring – or whether we are even prepared for them. On one hand, these are groundbreaking treatments that significantly enhance our ability to manage obesity and diabetes. On the other hand, they require proper patient preparation. Without changes to diet and lifestyle, there is a high risk of the yo-yo effect. These drugs also act on the hunger center, reducing appetite. Some patients stop feeling hunger to the point that they have to remind themselves to eat. This can lead to rapid weight loss, which may be motivating, but it also carries the risk of developing unhealthy habits,” says Agata Strukow.
From clinics to aesthetic salons
It is no secret that GLP-1 drugs are increasingly used outside official indications.
“The availability of prescriptions in private practices, along with the growing popularity of prescription dispensers, makes it easier to obtain these drugs even without medical justification. Online forums and patient communities provide instructions on how to secure prescriptions, increasing the risk of self-administering drugs without medical supervision. These drugs are also used for aesthetic purposes, often linked to aspirations to improve appearance and social status. More and more affluent patients are turning to aesthetic medicine clinics, often run by doctors. Patients undergo expensive procedures, such as body contouring or firming treatments, during which GLP-1 drugs are frequently administered, so they do not have to worry about taking the medications themselves,” explains Dr. Anna Jeznach-Steinhagen.
These drugs are mainly available in major cities, where patients are more aware of the disease and treatment options.
“In smaller towns, access is limited, and awareness of the risks associated with obesity remains low. It is estimated that in Poland only around 3 percent of patients who meet the criteria for GLP-1 therapy actually receive pharmacological treatment,” adds Dr. Jeznach-Steinhagen.
“For individuals without medical indications, who should primarily focus on lifestyle changes, using these drugs may be seen as a shortcut. At the same time, it is important to emphasize that for patients with obesity, this is not a matter of an 'easy fix,' but the treatment of a chronic disease with complex biological mechanisms,” notes Agata Strukow.
Patient education is a key element of therapy.
“Simply prescribing the drug without adequately explaining how it works and the potential consequences can lead to adverse effects. Primary care physicians often have limited time for detailed discussions with patients, which can hinder proper preparation for treatment,” says Agata Strukow.
Expert's perspective
Soon, a new category will appear on the market: the subscription to slimness
Yuval Noah Harari has written that the future of inequality will not concern income alone, but biology – that is, who has access to technologies that extend and enhance life.
Ozempic and Mounjaro fit perfectly into this trend, offering effective therapies. Obesity and overweight are increasingly treated not as a lack of willpower or the result of inactivity and poor diet, but as medical conditions – like any other – that can be treated pharmacologically.
As the numbers show, Poles are already investing heavily not only in dietary supplements (around PLN 8 billion in 2025) and high-protein products (everything must be “proteinized”), but also in tools that help with effective weight loss, where sales are now reaching billions of zlotys and growing at double-digit rates.
All this suggests that a new market category is on the horizon: the “subscription to slimness.” It will not be cheap, but what won’t people do to look better? This is a significant shift, primarily influenced by the U.S., where after years of body positivity, dietary chaos, and fitness cults, we are entering an era of diagnosis and pharmacological treatment – essentially a combination of lifestyle and injection.
This shift carries major social consequences, both positive (less stigma, lower systemic healthcare costs) and risky (linked to wealth, new pressures to be slim, and potential side effects). One thing is certain: middle-class biohacking is now within reach. The upper class – looking at 70- and 80-year-old Hollywood stars – has been enjoying these benefits for years. Money buys health.
And influencers? They represent the moral grey zone of this change – but has it ever been different in other lifestyle categories? Ultimately, it is always a bundled transaction. From a marketing perspective, the mechanism is simple: when an influential person says, “I lost weight thanks to Ozempic,” two things happen: legitimization (the drug is no longer only for patients, it becomes aspirational) and democratization (everyone wants to look “better”).
GLP-1 drugs are not supplements. They are medications with side effects and clinical indications. When influencers promote results without medical context, we are entering ethically precarious territory.
Finally, consider the stock market. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have become two of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies in recent years. For them, GLP-1 is not just another drug – it is a whole new therapeutic platform with potential applications in treating overweight and obesity, cardiology, and even addiction. The market values it as a revolution, not a fleeting hype.
Where could this lead? In ten years, we may live in a world where insurance companies reward people on metabolic therapy, corporations offer GLP-1 as an employee benefit, and patients self-prescribe drugs guided by AI advice and influencer recommendations. It may even arrive sooner. The question, then, is not “is this moral,” but how quickly it becomes a lifestyle element – and how to maintain control over it.
Key Takeaways
- Around 3.5 million people in Poland live with diabetes, of whom approximately 10 percent have type 1 diabetes. Obesity currently affects 20–28 percent of the adult population, and forecasts suggest that by 2030 it could reach around 30 percent of adults.
- In 2025, Poles spent a total of nearly PLN 3.4 billion (approx. EUR 740 million) on GLP-1 drugs used for diabetes and weight loss – out of pocket and through reimbursement by the National Health Fund (NFZ). This compares with PLN 1.8 billion (EUR 390 million) in 2024 and PLN 0.6 billion (EUR 130 million) in 2022. The top-selling products are Mounjaro, containing the active ingredient tirzepatide, and Ozempic, based on semaglutide.
- On the one hand, these are breakthrough therapies that significantly expand treatment options for obesity and diabetes. On the other, they require proper patient preparation. Without changes in diet and lifestyle, the risk of weight regain (the yo-yo effect) is high. These drugs also act on the brain’s hunger center, reducing appetite.