Ozempic and other weight-loss injections have recently emerged as a sought-after luxury among affluent Iranians, while the country faces a severe shortage of essential medications and escalating prices.
Despite being unapproved by Iran’s health authorities, anti-obesity drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have gained a loyal following among those who can afford them, turning them into symbols of status rather than just weight-loss solutions.
“Scrolling through Instagram, you’ll find countless posts featuring Ozempic,” says Fatemeh, a psychotherapist in Tehran, speaking over an encrypted messaging app. “People often show off their medical pens next to designer items like Givenchy or Louis Vuitton.”
For many, using Ozempic is about more than just fitness—it’s a way to flaunt their status. Some users even live-stream their Mounjaro injections as part of their apparent weight-loss journeys, showcasing their pursuit of a slimmer figure.
The desire for a leaner body isn’t new, but these anti-obesity medications, often referred to as a “Fitness Wand,” are now especially coveted in Iran due to their high cost.
On social media platforms like Instagram and Telegram, which have millions of users in Iran, there has been a surge in instructional videos on using Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs. Many physicians and clinics are offering advice on the proper use of these drugs, how to achieve the best results, and even how to distinguish real medications from counterfeit ones.
“These weight-loss pens are seen by many of our clients as tools to regain their confidence,” says Maryam Majd, a 42-year-old fitness trainer at a high-end gym in Tehran’s upscale Zaferaniyeh district. “We’ve trained our staff to assist clients with these products and even set up a dedicated room next to the solarium for this purpose.”
The appeal of following Western trends may stem from Iran’s isolation from the rest of the world, but Iranians have consistently sought cosmetic enhancements to improve their appearance. From rhinoplasties (nose jobs) to liposuction and Botox, these beauty trends often start with the wealthy and gradually spread to the broader population, becoming both a luxury and, for some, a necessity.
Ozempic and similar weight-loss injections seem to be following this same pattern, with people prioritizing these products even at the cost of other basic needs.
Meanwhile, many Iranians struggle to access essential medications, often having to visit multiple pharmacies and wait in long lines for life-saving treatments.
Iran’s ongoing economic issues, including sanctions, corruption, and government mismanagement, have contributed to chronic shortages of vital drugs. As a result, about 30% of Iranians can no longer afford their medications due to skyrocketing prices.
The shortage is worsened by black market dealers, who have shifted their focus from rare disease medications to high-demand weight-loss drugs, attracted by the significant profit margins.
The growing trend of weight-loss medications, like Ozempic, highlights the widening divide in Iran—between those chasing the latest status symbol and those struggling to meet basic needs.
