Tulane Public Health Zine Spring ‘24: DRUGS

Rx:

PUBLIC HEALTH ZINE

DRUGS

50 MG TABLET

MALARIA VACCINES - ALCOHOL ABUSE - AMPHETAMINE ABUSE ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE - OZEMPIC READ ALL ARTICLES ONCE EVERY DAY QTY: 5

TULANE UNIVERSITY | SPRING 2024

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PHZ - SPRING 24 Malaria Vaccines

by Ella Jongebreur ........................................3

Drinking “Normally”

by Isabella Ardizzi .........................................7

Amphetamine Abuse

by Miles Brooke ...........................................10

The Superheroes Fighting Superbugs

by Olivia Sam ..............................................13

Reshaping the Future

by Cameron Kowitt .....................................16

2

OUR STAFF

PHZ - SPRING 24 Editors-in-chief: Ethan Moran Amelia Nugent

Layout and Design: Ellie Hood

Operations Management: Ava Christiansen Morgan Mankowski

Writers: Isabella Ardizzi Miles Brooke Ella Jongebreur Cameron Kowitt Olivia Sam

Editors: Isabella Ardizzi Miles Brooke Ella Jongebreur

Artists: Penelope Caswell Taylor Sacco Kate Burkhart

TABLE OF CONTENTS PHZ - SPRING 24 Malaria Vaccines

by Ella Jongebreur ........................................3

Drinking “Normally”

by Isabella Ardizzi .........................................7

Amphetamine Abuse

by Miles Brooke ...........................................10

The Superheroes Fighting Superbugs

by Olivia Sam ..............................................13

Reshaping the Future

by Cameron Kowitt .....................................16

2

OUR STAFF

PHZ - SPRING 24 Editors-in-chief: Ethan Moran Amelia Nugent

Layout and Design: Ellie Hood

Operations Management: Ava Christiansen Morgan Mankowski

Writers: Isabella Ardizzi Miles Brooke Ella Jongebreur Cameron Kowitt Olivia Sam

Editors: Isabella Ardizzi Miles Brooke Ella Jongebreur

Artists: Penelope Caswell Taylor Sacco Kate Burkhart

A world unburdened by malaria: can you picture it?

The World Health Organization (WHO) can.

MALARIA VACCINES

by Ella Jongebreur

32

Despite the promise and hope they bring, This international health organization these vaccines come with challenges.

First, considering the moderate vaccine recently approved the R21 (or Matrix-M) efficacy of both vaccines, existing malaria vaccine, making this the second WHOpreventative methods must be administered approved vaccine to prevent P. falciparum 1 in addition to current malaria control malaria in children living in endemic areas. measures. If populations view the vaccines The first approved vaccine, the RTS,S as a total replacement for control measures (Mosquirix) vaccine, was given the green such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), light for widespread use on October 6, 2 2021. This mosquito-borne disease caused mass drug administration, and indoor residual spraying, we could see negative

by Plasmodium parasites claimed over impacts on global malaria eradication 600,000 lives in 2022, with 95% of those programs. Fortunately, in countries that deaths coming from the WHO African 1 introduced the RTS,S vaccine, there has region. The approval of these vaccines been no decrease in ITN use or healthcarecouldn’t be timelier, marking a new era in seeking behavior, demonstrating that the fight against one of humanity’s most vaccine rollout and traditional prevention persistent adversaries. measures can work in tandem to reduce Children are especially vulnerable malaria incidence.2,4 to malaria; WHO estimates that just under Secondly, vaccine hesitancy is half a million African children die from malaria each year and that 80% of malaria an obstacle any vaccination program encounters. Fears of adverse health effects, deaths in the WHO African region are in misinformation, and the availability of children younger than 5.1 WHO currently alternative malaria control interventions recommends these vaccines to prevent (like mass drug administration and malaria in children through a schedule insecticide-treated nets) all contribute to of 4 doses beginning at five months of vaccine hesitancy. To prevent hesitancy age.1 Developed by scientists at Oxford and increase vaccination rates, malaria University, the R21 vaccine boasts an vaccine programs must collaborate with efficacy rate of over 75% against clinical 3 local communities and utilize multimalaria in a recent phase-three trial. The media health education campaigns.5 A RTS,S vaccine efficacy in phase three promising study focusing on anticipated testing was 56% over one year and 36% over four years in young children receiving malaria vaccine acceptance in Tanzania reported that 92% of participants indicated four doses.3 they would accept the vaccine despite the need to continue ITN use.6 Perhaps the

4

A world unburdened by malaria: can you picture it?

The World Health Organization (WHO) can.

MALARIA VACCINES

by Ella Jongebreur

32

Despite the promise and hope they bring, This international health organization these vaccines come with challenges.

First, considering the moderate vaccine recently approved the R21 (or Matrix-M) efficacy of both vaccines, existing malaria vaccine, making this the second WHOpreventative methods must be administered approved vaccine to prevent P. falciparum 1 in addition to current malaria control malaria in children living in endemic areas. measures. If populations view the vaccines The first approved vaccine, the RTS,S as a total replacement for control measures (Mosquirix) vaccine, was given the green such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), light for widespread use on October 6, 2 2021. This mosquito-borne disease caused mass drug administration, and indoor residual spraying, we could see negative

by Plasmodium parasites claimed over impacts on global malaria eradication 600,000 lives in 2022, with 95% of those programs. Fortunately, in countries that deaths coming from the WHO African 1 introduced the RTS,S vaccine, there has region. The approval of these vaccines been no decrease in ITN use or healthcarecouldn’t be timelier, marking a new era in seeking behavior, demonstrating that the fight against one of humanity’s most vaccine rollout and traditional prevention persistent adversaries. measures can work in tandem to reduce Children are especially vulnerable malaria incidence.2,4 to malaria; WHO estimates that just under Secondly, vaccine hesitancy is half a million African children die from malaria each year and that 80% of malaria an obstacle any vaccination program encounters. Fears of adverse health effects, deaths in the WHO African region are in misinformation, and the availability of children younger than 5.1 WHO currently alternative malaria control interventions recommends these vaccines to prevent (like mass drug administration and malaria in children through a schedule insecticide-treated nets) all contribute to of 4 doses beginning at five months of vaccine hesitancy. To prevent hesitancy age.1 Developed by scientists at Oxford and increase vaccination rates, malaria University, the R21 vaccine boasts an vaccine programs must collaborate with efficacy rate of over 75% against clinical 3 local communities and utilize multimalaria in a recent phase-three trial. The media health education campaigns.5 A RTS,S vaccine efficacy in phase three promising study focusing on anticipated testing was 56% over one year and 36% over four years in young children receiving malaria vaccine acceptance in Tanzania reported that 92% of participants indicated four doses.3 they would accept the vaccine despite the need to continue ITN use.6 Perhaps the

4

the extreme burden malaria places on endemic countries reshapes the context in which populations accept vaccines. If this trend mirrors across other countries, malaria vaccination programs will see increasing success. Third, fragmented supply chains, funding, and accessibility all pose threats to vaccine coverage in malaria-endemic countries; to maximize the vaccine’s potential, it is paramount to strengthen public health infrastructure and ensure continual funding by global organizations like the Global Fund and the President’s Malaria Initiative to provide support to vulnerable groups.7 While easier said than done, vaccine program support and infrastructure strengthening can effectively combat malaria.

