Northern Ireland has the highest level of search demand for Ozempic in the UK, with new search trend data revealing that people here are searching for the weight loss medication more than any other region of the UK.

The new trends analysis was conducted by Free Soul, one of the UK’s leading women’s wellness brands, and looked at five years of Google Trends data to reveal the towns and cities where interest in the weight loss drug is highest.

The findings reveal that people in Northern Ireland show the highest level of interest in Ozempic, followed by Scotland and then Wales.

The UK’s Ozempic Hotspots

Based on Google Trends’ location-weighted search demand, the top 10 towns and cities with the highest level of interest in Ozempic are:

These trend scores reflect relative demand, with the level of interest in that region weighted by its population.

Why Interest in Ozempic Is Rising So Quickly

Ozempic was originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but it has become widely associated with rapid weight loss thanks to viral social media trends, celebrity use, and increasing coverage in mainstream media.

But nutritionists and wellness experts are warning that Ozempic isn’t currently approved as a weight loss drug in the UK, which means it’s currently only available on prescription if you have a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Natalie Rouse, Registered Nutritionist and Head of Nutrition at Free Soul, said:

“Prescription GLP-1 medications can be effective tools for both blood-sugar control and weight management when they’re prescribed by a doctor and used correctly, but it’s important to note that at present Ozempic is only approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the UK, not for weight loss.

“There are other GLP-1 medications that are approved for weight loss, such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, but anyone considering any of these prescription medications should be aware of both the side effects and the risk of nutritional deficits they can bring.

“Common side effects can include nausea, gastrointestinal issues and headaches, and these medications can also increase nutrient shortfall and vulnerabilities to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which is why many nutritionists emphasise a carefully considered, whole-food nutritional approach for people who do decide to use GLP-1–based therapies.”

When food intake drops, so does nutrient intake, and that’s where people can become more vulnerable to shortfalls in key vitamins, minerals, protein and essential fats. These nutritional gaps can contribute to issues like fatigue, changes in muscle mass, or altered skin appearance, which may explain why so many people are now searching for information about Ozempic side effects, “Ozempic face”, and “Ozempic feet”.

Growing Demand for Information About Ozempic Side Effects

Alongside rising interest in Ozempic itself, search behaviour shows that a growing number of people in the UK are increasingly concerned about how these medications might affect their bodies, particularly when it comes to common side effects and potential nutritional implications.

Almost a million people a year in the UK search for information about Ozempic side effects, while tens of thousands of people are seeking information about “Ozempic face” every month, and thousands are asking about “Ozempic feet”, and “Ozempic teeth”.

Ozempic face and Ozempic feet are both colloquial terms for the physiological changes people can see in skin on their faces and feet after rapid weight loss, while Ozempic teeth relates to dental issues that Ozempic side effects like nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and acid reflux can cause to the patient’s teeth.

Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies

While reduced caloric intake is a major factor when it comes to nutritional deficiencies (and semaglutide-based medications like Ozempic can reduce appetite and calorie intake drastically, sometimes to as 800–1,000 kcal per day), some of the gastrointestinal side effects of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, can also undermine nutrient absorption.

The most common nutritional deficiencies some people encounter when taking Ozempic include:

• Vitamin B12: Delayed gastric emptying affects absorption, which can lead to fatigue, neurological issues, and in severe cases, conditions like Wernicke encephalopathy.
• Iron: Reduced food intake increases the risk of iron deficiency, which can in turn cause extreme fatigue, weakness, and anaemia – particularly problematic for women.
• Vitamin D and Calcium: Critical for bone health during rapid weight loss, with deficiency linked to decreased bone mineral density.
• Protein: Some studies suggest that up to 40% of the weight lost on GLP-1 medications can actually be muscle mass rather than fat.
• Vitamins A, D, E, and K: These fat-soluble vitamins are particularly affected by low-fat diets.
• Magnesium and Zinc: Essential for metabolic function and immune health, these minerals can be affected by gastrointestinal issues related to Ozempic use.

Natalie Rouse explained that there are things people can do to address the risk of these nutrient shortfalls that weight loss medications like Ozempic or Mounjaro can cause:

“While natural approaches to weight loss through diet and nutrition can offer a gentler, more sustainable option for weight management, and these alternatives will have fewer side effects as well, anyone who has been prescribed a GLP-1 medication by their doctor should adjust their diet in order to avoid nutritional shortfalls.

“As a nutritionist, I want to emphasise that I am not for or against the use of medications such as Ozempic or Wegovy. My role is not to promote or discourage their use, but rather to ensure that individuals receive complete, considered, and well‑designed nutrition support tailored to their personal needs, alongside their GP. While these drugs may have a place in medical treatment under the guidance of healthcare professionals, nutrition remains a cornerstone of long‑term health and wellbeing. I do, however, fear their misuse in those not prescribed, as this can carry risks and undermine safe medical practice. My sole aim is to help each person build sustainable habits and dietary strategies that work for them, regardless of whether medication is part of their journey.

“Balanced meals with good sources of protein, fibre, healthy fats and micronutrients are key, and for some people, targeted supplementation may also be helpful. With the right nutritional approach alongside medical guidance, it is possible to use these medications safely while protecting long-term health.”

Free Soul’s evidence-based supplement range is formulated to support women with energy, mood, hormonal balance and everyday health, addressing the foundations of female wellness rather than the symptoms.