The UK government and its drug regulator have issued a warning about the misuse of certain weight-loss medications. These drugs, originally meant to treat diabetes and obesity, are being used by people who don’t need them medically, just to lose weight quickly.
There are popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, intended for specific medical conditions: Ozempic is for some Type 2 diabetes patients, and Wegovy is for those medically classified as obese. They should only be prescribed by a healthcare professional.
These medications have become trendy due to social media and endorsements from celebrities like Elon Musk. However, using them without medical need can lead to side effects like stomach issues and more serious problems, such as pancreatitis and low blood sugar.
The government is also concerned about people getting these drugs through private prescriptions, which might be fake or incorrectly dosed. In the UK, most medicines are usually prescribed through the NHS, but more people are turning to private sources.
The government emphasizes that these drugs are not for cosmetic purposes but are meant for those who medically need them. They can be very effective when combined with a healthy lifestyle, but they are not a quick solution for weight loss. Using them irresponsibly can be harmful to health.