While vaccine rollout may be challenging, and traditional disease control measures must continue to eliminate malaria, the pilot RTS,S vaccination program has shown promising results.

The Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP), beginning in 2019, has reached more than 2 million children in Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi.1 Furthermore, introducing the RTS,S vaccine in these three countries has led to a 13% decrease in mortality among children and a significant reduction in malaria-related hospitalizations.1 Lastly, and crucial to the success of these vaccines, the pilot program and modeling studies show that RTS,S is highly cost-effective in malaria-endemic settings.2 The demand for malaria vaccines is ever-growing as more countries plan to expand or begin vaccination programs.

At least 28 African countries aim to include these vaccines in their childhood immunization initiatives, and estimates show that, at minimum, 40 to 60 million doses will be required by 2026.1 With the introduction of the second R21 malaria vaccine, WHO estimates there will be a sufficient vaccine supply to meet the increasing demand.1 Researchers widely accept that further research is warranted on malaria vaccines to maximize their effectiveness.

While the RTS,S vaccine shows promise to reduce malaria-related mortality in children, its vaccine-initiated immune response does not interfere with gametocyte (the Plasmodium transmission stage) infectivity, thus parasite transmission can continue despite vaccinations.8 Comparatively, the R21 vaccine uses a nanoparticle to stimulate an immune response and shows a higher efficacy.8 Most experts agree that a vaccine stimulating an immune response to all Plasmodium life stages would prove most impactful on malaria infection, transmission, and mortality.8 While malaria vaccines may not be the end of malaria as we know it, they are a step in the right direction of global elimination. When used in conjunction with existing control measures, these vaccines can dramatically reduce the disease burden among malaria-endemic countries, especially for children.

5

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

World Health Organization. (2024, January 17). Malaria vaccines (RTS,S and R21). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/newsroom/questions-and-answers/item/q-a-on-rts-s-malaria-vaccine

Moamly, A.A., El-Sweify, M.A. Malaria vaccines: the 60-year journey of hope and final success—lessons learned and future prospects. Trop Med Health 51, 29 (2023, May 17). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-023-00516-w

Datoo, M. S., Dicko, A., Tinto, H., Ouédraogo, J.-B., Hamaluba, M., Olotu, A., Ramos Lopez, F., Natama, H. M., Weston, S., Chemba, M., Compaore, Y. D., Issiaka, D., Salou, D., Omenda, S., Bejon, P., Rao, H., Chandramohan, D., Roberts, R., Bharati, S., … Valea, I. (2024, February 10). Safety and efficacy of malaria vaccine candidate R21/Matrix-M in African children: a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial. The Lancet (British Edition), 403(10426), 533–544. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)02511-4 World Health Organization. (2021, October 6). WHO recommends groundbreaking malaria vaccine for children at risk. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/06-10-2021-who-recommends-groundbreaking-malaria-vaccine-for-children-at-risk

The Lancet. (2024). Malaria vaccines: a test for global health. The Lancet (British Edition), 403(10426), 503–503. https://doi.org/10.1016/ S0140-6736(24)00235-6

Mtenga, S., Kimweri, A., Romore, I. et al. Stakeholders’ opinions and questions regarding the anticipated malaria vaccine in Tanzania. Malar J 15, 189 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-016-1209-6 Okesanya, O. J., Atewologun, F., Lucero-Prisno, D. E., Adigun, O. A., Oso, T. A., Manirambona, E., Olabode, N. O., Eshun, G., Agboola, A. O., & Okon, I. I. (2024). Bridging the gap to malaria vaccination in Africa: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health, 2, 100059-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100059

Zavala F. (2022). RTS,S: the first malaria vaccine. The Journal of clinical investigation, 132(1), e156588. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI156588

6

the extreme burden malaria places on endemic countries reshapes the context in which populations accept vaccines. If this trend mirrors across other countries, malaria vaccination programs will see increasing success. Third, fragmented supply chains, funding, and accessibility all pose threats to vaccine coverage in malaria-endemic countries; to maximize the vaccine’s potential, it is paramount to strengthen public health infrastructure and ensure continual funding by global organizations like the Global Fund and the President’s Malaria Initiative to provide support to vulnerable groups.7 While easier said than done, vaccine program support and infrastructure strengthening can effectively combat malaria.

While vaccine rollout may be challenging, and traditional disease control measures must continue to eliminate malaria, the pilot RTS,S vaccination program has shown promising results.

The Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP), beginning in 2019, has reached more than 2 million children in Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi.1 Furthermore, introducing the RTS,S vaccine in these three countries has led to a 13% decrease in mortality among children and a significant reduction in malaria-related hospitalizations.1 Lastly, and crucial to the success of these vaccines, the pilot program and modeling studies show that RTS,S is highly cost-effective in malaria-endemic settings.2 The demand for malaria vaccines is ever-growing as more countries plan to expand or begin vaccination programs.

At least 28 African countries aim to include these vaccines in their childhood immunization initiatives, and estimates show that, at minimum, 40 to 60 million doses will be required by 2026.1 With the introduction of the second R21 malaria vaccine, WHO estimates there will be a sufficient vaccine supply to meet the increasing demand.1 Researchers widely accept that further research is warranted on malaria vaccines to maximize their effectiveness.

While the RTS,S vaccine shows promise to reduce malaria-related mortality in children, its vaccine-initiated immune response does not interfere with gametocyte (the Plasmodium transmission stage) infectivity, thus parasite transmission can continue despite vaccinations.8 Comparatively, the R21 vaccine uses a nanoparticle to stimulate an immune response and shows a higher efficacy.8 Most experts agree that a vaccine stimulating an immune response to all Plasmodium life stages would prove most impactful on malaria infection, transmission, and mortality.8 While malaria vaccines may not be the end of malaria as we know it, they are a step in the right direction of global elimination. When used in conjunction with existing control measures, these vaccines can dramatically reduce the disease burden among malaria-endemic countries, especially for children.

