Pharmaceutical society cautions fitness influencer Gachau Njoroge against promoting Ozempic

The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has issued a formal advisory to popular fitness trainer and influencer Gachau Njoroge following a recent video in which he discussed weight-loss injections.

Gachau was cautioned that his content may have breached the law governing the promotion of prescription drugs in Kenya.

While acknowledging Gachau’s growing influence in the country’s health and fitness industry, the PSK commended his efforts in spreading awareness about wellness and healthy living. However, the society expressed concern that his video titled “Here’s what they don’t tell you about those quick fixes” appeared to promote prescription-only medicines to the public, a violation of Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Act.

In the advisory, which PSK President Dr Wairimuya Mbogo signed, the organisation noted that even though Gachau’s intentions may have been purely educational, such discussions risk crossing into prohibited territory.

We have taken note of your growing influence in the wellness/fitness space & acknowledge the positive impact you are making... While we believe you intend to inform & help, such communication unfortunately falls within the promotion of prescription medicines, which is prohibited. https://t.co/6VIXHn42Em pic.twitter.com/wcEXKzBYeY

— Nemoe (@WairimuwaMbogo) November 6, 2025

The letter stated that while Gachau may have intended to inform, such communication “unfortunately falls within the promotion of prescription medicines, which is prohibited.” It further urged the influencer to review and remove any content that could mislead viewers into self-medicating or purchasing unapproved pharmaceutical products.

The PSK emphasised that the public must receive accurate, regulated information about prescription medicines from qualified healthcare professionals, warning that unverified claims circulating online could pose serious risks to public health.

Gachau’s viral video arrived amid heightened global scrutiny of weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic, manufactured by Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk.

@gachau_njoroge

The awaited part 2 is here. Follow it on my YouTube Channel [Gachau Njoroge] to learn how to safely unalive yourself slowly.

♬ original sound - Gachau

Initially developed to manage type 2 diabetes, Ozempic quickly became a worldwide trend after celebrities and social media influencers began promoting it as a fast weight-loss solution.

However, the drug’s rapid rise to fame has sparked controversy and legal battles. Novo Nordisk is facing multi-billion-dollar lawsuits from users who allege that the company failed to adequately warn consumers about potential side effects, including intestinal problems, vision loss, and pancreatic complications. The cases have been consolidated into a multi-district litigation (MDL) in the United States, with trials expected to begin in 2026, although legal experts believe the matter may be settled before reaching court.

In parallel, Novo Nordisk has launched a series of defamation and trademark lawsuits against pharmacies and online sellers accused of distributing counterfeit or compounded versions of Ozempic.

The company argued that these fake products not only threaten its global reputation but also endanger public health by misleading consumers with unregulated substances.

The PSK’s warning to Gachau Njoroge reflects growing concern about how social media influencers discuss health products, particularly those requiring prescriptions.

PSK reiterated that while content creators play a vital role in shaping public perception, they must exercise caution when handling medical topics, especially those involving drugs that can only be prescribed and administered under professional supervision.