In recent weeks, Brazilian pharmacies are facing a surge in robberies as criminals demand the highly sought-after weight-loss drugs, primarily Ozempic. The trend highlights a growing body image obsession among Brazilians, coupled with the harsh reality of high medication costs that leave many unable to afford the treatment.
On a late January evening in São Paulo, pharmacist David Fernando encountered the frightening scenario firsthand when a masked man brandished a gun, demanding both cash and medications—specifically those stored in the pharmacy's refrigerator. The thief made off with five boxes of Ozempic, which typically cost between 700 and 1,100 Brazilian reais (around $120 to $190) while the average monthly income sits at roughly $300.
This theft marked the third robbery targeting weight-loss drugs at the same pharmacy within a few months, prompting management to employ a security guard. Mr. Fernando expressed that robbery for these specific medications is becoming disturbingly common, reflecting a desperate desire among many Brazilians to achieve idealized body images.
Further complicating the situation, another pharmacy nearby intensified security measures after a robbery attempt was interrupted by law enforcement, leading to a tense shootout that left an innocent bystander injured. The crime wave has left many stores reeling and has sparked conversations about the societal pressures and economic barriers associated with obesity treatments in Brazil.
As obesity rates climb alongside societal pressure to conform to slender ideals, the pursuit of weight-loss medications through illicit means could indicate deeper issues within the public health and economic landscape in Brazil.