5

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

World Health Organization. (2024, January 17). Malaria vaccines (RTS,S and R21). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/newsroom/questions-and-answers/item/q-a-on-rts-s-malaria-vaccine

Moamly, A.A., El-Sweify, M.A. Malaria vaccines: the 60-year journey of hope and final success—lessons learned and future prospects. Trop Med Health 51, 29 (2023, May 17). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-023-00516-w

Datoo, M. S., Dicko, A., Tinto, H., Ouédraogo, J.-B., Hamaluba, M., Olotu, A., Ramos Lopez, F., Natama, H. M., Weston, S., Chemba, M., Compaore, Y. D., Issiaka, D., Salou, D., Omenda, S., Bejon, P., Rao, H., Chandramohan, D., Roberts, R., Bharati, S., … Valea, I. (2024, February 10). Safety and efficacy of malaria vaccine candidate R21/Matrix-M in African children: a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial. The Lancet (British Edition), 403(10426), 533–544. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)02511-4 World Health Organization. (2021, October 6). WHO recommends groundbreaking malaria vaccine for children at risk. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/06-10-2021-who-recommends-groundbreaking-malaria-vaccine-for-children-at-risk

The Lancet. (2024). Malaria vaccines: a test for global health. The Lancet (British Edition), 403(10426), 503–503. https://doi.org/10.1016/ S0140-6736(24)00235-6

Mtenga, S., Kimweri, A., Romore, I. et al. Stakeholders’ opinions and questions regarding the anticipated malaria vaccine in Tanzania. Malar J 15, 189 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-016-1209-6 Okesanya, O. J., Atewologun, F., Lucero-Prisno, D. E., Adigun, O. A., Oso, T. A., Manirambona, E., Olabode, N. O., Eshun, G., Agboola, A. O., & Okon, I. I. (2024). Bridging the gap to malaria vaccination in Africa: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health, 2, 100059-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100059

Zavala F. (2022). RTS,S: the first malaria vaccine. The Journal of clinical investigation, 132(1), e156588. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI156588

6

• Drinking to the point of blacking out.

• Drinking non-stop for two, three, four, or more nights in a row.

• Drinking with the main intention of getting drunk.

Drinking “Normally”

by Isabella Ardizzi

7

These behaviors describe practices of alcohol consumption that are considered commonplace in many university party settings, including Tulane’s going-out and partying culture. These behaviors have become social norms or part of the unspoken “rules” that dictate the correct way to behave in a certain social setting.

Many students choose to engage in these patterns of alcohol consumption, and many more perceive their peers as doing so as well, resulting in excess alcohol consumption becoming an expected part of going out or partying.1 However, drinking to this extent is not in line with healthy or expected standards of alcohol consumption removed from this university party setting: these behaviors - and many others that are seen as “typical” at college parties, bars, and clubs - are characteristic of

“binge drinking.”1 The CDC defines binge drinking as consuming four or more drinks on one occasion for women and five or more for men. Despite this, most college students would not classify these behaviors as abnormal or inherently problematic.4 So where’s the disconnect between what seems normal, and what actually is normal?

“Party culture” describes the expected behaviors and attitudes around partying, going out, and substance use. This party culture creates a social environment in which heavy drinking, beyond the level of safe or typical alcohol consumption, is normalized.1 Drinking to this extreme degree is even encouraged by social pressures.1 Peer pressure does not always involve an individual specifically pressuring a peer to engage in substance use: it usually involves the feeling of being uncomfortable or out of place if one does

8

• Drinking to the point of blacking out.

• Drinking non-stop for two, three, four, or more nights in a row.

• Drinking with the main intention of getting drunk.

Drinking “Normally”

by Isabella Ardizzi

7

These behaviors describe practices of alcohol consumption that are considered commonplace in many university party settings, including Tulane’s going-out and partying culture. These behaviors have become social norms or part of the unspoken “rules” that dictate the correct way to behave in a certain social setting.

Many students choose to engage in these patterns of alcohol consumption, and many more perceive their peers as doing so as well, resulting in excess alcohol consumption becoming an expected part of going out or partying.1 However, drinking to this extent is not in line with healthy or expected standards of alcohol consumption removed from this university party setting: these behaviors - and many others that are seen as “typical” at college parties, bars, and clubs - are characteristic of

“binge drinking.”1 The CDC defines binge drinking as consuming four or more drinks on one occasion for women and five or more for men. Despite this, most college students would not classify these behaviors as abnormal or inherently problematic.4 So where’s the disconnect between what seems normal, and what actually is normal?

“Party culture” describes the expected behaviors and attitudes around partying, going out, and substance use. This party culture creates a social environment in which heavy drinking, beyond the level of safe or typical alcohol consumption, is normalized.1 Drinking to this extreme degree is even encouraged by social pressures.1 Peer pressure does not always involve an individual specifically pressuring a peer to engage in substance use: it usually involves the feeling of being uncomfortable or out of place if one does

8

not conform to the expectations of the surrounding social environment.2 In party culture, the social environment encourages heavy drinking, purporting that it is the only way a person can truly “have fun” or “let loose.”1 The pressures of social expectations are intense: it’s natural to seek out a sense of belonging, and deviating from these expectations often results in a person feeling like an outsider.2 The problem is that this culture normalizes heavy and dangerous levels of alcohol consumption, resulting in increased risk of negative physical, mental, and social health effects.3 Many students also often overestimate how much alcohol their peers are consuming, resulting in patterns of heavier drinking as students attempt to match what they believe their peers are doing. This issue of overconsumption of alcohol worsens during holiday periods as the number and intensity of parties increase, such as during Halloween, St. 1.

2.

3.

4.

Patrick’s Day, or - the Tulane favorite Mardi Gras.4 Excessive drinking seems socially acceptable, encouraged, and even expected within the context of party culture.1 However, binge drinking, especially routine binge drinking, can have incredibly harmful impacts on a person, ranging from moderate effects, such as hangovers and blackouts, to more severe health and social effects, including injuries, overdose, academic issues, legal issues, and interpersonal conflicts.1 Reducing alcohol intake, through both the number of drinks consumed at a given time and individual instances of drinking, can significantly decrease these risks.4 Social rules were made to be broken: decreasing alcohol intake below that bingedrinking level can significantly protect health now and in the long run, as well as make those memorable college parties easier to remember.

