New Delhi, September 17 (IANS) Injectable weight loss drugs have become a popular option for people struggling with obesity. A new study has revealed a shocking fact. According to the study, one in four or 25 percent people use these drugs without consulting a doctor, making them victims of many health risks.
The team from Ohio State University, USA, conducted a survey on 1,006 American adults. It was found that people are looking for alternatives to prescriptions because they do not have enough money and lack insurance coverage.
“Some people are avoiding visiting a doctor and resorting to untrusted sources such as unlicensed online pharmacies or telehealth sites, which could put patients’ lives at risk,” the team said.
The survey found that the biggest problem people face in purchasing medicines is money (18 percent), followed by not having insurance (15 percent), not getting a prescription from a doctor (9 percent) and not finding the medicine at a pharmacy (6 percent).
“For people who want to lose weight, it’s important to discuss options with their doctor first,” said Shengyi Mao, MD, an internal medicine physician at Ohio State. “Not every medication is the same for everyone, and each medication may have its own risks and side effects.”
He said doctors would ‘examine the patient’s medical history’ and prescribe medications after assessing ‘their specific risks and benefits’.
Recently developed weight loss drugs called GLP1-RAs (brand names Ozempic and Wegovy) help in weight loss. They reduce appetite and slow the emptying of the stomach.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a drug called Semaglutide. This drug helps reduce the risk of heart disease in obese or overweight adults. In particular, this drug is beneficial for adults who already have heart disease.
However, DF has issued two warnings regarding the drug Semaglutide, including reports of hospitalisation after taking the wrong dose and ineffective ingredients.
Compounded drugs are specially made when a drug is in short supply or to meet the needs of a particular patient. These drugs are alternatives to brand name drugs and are made not by drug manufacturers but in state-licensed pharmacies.
Shengyi Mao said that obesity is a serious and complex long-term disease. It should be addressed by a comprehensive weight management program. These weight loss drugs may be effective for some people, but they can have serious side effects and can cause weight gain even after you stop taking them.
–IANS
FZ/KR
