Surge in Ozempic Heists: A Weighty Crisis in Brazil

As the demand for weight-loss drugs like Ozempic escalates in Brazil, incidents of armed thieves targeting pharmacies are on the rise, reflecting deeper societal issues surrounding body image and economic disparities.

In the heart of São Paulo, a concerning trend has emerged as armed bandits increasingly target local pharmacies for highly sought-after weight-loss medications, particularly Ozempic. The trend has intensified in a nation where body image issues intertwine with economic struggles, prompting many to pursue these costly drugs despite financial limitations.

Late one Friday night in January, pharmacist David Fernando experienced this alarming trend first-hand when a robber brandished a gun and demanded both cash and refrigerated medications. "He asked for money from the register and medications from the refrigerator," Fernando recounted, referring to the specific demand for Ozempic and similar products, which are elusive for many Brazilians.

Despite the high prices of these weight-loss drugs, ranging from 700 to 1,100 Brazilian reais (approximately $120 to $190) while the average monthly income stands at about $300, the desire for these injections has not diminished. Following previous robberies at the same pharmacy, security measures have had to be heightened, including the presence of a security guard following repeated incidents.

Just four blocks away, the situation is similar; another pharmacy recently heightened its security after an armed robbery attempt was thwarted by a police officer, leading to a chaotic shootout that resulted in an innocent bystander being injured.

The increasing frequency of these targeted thefts is alarming local authorities and pharmacists alike, as the phenomenon underscores deeper societal issues regarding health, body image, and economic disparity within the Brazilian population.