Wilkinson, B., & Ivsins, A. (2017). Animal house: University risk environments and the regulation of students’ alcohol use. The International journal on drug policy, 47, 18–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.06.002

by Miles Brooke

Cislaghi, B., & Heise, L. (2018). Theory and practice of social norms interventions: eight common pitfalls. Globalization and health, 14(1), 83. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-018-0398-x Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019a, December 30). What is excessive alcohol use?. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/onlinemedia/infographics/excessive-alcohol-use.html

Krieger, H., Young, C. M., Anthenien, A. M., & Neighbors, C. (2018). The Epidemiology of Binge Drinking Among College-Age Individuals in the United States. Alcohol research : current reviews, 39(1), 23–30.

Image: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019a, December 30). What is excessive alcohol use?. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/onlinemedia/infographics/excessive-alcohol-use.html

98

10 9

not conform to the expectations of the surrounding social environment.2 In party culture, the social environment encourages heavy drinking, purporting that it is the only way a person can truly “have fun” or “let loose.”1 The pressures of social expectations are intense: it’s natural to seek out a sense of belonging, and deviating from these expectations often results in a person feeling like an outsider.2 The problem is that this culture normalizes heavy and dangerous levels of alcohol consumption, resulting in increased risk of negative physical, mental, and social health effects.3 Many students also often overestimate how much alcohol their peers are consuming, resulting in patterns of heavier drinking as students attempt to match what they believe their peers are doing. This issue of overconsumption of alcohol worsens during holiday periods as the number and intensity of parties increase, such as during Halloween, St. 1.

2.

3.

4.

Patrick’s Day, or - the Tulane favorite Mardi Gras.4 Excessive drinking seems socially acceptable, encouraged, and even expected within the context of party culture.1 However, binge drinking, especially routine binge drinking, can have incredibly harmful impacts on a person, ranging from moderate effects, such as hangovers and blackouts, to more severe health and social effects, including injuries, overdose, academic issues, legal issues, and interpersonal conflicts.1 Reducing alcohol intake, through both the number of drinks consumed at a given time and individual instances of drinking, can significantly decrease these risks.4 Social rules were made to be broken: decreasing alcohol intake below that bingedrinking level can significantly protect health now and in the long run, as well as make those memorable college parties easier to remember.

Wilkinson, B., & Ivsins, A. (2017). Animal house: University risk environments and the regulation of students’ alcohol use. The International journal on drug policy, 47, 18–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.06.002

by Miles Brooke

Cislaghi, B., & Heise, L. (2018). Theory and practice of social norms interventions: eight common pitfalls. Globalization and health, 14(1), 83. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-018-0398-x Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019a, December 30). What is excessive alcohol use?. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/onlinemedia/infographics/excessive-alcohol-use.html

Krieger, H., Young, C. M., Anthenien, A. M., & Neighbors, C. (2018). The Epidemiology of Binge Drinking Among College-Age Individuals in the United States. Alcohol research : current reviews, 39(1), 23–30.

Image: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019a, December 30). What is excessive alcohol use?. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/onlinemedia/infographics/excessive-alcohol-use.html

98

10 9

Stimulants are no strangers to the culture of Tulane University and colleges across the United States. The safest and most appropriate way for a student to receive and use these drugs is through a medical provider’s prescription for the treatment of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, college students often receive illicit stimulant medication, like Adderall and Ritalin, from non-medical providers. This problem has caused numerous adverse health outcomes and relates to several social determinants of health ranging from social interactions to institutional and policy-level factors.

Demographics While there isn’t any current concrete data on ADHD stimulant misuse prevalence among Tulane students, there has been research from different universities and academic institutions. Between 2014 and 2016, a longitudinal cohort study conducted at seven colleges and universities in Georgia examined prescription stimulant use among students.1 The study found that 45.7 percent of the students who had reported prescription stimulant use did not have prescriptions or ADHD diagnoses.1

students to find stimulant medication. He also spoke about ways to prevent people from sharing or having someone steal their prescriptions. “I have discussed with students to keep their medications secure in lock boxes and to prevent diversion,” said Borillo.

Reasons why they are taking the stimulants When taken appropriately through a provider’s prescription, ADHD stimulants can have various positive health outcomes.

The 2014-2016 Georgia study found that Where are they finding the stimulants the five most common reasons for students without a provider? to use stimulant medication were to a) The results from a 2021 research concentrate better: b) be more productive survey from the University of Groningen in school; c) feel more focused; d) get in the Netherlands found that the majority work done more efficiently; and e) feel of students who took stimulants without a less distracted.1 A study from the American prescription got access to medication via Psychological Association found that, while 2 peers or bought them on the black market. less common, “Additional motivations While the sources Tulane students use regarding the misuse of stimulants in to access stimulant medication without a college students include recreational prescription are unknown, this study can purposes, self-treating undiagnosed ADHD, give us insights. In an interview with Dr. and weight loss.”3 Christopher Borillo, a New Orleans-based The 2014-2016 Georgia study also psychiatrist who has worked with numerous reported that some participants faced Tulane students with ADHD and other problems such as difficulty falling asleep, psychiatric disorders, agreed that peers are not feeling hungry, or feeling anxious, the most common route for non-prescribed fidgety, jittery, or shaky.1 In an interview

11

with Jacob Goldberg, director of Tulane’s Recovery Community Program, he acknowledged that stimulant abuse is often associated with other addictions to drugs like alcohol or cannabis. “There’s rarely a singular substance involved…usually the abuse of one substance leads to the abuse of other dopamine-seeking substances,” said Goldberg.

Barriers and Challenges for Students to Get Prescriptions Mental health stigma is one of the most common barriers for students receiving ADHD diagnosis and treatment, according to Dr. Borillo. This claim is supported by research results from the National Stigma Study in which adult respondents were least willing to have contact with children diagnosed with ADHD, as compared with children exhibiting other health issues. Dr. Borillo also identified comorbidities associated with ADHD, such as learning disorders, anxiety, or depression, that present a challenge in diagnosing students with 1.

2.

3.

ADHD. “These comorbidities can present as if they’re ADHD, but often they may be due to just simple anxiety or mood dysfunction that needs treatment before they can have improvements in their overall attention and concentration,” said Borillo. Another barrier for students to prescriptions is that there isn’t as much awareness of this stimulant abuse epidemic as there should be. In an interview with Dr. Claire Bradley, a Tulane psychiatrist, she discussed a disconnect between the clinical providers that are prescribing the stimulants and the pharmaceutical companies that are manufacturing and distributing the stimulants. “The business side of this epidemic isn’t really concerned about the health risk of the products,” said Bradley, “While ADHD medication misuse can lead to adverse health effects, there usually isn’t a push for education and awareness until there are significant adverse health events like death for the business side to make a change.”

