This week, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) warned that GLP-1 analogue drugs, such as Ozempicare not approved for cosmetic weight loss and should not be used for that purpose.
According to the entity, since 2022 there has been an increase in demand for these drugs and “other problems such as limitations in manufacturing capacity.”
According to the European agency, GLP-1 analogue drugs such as Ozempic, Saxenda, Trulicity and Victoza are only indicated for the treatment of diabetes and should be used under medical supervision.
In recent years, the excessive and unauthorised use of these rapid weight loss drugs has only made the existing shortage worse. According to the EMA, this has also encouraged criminal activity, which at the same time increases the risk of counterfeit or inferior products entering the market to meet the high demand.
“GLP-1 receptor agonists are not approved and should not be used for cosmetic weight loss, that is, weight loss in people without obesity or overweight people who do not have weight-related health problems.”they say.
Another point that was mentioned by the EMA was that, as can happen in all cases, this type of drugs can also cause side effects. “The most common side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists (which may affect more than 1 in 10 people) include problems with the digestive system, such as diarrhea and nausea (feeling sick).”
The entity also called on health professionals to address this group of people and offer them advice to achieve a healthy lifestyle, instead of using products that actually have other purposes.
“We need to step up action now – industry, regulators, healthcare professionals, patients and the public all have a role to play in addressing this shortage and we call on everyone to play their part,” said Emer Cooke, Executive Director of the EMA.
