Melbourne’s Conversion Digital is offering to pay for employees’ Ozempic prescriptions
A Melbourne-based digital marketing agency has offered to pay employees for using Ozempic and another controversial weight-loss drug.
Conversion Digital, which has more than 70 employees, sent staff an email detailing the new ‘weight management’ programme.
The email states that employees are given a monthly budget of $200 to spend on Ozempic or Wegovy.
Ozempic is a type 2 diabetes treatment drug that went viral abroad for its weight loss benefits with celebrity ambassadors including tech billionaire Elon Musk.
However, its popularity caused international shortages, leading to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) restricting its prescription.
Wegovy, an injectable weight loss drug, is not approved for use in Australia.
Conversion Digital, which has more than 70 employees, sent staff an email detailing its new ‘weight management’ program
The staff was told that the company would pay the bill for their monthly prescriptions to Ozempic
Conversion Digital said they were excited to ‘roll out new employee benefits options designed to support your personal wellbeing journey’, news.com.au reported.
“Today we’re highlighting ‘weight management,’ a crucial factor in promoting longevity and overall well-being,” the email said.
‘Research shows that maintaining a healthy weight can reduce many health risks, improve the quality of your life and promote a longer, healthier life.’
The management highlighted in the email is not made up of ‘medical professionals’, but wants to give employees a ‘proactive approach to health’, before mentioning links to Ozempic and Wegovy.
The company said they would update staff on whether Wegovy is approved in Australia.
‘Let’s stay ahead. If you are interested in these products or have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Your health is our priority and we are here to support you on your journey,” the email said.
Sylvia Tiet, managing director of Conversion Digital, said the company’s policies will be in line with the TGA’s rules.
‘It is not our intention to promote the weight loss product in violation of these guidelines. Instead, we want to provide our staff with information about different health and wellness options,” she told the publication.
Conversion Digital managing director Sylvia Tiet (above) said the response to the program had been ‘overwhelmingly positive’
‘We are in no way trying to suppress or ignore medical opinion. We believe in the importance of informed decision-making in consultation with healthcare professionals.’
Ms Tiet added that staff response to the email was ‘overwhelmingly positive, with no negative comments or concerns raised’.
She claims two staff members have already joined the scheme, while other employees inquired whether the scheme was open to family members – including dogs.
The company’s head of strategy, Clayton Cross, said the idea was sparked by conversations with overseas customers who have reaped the benefits of assisted weight loss.
‘We have customers abroad and they are as happy as mussels, have lost weight, are enjoying life and are having more sex. It’s very special,” he said.
It comes after the TGA warned of major supply problems with Ozempic.
Doctors have now been advised not to prescribe the drug to new patients.