Fairman, R. T., Vu, M., Haardörfer, R., Windle, M., & Berg, C. J. (2020). Prescription stimulant use among young adult college students: Who uses, why, and what are the consequences? Journal of American College Health, 69(7), 767–774. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2019.1 706539 Füermaier, A. B. M., Tucha, O., Koerts, J., Tucha, L., Thome, J., & Faltraco, F. (2021). Feigning ADHD and stimulant misuse among Dutch university students. Journal of Neural Transmission. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-020-02296-7

Benson, K., Woodlief, D. T., Flory, K., Siceloff, E. R., Coleman, K., & Lamont, A. (2018). Is ADHD, independent of ODD, associated with whether and why college students misuse stimulant medication? Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 26(5), 476–487. https://doi. org/10.1037/pha0000202

Special thanks to Dr. Christopher Borillo, Jacob Goldberg, and Dr. Claire Bradley

12

Stimulants are no strangers to the culture of Tulane University and colleges across the United States. The safest and most appropriate way for a student to receive and use these drugs is through a medical provider’s prescription for the treatment of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, college students often receive illicit stimulant medication, like Adderall and Ritalin, from non-medical providers. This problem has caused numerous adverse health outcomes and relates to several social determinants of health ranging from social interactions to institutional and policy-level factors.

Demographics While there isn’t any current concrete data on ADHD stimulant misuse prevalence among Tulane students, there has been research from different universities and academic institutions. Between 2014 and 2016, a longitudinal cohort study conducted at seven colleges and universities in Georgia examined prescription stimulant use among students.1 The study found that 45.7 percent of the students who had reported prescription stimulant use did not have prescriptions or ADHD diagnoses.1

students to find stimulant medication. He also spoke about ways to prevent people from sharing or having someone steal their prescriptions. “I have discussed with students to keep their medications secure in lock boxes and to prevent diversion,” said Borillo.

Reasons why they are taking the stimulants When taken appropriately through a provider’s prescription, ADHD stimulants can have various positive health outcomes.

The 2014-2016 Georgia study found that Where are they finding the stimulants the five most common reasons for students without a provider? to use stimulant medication were to a) The results from a 2021 research concentrate better: b) be more productive survey from the University of Groningen in school; c) feel more focused; d) get in the Netherlands found that the majority work done more efficiently; and e) feel of students who took stimulants without a less distracted.1 A study from the American prescription got access to medication via Psychological Association found that, while 2 peers or bought them on the black market. less common, “Additional motivations While the sources Tulane students use regarding the misuse of stimulants in to access stimulant medication without a college students include recreational prescription are unknown, this study can purposes, self-treating undiagnosed ADHD, give us insights. In an interview with Dr. and weight loss.”3 Christopher Borillo, a New Orleans-based The 2014-2016 Georgia study also psychiatrist who has worked with numerous reported that some participants faced Tulane students with ADHD and other problems such as difficulty falling asleep, psychiatric disorders, agreed that peers are not feeling hungry, or feeling anxious, the most common route for non-prescribed fidgety, jittery, or shaky.1 In an interview

11

with Jacob Goldberg, director of Tulane’s Recovery Community Program, he acknowledged that stimulant abuse is often associated with other addictions to drugs like alcohol or cannabis. “There’s rarely a singular substance involved…usually the abuse of one substance leads to the abuse of other dopamine-seeking substances,” said Goldberg.

Barriers and Challenges for Students to Get Prescriptions Mental health stigma is one of the most common barriers for students receiving ADHD diagnosis and treatment, according to Dr. Borillo. This claim is supported by research results from the National Stigma Study in which adult respondents were least willing to have contact with children diagnosed with ADHD, as compared with children exhibiting other health issues. Dr. Borillo also identified comorbidities associated with ADHD, such as learning disorders, anxiety, or depression, that present a challenge in diagnosing students with 1.

2.

3.

ADHD. “These comorbidities can present as if they’re ADHD, but often they may be due to just simple anxiety or mood dysfunction that needs treatment before they can have improvements in their overall attention and concentration,” said Borillo. Another barrier for students to prescriptions is that there isn’t as much awareness of this stimulant abuse epidemic as there should be. In an interview with Dr. Claire Bradley, a Tulane psychiatrist, she discussed a disconnect between the clinical providers that are prescribing the stimulants and the pharmaceutical companies that are manufacturing and distributing the stimulants. “The business side of this epidemic isn’t really concerned about the health risk of the products,” said Bradley, “While ADHD medication misuse can lead to adverse health effects, there usually isn’t a push for education and awareness until there are significant adverse health events like death for the business side to make a change.”

Fairman, R. T., Vu, M., Haardörfer, R., Windle, M., & Berg, C. J. (2020). Prescription stimulant use among young adult college students: Who uses, why, and what are the consequences? Journal of American College Health, 69(7), 767–774. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2019.1 706539 Füermaier, A. B. M., Tucha, O., Koerts, J., Tucha, L., Thome, J., & Faltraco, F. (2021). Feigning ADHD and stimulant misuse among Dutch university students. Journal of Neural Transmission. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-020-02296-7

Benson, K., Woodlief, D. T., Flory, K., Siceloff, E. R., Coleman, K., & Lamont, A. (2018). Is ADHD, independent of ODD, associated with whether and why college students misuse stimulant medication? Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 26(5), 476–487. https://doi. org/10.1037/pha0000202

Special thanks to Dr. Christopher Borillo, Jacob Goldberg, and Dr. Claire Bradley

12

s e o r e h r e p u S e

Th

F

s g u B R E P g U n i S ight

by OLIVIA SA M

13

While issues like climate change and overpopulation are at the forefront of everyone’s mind, a hidden challenge current generations will face is the existence of superbugs— infectious microorganisms resistant to most antibiotics and medications used to treat diseases.1 These superbugs often develop from overprescription and abuse of antibiotics, drugs usually used to treat bacterial infections such as ear infections and strep throat.1 However, when doctors prescribe a person infected with a non-bacterial disease with antibiotics, the medication harms rather than helps them by killing helpful bacteria while simultaneously leaving ones that are resistant to the antibiotics. Thus, superbugs hatch. Superbugs are estimated to kill 4.95 million people each year, with people in low-income and middle-income countries bearing the brunt of these losses.2 While the aspect of superbugs most people focus on is their threat, it is also important to focus on the researchers making advances to fight this imminent global danger.

