Denmark’s Hidden Ace: How Ozempic Could Counter Trump’s Greenland Ambitions

The dispute over Greenland has exposed an unexpected vulnerability in US healthcare: Denmark's control over crucial medications, particularly Ozempic and Wegovy

Recent large-scale studies have identified over 60 health benefits and potential risks associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic. Benefits include weight loss and reduced cardiovascular risk, while potential risks encompass gastrointestinal issues. (Representative image: Unsplash)

Published on:

04 Feb 2025, 2:30 pm

Former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly proposed to acquire the autonomous territory of Denmark, Greenland. However, Denmark has a significant economic advantage that could make such ambitions costly for the United States.

If Trump steps up his push for Greenland, millions of Americans struggling with obesity could find themselves caught in the crossfire. How? Denmark, despite its small population, has powerful economic tools—chief among them, is the ability to limit exports of Ozempic, the blockbuster weight-loss drug, and beloved Lego toys.

Ozempic A Monotherapy or Polytherapy?

Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, is a medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes and has gained attention for its significant weight loss benefits. Ozempic is approved to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, in conjunction with diet and exercise. Not only that, It is also authorized to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in adults with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease.

The Medication Crisis

Ozempic prescriptions in the US increased by 400% between 2021-2023
Current prices without insurance/discounts:
- Ozempic:$1,000 per packet
- Wegovy:$1,300 per package
The US faces persistent shortages despite massive demand

Since his election, Trump has floated the idea of buying Greenland several times, even increasing his rhetoric after taking office. Reports suggest that he has hinted at imposing tariffs or taking military action to claim the island, given its strategic importance. However, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen strongly rejected the idea, telling Trump in a tense phone call that "Greenland is not for sale," as the BBC reports.

Denmark's Pharmaceutical Dominance

Denmark exported $5.7 billion worth of medicines to the US in 2023

Novo Nordisk dominates Denmark's economy:

Created nearly 1 out of every 5 Danish jobs last year
Indirectly supports half of private-sector job creation
Single-handedly prevented Denmark's recession

In 23 American states, more than one in three adults (35%) has obesity, contributing to high demand. The medication is being prescribed for both diabetes treatment and weight loss. (Representative image: Pexels)

Tariff War: A Potential Blow to U.S. Health and Economy

The standoff threatens to spark a trade dispute between the U.S. and its NATO ally, which could have unintended consequences—especially for the health of millions of Americans. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that between 2021 and 2023, Ozemic prescriptions in the United States will increase by 400 percent.
If Trump imposes heavy tariffs on Denmark, the prices of Ozympic and its counterpart Vigovi could skyrocket. Currently, these drugs already come at a hefty price—$1,000 per Ozempic package (without insurance) and $1,300 for Wegovy. Costs in the US are already higher than in many other countries.
Additionally, Denmark plays an important role in the pharmaceutical supply chain. According to Trading Economics, the US will import $5.7 billion worth of medicines, vaccines and antibiotics from Denmark in 2023.

The Medication Crisis

Ozempic prescriptions in the US increased by 400% between 2021-2023
Current prices without insurance/discounts:
- Ozempic:$1,000 per packet
- Wegovy:$1,300 per package
The US faces persistent shortages despite massive demand

Even if the U.S. tried to manufacture these drugs domestically, it would face a significant hurdle: the key active ingredient, semaglutide, is manufactured especially in Denmark.
In addition to pharmaceuticals, Denmark is home to Lego, the world's largest toy manufacturer, and a leading supplier of hearing aids to the United States.
Economic Impact on Both Nations

US Vulnerability:

Cannot manufacture semaglutide (active ingredient) domestically
Relies heavily on Danish pharmaceutical exports
Faces potential price increases from tariffs

Denmark's Leverage:

Controls critical medication supply chains
Has significant trade relationships ($16 billion annual trade)
Could affect US healthcare costs significantly

Between 2021 and 2023, Ozempic prescriptions in the US increased by 400%. Usage quadrupled between 2020 and 2022. The medication has become so widespread that approximately one in eight U.S. adults has tried a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic. (Representative image: Pexels)

Denmark’s Economic Leverage Over the U.S.
In recent years, Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy have revolutionized obesity and diabetes treatment in the US, where obesity rates are alarmingly high.

One in eight US adults has tried GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic
40% of Americans with diabetes use these medications
Price increases could force patients toward compounded versions, raising safety concerns

According to the CDC, more than 35 percent of adults in 23 states are classified as obese.
Denmark may be a small country, but it has considerable economic influence. If tensions escalate over Greenland, the U.S. could pay a heavy price not only in trade but also in public health.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal/MSM)

2024 MBBS Admission Cutoffs Spike Amidst Higher NEET Scores and Limited Seats

weightloss