A surging number of residents in the United Arab Emirates are heading to health clinics, pharmacies and hospitals across the country trying to get their hands on diabetes injections such as Saxenda and Ozempic to use the medications for weight loss. Doctors in Dubai told Al Arabiya English that interest has peaked after videos on TikTok and advertisements on Instagram have promoted the drugs as a miracle cure for stubborn fat – as residents are warned they cannot simply wander into a pharmacy to get their hands on the drug. Al Arabiya English reported last week how the drugs – injections that typically treat diabetes – used for weight loss without a doctor’s prescription are far more dangerous than people think, with experts saying the recent diet fad has worsened the global shortage of such medications.
‘Huge’ shortage of drug
Dr. Fadi Baladi, medical director and a consultant in internal medicine at Burjeel Day Surgery Center, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, said, due to demand, there is already a shortage in Ozempic.
“There is a trend of people promoting diabetes injections as a solution to lose weight through social media platforms. These are prescribed medications that cannot be given to just anyone who walks into the pharmacy.”
He continued, “The shortage we have right now is related to the over-demand for medications like Ozempic. This medication is FDA-approved for obesity if there are no contraindications and the patient fits the criteria.”
“Over-demand and transportation issues have led to the huge shortage. In such cases, we give patients the option of opting for drugs made with similar ingredients. We explain to the patients about the alternatives that do not have FDA approval and make them aware of the risks. These medications are again provided only if they meet the qualification criteria.”
Obesity is a chronic condition that cannot be fixed by taking medicines for two-three months, according to Dr. Baladi.
“The patient needs to make a lifelong commitment to fix obesity and lifestyle modification must be considered,” he added.
“Physicians carefully assess the criteria, including BMI and other factors, before prescribing such medications. The candidate selection process must be done by a physician who is qualified. People with uncontrolled diabetes and weight issues are ideal candidates for these medications if they have no other side effects or contraindications.”
“We need to ensure no underlying conditions will interfere with the medication. The patient needs to be evaluated thoroughly and carefully in terms of contraindications, side effects and adverse reactions and we need to ensure these medications are not reacting with other medications being taken by the patient.”
According to Dr. Baladi, some other side effects of this medication include liver, kidney, pancreas, and thyroid issues
“But such side effects can be monitored and controlled by the physician. Hence, these medicines are not for someone who is walking around with a few extra kilograms but doesn’t want to go to the gym. These medicines are not replacements for lifestyle modification as there is a possibility of gaining weight immediately after stopping them.”
Experts have also said people who stopped using some of these medications, even if they were prescribed to them, have seen a rise in their blood pressure, and an increase in their cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
Read Full Story: alarabiya