César de la Fuente, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, has taken a Jurassic-Park-inspired approach to this problem—he and his team are bringing back peptides from extinct species like wooly mammoths and Neanderthals to fight superbugs.3 The first step in this process was for de la Fuente and his team to use computer software to identify genetic information extracted from fossils of extinct species that could contain antimicrobial properties.3 The

research team then took these results and experimented with the effectiveness of the 69 peptides predicted to have the best antimicrobial properties.3 Many of the peptides proved to successfully fight bacterial infections, with the peptide nicknamed “Neanderthalien 1” demonstrating the most effectiveness in fighting the infection.3 While the peptide treatments are not yet ready for human use, the University of Pennsylvania’s research team continues to make exciting advances to fight off the looming threat of superbugs.

Just a few hours away, a research team at Harvard University led by Andrew Myers created a fully synthetic molecule proven to kill multiple strains of superbugs that they named cresomycin.4 The new molecule works by binding to the bacteria’s RNA and preventing protein synthesis from occurring, effectively preventing proper functioning in the bacteria.5 Additionally, the team looked ahead to possible resistance to the molecule— namely bacteria building barriers for cresomycin to access the RNA—and added chemical modifications to make cresomycin spend less energy to bind to RNA and be “preorganized” to bind to the genetic material.4 Like de la Fuente’s advances at UPenn, Myers and his team have not tested the effectiveness and safety of cresomycin in humans. However, their ingenuity and perseverance put them at the forefront of solutions to the problem of superbugs.

A final way people are fighting the advance of superbugs is by using viruses.

Viruses kill bacteria by infiltrating and splitting their cells.6 One of the vital

14

s e o r e h r e p u S e

Th

F

s g u B R E P g U n i S ight

by OLIVIA SA M

13

While issues like climate change and overpopulation are at the forefront of everyone’s mind, a hidden challenge current generations will face is the existence of superbugs— infectious microorganisms resistant to most antibiotics and medications used to treat diseases.1 These superbugs often develop from overprescription and abuse of antibiotics, drugs usually used to treat bacterial infections such as ear infections and strep throat.1 However, when doctors prescribe a person infected with a non-bacterial disease with antibiotics, the medication harms rather than helps them by killing helpful bacteria while simultaneously leaving ones that are resistant to the antibiotics. Thus, superbugs hatch. Superbugs are estimated to kill 4.95 million people each year, with people in low-income and middle-income countries bearing the brunt of these losses.2 While the aspect of superbugs most people focus on is their threat, it is also important to focus on the researchers making advances to fight this imminent global danger.

César de la Fuente, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, has taken a Jurassic-Park-inspired approach to this problem—he and his team are bringing back peptides from extinct species like wooly mammoths and Neanderthals to fight superbugs.3 The first step in this process was for de la Fuente and his team to use computer software to identify genetic information extracted from fossils of extinct species that could contain antimicrobial properties.3 The

research team then took these results and experimented with the effectiveness of the 69 peptides predicted to have the best antimicrobial properties.3 Many of the peptides proved to successfully fight bacterial infections, with the peptide nicknamed “Neanderthalien 1” demonstrating the most effectiveness in fighting the infection.3 While the peptide treatments are not yet ready for human use, the University of Pennsylvania’s research team continues to make exciting advances to fight off the looming threat of superbugs.

Just a few hours away, a research team at Harvard University led by Andrew Myers created a fully synthetic molecule proven to kill multiple strains of superbugs that they named cresomycin.4 The new molecule works by binding to the bacteria’s RNA and preventing protein synthesis from occurring, effectively preventing proper functioning in the bacteria.5 Additionally, the team looked ahead to possible resistance to the molecule— namely bacteria building barriers for cresomycin to access the RNA—and added chemical modifications to make cresomycin spend less energy to bind to RNA and be “preorganized” to bind to the genetic material.4 Like de la Fuente’s advances at UPenn, Myers and his team have not tested the effectiveness and safety of cresomycin in humans. However, their ingenuity and perseverance put them at the forefront of solutions to the problem of superbugs.

A final way people are fighting the advance of superbugs is by using viruses.

Viruses kill bacteria by infiltrating and splitting their cells.6 One of the vital

14

contributors to the rise of superbugs was the overprescription of generalized antibiotics that indiscriminately killed bacteria. However, Paul Turner, Yale University’s director of the Center for Phage and Biology Therapy, explained that using viruses to fight superbugs is an effective solution because the narrowtargeted nature of viruses makes it unlikely that large swaths of bacteria will develop a resistance to them.6

While superbugs pose a significant threat to our future health and our healthcare system’s ability to treat us, there is still a ray of hope. Many researchers, including hundreds not covered in this article, are working arduously to prevent a future where superbugs run rampant and are working toward creating a healthier future for everyone.

1.

News in Health. “Stop the Spread of Superbugs.” News in Health, 2023.

3.

Hunt, Katie. “Scientists are bringing molecules back from the dead in quest to fight superbugs.” CNN, 2023.

2.

4.

5.

6.

Thompson, Kate. “Vaccines could avert half a million deaths associated with antimicrobial resistance a year.” World Health Organization, 2023.

Manning, Anne J. “Potential New Weapon in Battle against Superbugs.” The Harvard Gazette, 2024.

Wu, Kelvin J., et al. “An antibiotic preorganized for ribosomal binding overcomes antimicrobial resistance.” Science, vol. 383, no. 6684, 16 Feb. 2024, pp. 721–726.

Lanese, Nicoletta, and LiveScience. “Dangerous ‘Superbugs’ Are on the Rise. What Can Stop Them?” 13 Oct. 2023.

Reshaping the Future... Literally Why Ozempic is Such a Big Deal

by Cameron Kowitt

15

16

contributors to the rise of superbugs was the overprescription of generalized antibiotics that indiscriminately killed bacteria. However, Paul Turner, Yale University’s director of the Center for Phage and Biology Therapy, explained that using viruses to fight superbugs is an effective solution because the narrowtargeted nature of viruses makes it unlikely that large swaths of bacteria will develop a resistance to them.6

While superbugs pose a significant threat to our future health and our healthcare system’s ability to treat us, there is still a ray of hope. Many researchers, including hundreds not covered in this article, are working arduously to prevent a future where superbugs run rampant and are working toward creating a healthier future for everyone.

1.

News in Health. “Stop the Spread of Superbugs.” News in Health, 2023.

3.

Hunt, Katie. “Scientists are bringing molecules back from the dead in quest to fight superbugs.” CNN, 2023.

2.

4.

5.

6.

