WHO Warns of Fake Weight-Loss Drugs
The World Health Organization (WHO) has posted a warning to consumers about fake weight-loss drugs.
The WHO says it has seen an increase in demand for drugs known as semaglutides, which are prescribed to treat diabetes and obesity in some countries. And the organization says it has also seen a rise in reports about false versions of these drugs.
Semaglutide is most famously branded as Ozempic, which has received a lot of attention in the media in recent months. There is also a similar drug called Wegovy, which contains a higher dose of semaglutide, and has been specifically developed for weight loss.
In America, Ozempic has been approved for use for diabetes, but not weight loss. But some doctors have been giving it to patients to manage their weight anyway.
It has also been reported that a number of celebrities have been using Ozempic to control their weight, while some online influencers have been promoting it as well.
The WHO said that in December last year, three batches of fake Ozempic were found in Brazil, the UK and the US.
The organization called on people — including doctors and the public — to "be aware," and to report any suspicious drugs to the authorities. It also urged people to get their medicine from licensed doctors or pharmacies, and to "avoid buying medicine from unverified sources, such as those that may be found online."
Ozempic is injected into the body once a week, and is designed to suppress appetite and lower blood sugar levels. The WHO warned of possible harmful effects of the fake drugs, particularly for people who rely on them to control their blood sugar.
The WHO itself does not recommend semaglutide for diabetes — it says the drugs are too expensive, and cheaper treatments have a similar effect on blood sugar levels.
And while research has found that semaglutide does seem to work for weight loss, experts say people should continue to focus on exercise and eating healthily if they want to make a long-term change in their weight.