Thompson, Kate. “Vaccines could avert half a million deaths associated with antimicrobial resistance a year.” World Health Organization, 2023.

Manning, Anne J. “Potential New Weapon in Battle against Superbugs.” The Harvard Gazette, 2024.

Wu, Kelvin J., et al. “An antibiotic preorganized for ribosomal binding overcomes antimicrobial resistance.” Science, vol. 383, no. 6684, 16 Feb. 2024, pp. 721–726.

Lanese, Nicoletta, and LiveScience. “Dangerous ‘Superbugs’ Are on the Rise. What Can Stop Them?” 13 Oct. 2023.

Reshaping the Future... Literally Why Ozempic is Such a Big Deal

by Cameron Kowitt

15

16

A miracle drug of the moment, or one that could change the future of public health? Ozempic is taking the public by storm. Ozempic is an FDAapproved once-weekly prescription that, along with diet and exercise, lowers blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.1 According to Ozempic’s website, it is proven to lower A1C and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as a stroke, heart attack, or death in adults with known heart disease.1 The most wellknown use of Ozempic is its benefits in helping people with type 2 diabetes to lose weight, although its intended use helps with the prevention of cardiovascular events and helps regulate diabetes.1 But, it is important to note that, Ozempic states that it is not a weight loss drug. The mystery ingredient that helps Ozempic achieve all of these effects belongs to a category of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, which aid in regulating blood sugar levels and suppressing appetite.2 The main component of this drug is semaglutide.

Semaglutide could hold the pivotal solution to transforming the landscape of obesity and type 2 diabetes across America’s future. However, there are many concerns surrounding the usage of this drug. Once these quirks are addressed, GLP-1 agonists could be the future of public health to help regulate the increase of type 2 diabetes and obesity in America.

Semaglutide In the United States, nearly 1 in 3 adults are overweight,3 and “approximately 11.3 percent of adults have been diagnosed

with diabetes, 95 percent of whom have type 2 diabetes” according to the CDC and the US Department of Health.4 Almost every American knows someone who struggles with one of these two conditions, making the statistics alarming. Could this medication slow, or even put an end to, these statistics? Semaglutide is the main component in drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Wegovy contains a higher dose of semaglutide to promote weight loss, whereas Ozempic targets type 2 diabetes as its main function. The main difference between the two drugs is insurance coverage: Wegovy is often not covered by insurance while Ozempic is.5 In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, semaglutide was injected weekly to observe its effects on obese patients.

In a group of 1961 adults, the endpoint percentages for change in body weight correlated to a weight reduction of at least 5%.6 The study “Semaglutide Treatment for Type Two Diabetes” by Kaitlin Miles and Jessica Kerr in the Journal of Pharmacy Technology also showed how semaglutide benefits glucose control capabilities, weight loss, lower risk of hypoglycemia, and provides some cardiovascular protection.6 The utilization of semaglutide and its associated benefits have the potential to serve as a stepping stone to the future of weight loss and health.6

Ozempic may cause can range from nausea, stomach (abdominal) pain, constipation, vomiting, and possible thyroid tumors, including cancer.6 However, the main concerns about the use of semaglutide surround its weight loss potential and the potential toxic-skinny culture it manifests.

For many, weight loss is a hot topic in our culture and a widely discussed subject. Our media is obsessed with diet culture, a phenomenon to which we have become accustomed. The question at hand is whether Ozempic will emerge as a groundbreaking weight-loss solution, or will it promote an unhealthy health trend.

Many celebrities have opened up about taking Ozempic or weight loss drugs, including Oprah Winfrey, Amy Schumer, and Sharon Osbourne, among others.8 The precedent is that these celebrities could set unrealistic standards for weight-loss culture for ordinary people, and influence the usage of this drug amongst adolescents and younger people as a result. Other concerns include the unknown long-term effects, the regulations on the drug for adolescents and children, accessibility and equity for

Concerns There are many concerns surrounding the use of Ozempic including side effects and toxic culture. The side effects that Ozempic may cause can range from nausea,

3.

17

1.

2.

4.

“What Is Ozempic®?: Ozempic® (SEMAGLUTIDE) Injection.” What Is Ozempic®? | Ozempic® (Semaglutide) Injection, www.ozempic.com/why-ozempic/what-isozempic.html. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.

Our future Obesity stands as one of humanity’s most significant health challenges, particularly in the United States, casting a shadow over both mental and physical well-being. However, amidst these challenges, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of Ozempic. With its promising potential to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as a stroke or heart attack, and facilitate conditions often associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, we are poised to journey toward a brighter, healthier future.

5.

Tyson, Alec. “How Americans View Weight-Loss Drugs and Their Potential Impact on Obesity in the U.S.” Pew Research Center Science & Society, Pew Research Center, 26 Feb. 2024, www.pewresearch.org/science/2024/02/26/how-americansview-weight-loss-drugs-and-their-potential-impact-on-obesity-in-the-us/#:~:text=Ozempic%20and%20Wegovy%20belong%20to,a%20weight%2Drelated%20health%20condition.

“Overweight & Obesity Statistics - Niddk.” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweightobesity#:~:text=the%20above%20table-,Nearly%201%20in%203%20 adults%20(30.7%25)%20are%20overweight.,9.2%25)%20have%20severe%20 obesity. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.

the distribution of the drug, and potential toxic culture around the usage of Ozempic and GLP-1 agonist medications for weight loss. Once this medication can be turned into capsules, the drug will become more readily available to the public. Concerns surrounding age and long-term effects when looking at certain populations will come to light later.

6.

7.

8.

Robertson, R Paul. “Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Prevalence and Risk Factors.”

UpToDate, www.uptodate.com/contents/type-2-diabetes-mellitus-prevalence-andrisk-factors/print#:~:text=Other%20national%20databases%2C%20such%20

18

as,undiagnosed%2C%20and%2095%20percent%20of. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.

“Ozempic for Weight Loss: Does It Work, and What Do Experts Recommend?”

Health, UC Davis Health, 13 Sept. 2023, health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivatinghealth/ozempic-for-weight-loss-does-it-work-and-what-do-expertsrecommend/2023/07.

Wilding, John P.H, et al. “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight Or ...” The New England Journal of Medicine, 18 Mar. 2021, www.nejm.org/doi/ full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183.

Miles, K. E., & Kerr, J. L. (2018). Semaglutide for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The Journal of Pharmacy Technology : JPT : Official Publication of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians, 34(6), 281-289. https://doi. org/10.1177/8755122518790925 TodayShow. “Tracy Morgan Says He ‘out-Ate Ozempic’: ‘I’ve Gained 40 Pounds.’”

TODAY.Com, www.today.com/health/celebrities-on-ozempic-rcna129740.

Accessed 5 Apr. 2024.

A miracle drug of the moment, or one that could change the future of public health? Ozempic is taking the public by storm. Ozempic is an FDAapproved once-weekly prescription that, along with diet and exercise, lowers blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.1 According to Ozempic’s website, it is proven to lower A1C and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as a stroke, heart attack, or death in adults with known heart disease.1 The most wellknown use of Ozempic is its benefits in helping people with type 2 diabetes to lose weight, although its intended use helps with the prevention of cardiovascular events and helps regulate diabetes.1 But, it is important to note that, Ozempic states that it is not a weight loss drug. The mystery ingredient that helps Ozempic achieve all of these effects belongs to a category of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, which aid in regulating blood sugar levels and suppressing appetite.2 The main component of this drug is semaglutide.

Semaglutide could hold the pivotal solution to transforming the landscape of obesity and type 2 diabetes across America’s future. However, there are many concerns surrounding the usage of this drug. Once these quirks are addressed, GLP-1 agonists could be the future of public health to help regulate the increase of type 2 diabetes and obesity in America.

Semaglutide In the United States, nearly 1 in 3 adults are overweight,3 and “approximately 11.3 percent of adults have been diagnosed

with diabetes, 95 percent of whom have type 2 diabetes” according to the CDC and the US Department of Health.4 Almost every American knows someone who struggles with one of these two conditions, making the statistics alarming. Could this medication slow, or even put an end to, these statistics? Semaglutide is the main component in drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Wegovy contains a higher dose of semaglutide to promote weight loss, whereas Ozempic targets type 2 diabetes as its main function. The main difference between the two drugs is insurance coverage: Wegovy is often not covered by insurance while Ozempic is.5 In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, semaglutide was injected weekly to observe its effects on obese patients.

In a group of 1961 adults, the endpoint percentages for change in body weight correlated to a weight reduction of at least 5%.6 The study “Semaglutide Treatment for Type Two Diabetes” by Kaitlin Miles and Jessica Kerr in the Journal of Pharmacy Technology also showed how semaglutide benefits glucose control capabilities, weight loss, lower risk of hypoglycemia, and provides some cardiovascular protection.6 The utilization of semaglutide and its associated benefits have the potential to serve as a stepping stone to the future of weight loss and health.6

Ozempic may cause can range from nausea, stomach (abdominal) pain, constipation, vomiting, and possible thyroid tumors, including cancer.6 However, the main concerns about the use of semaglutide surround its weight loss potential and the potential toxic-skinny culture it manifests.

For many, weight loss is a hot topic in our culture and a widely discussed subject. Our media is obsessed with diet culture, a phenomenon to which we have become accustomed. The question at hand is whether Ozempic will emerge as a groundbreaking weight-loss solution, or will it promote an unhealthy health trend.

Many celebrities have opened up about taking Ozempic or weight loss drugs, including Oprah Winfrey, Amy Schumer, and Sharon Osbourne, among others.8 The precedent is that these celebrities could set unrealistic standards for weight-loss culture for ordinary people, and influence the usage of this drug amongst adolescents and younger people as a result. Other concerns include the unknown long-term effects, the regulations on the drug for adolescents and children, accessibility and equity for

Concerns There are many concerns surrounding the use of Ozempic including side effects and toxic culture. The side effects that Ozempic may cause can range from nausea,

3.

17

1.

2.

4.

“What Is Ozempic®?: Ozempic® (SEMAGLUTIDE) Injection.” What Is Ozempic®? | Ozempic® (Semaglutide) Injection, www.ozempic.com/why-ozempic/what-isozempic.html. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.

Our future Obesity stands as one of humanity’s most significant health challenges, particularly in the United States, casting a shadow over both mental and physical well-being. However, amidst these challenges, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of Ozempic. With its promising potential to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as a stroke or heart attack, and facilitate conditions often associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, we are poised to journey toward a brighter, healthier future.

5.

Tyson, Alec. “How Americans View Weight-Loss Drugs and Their Potential Impact on Obesity in the U.S.” Pew Research Center Science & Society, Pew Research Center, 26 Feb. 2024, www.pewresearch.org/science/2024/02/26/how-americansview-weight-loss-drugs-and-their-potential-impact-on-obesity-in-the-us/#:~:text=Ozempic%20and%20Wegovy%20belong%20to,a%20weight%2Drelated%20health%20condition.

“Overweight & Obesity Statistics - Niddk.” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweightobesity#:~:text=the%20above%20table-,Nearly%201%20in%203%20 adults%20(30.7%25)%20are%20overweight.,9.2%25)%20have%20severe%20 obesity. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.

the distribution of the drug, and potential toxic culture around the usage of Ozempic and GLP-1 agonist medications for weight loss. Once this medication can be turned into capsules, the drug will become more readily available to the public. Concerns surrounding age and long-term effects when looking at certain populations will come to light later.

6.

7.

8.

Robertson, R Paul. “Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Prevalence and Risk Factors.”

UpToDate, www.uptodate.com/contents/type-2-diabetes-mellitus-prevalence-andrisk-factors/print#:~:text=Other%20national%20databases%2C%20such%20

18

as,undiagnosed%2C%20and%2095%20percent%20of. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.

“Ozempic for Weight Loss: Does It Work, and What Do Experts Recommend?”

Health, UC Davis Health, 13 Sept. 2023, health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivatinghealth/ozempic-for-weight-loss-does-it-work-and-what-do-expertsrecommend/2023/07.

Wilding, John P.H, et al. “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight Or ...” The New England Journal of Medicine, 18 Mar. 2021, www.nejm.org/doi/ full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183.

Miles, K. E., & Kerr, J. L. (2018). Semaglutide for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The Journal of Pharmacy Technology : JPT : Official Publication of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians, 34(6), 281-289. https://doi. org/10.1177/8755122518790925 TodayShow. “Tracy Morgan Says He ‘out-Ate Ozempic’: ‘I’ve Gained 40 Pounds.’”

TODAY.Com, www.today.com/health/celebrities-on-ozempic-rcna129740.

Accessed 5 Apr. 2024.

Important Information

- This is not an official Tulane University sponsored publication.

- The views and opinions contained herein by the various authors do not necessarily reflect the official views, opinions, or policy of Tulane administrators, staff, or faculty.

- All material contained herein are the views and opinions of students and may not reflect the views of all students on campus.

Let us know what you think!

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