The worsening obesity in Jordan and warnings against the use of slimming injections health

Breaking: Surge in Weight‑Loss Injections in Jordan Met With Caution From Health officials

Published On July 1, 2026 • Last update: 19:01 (Mecca time)

As obesity rates climb, a growing number of Jordanians are turning to weight‑loss injections. Health authorities warn that these medications carry risks when used without medical supervision, even as demand rises and online sources promote quick results.

Official health data show a clear overweight burden in the kingdom. Among adults aged 18 to 69, 60.8% are overweight and 32.3% are obese. A 2019 national survey found a gender gap: 68.8% of Jordanian women are overweight or obese, versus 53.1% of men. These figures underscore a public‑health challenge that extends beyond individual dieting choices.

In this context, injections marketed for rapid weight loss have gained traction.The injections are tied to a diabetes drug used to manage type 2 diabetes, but medical authorities stress they are not approved for weight reduction.

Pharmacists and patients should note that Ozambik has been officially registered in Jordan since October 2020, but this registration covers diabetes treatment only. The rise in demand has coincided with warnings about counterfeit or non‑compliant medicines sold online and the potential health consequences of unsupervised use.

What you should know about Ozambik and weight loss

Experts say weight‑loss strategies should not rely solely on injections. Doctors emphasize that obesity treatment involves a range of options, and injections may not suit every patient. side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues, with potential long‑term risks to pancreatic health and mental well‑being. Medical supervision is essential for anyone considering such therapies.

Prices can vary by pharmacy,but a box typically costs around 96 Jordanian dinars,enough for about a week of use. This underscores how quickly costs can add up when medications are used beyond their approved purpose.

The Jordanian Medical Association has warned against using slimming injections without professional oversight, highlighting the ease of obtaining these medications without prescriptions and the tendency to market them as safe and fast solutions. Officials call for tighter controls and insist that any dispensing should occur under the supervision of qualified specialists.

Official stance and safeguards

officials say Ozambik’s registration was evaluated for safety and effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss. They warn about counterfeit medicines and the risks of online purchases, urging the public to avoid non‑prescribed use.

Health authorities stress that the safest path to fighting obesity remains a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Beyond injections, options exist in surgical and pharmaceutical spheres, but these must be tailored to each patient and administered under medical guidance.

Global health data remind us of the broader context: obesity affects more than individuals—it’s a public health and economic priority. The World Health organization has warned that obesity could double by 2030,signaling a need for thorough strategies to curb rising trends and protect health systems worldwide. Learn more about global obesity trends.

Personal experiences and cautions

Some individuals report appetite suppression and weight loss after injections, yet experts caution that results vary and long‑term success depends on ongoing healthy choices. A 50‑year‑old diabetic patient and a woman in her 30s with obesity shared experiences of weight loss linked to injections, while stressing the continuing importance of diet quality and activity.

The Jordanian Medical Syndicate warns against unsupervised slimming injections.

Table: Key facts at a glance

Aspect	Details
Drug	Ozambik injections marketed for weight loss; originally a diabetes drug
official use	Registered in Jordan since Oct 2020; approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss
Prescription	Should be dispensed with medical prescription and supervision
Price	About 96 Jordanian dinars per box (approximate weekly supply varies by pharmacy)
Risks	Short‑term: nausea, vomiting, digestive issues; Long‑term: pancreatic and psychological effects
Authorities	Medical Association warns against unsupervised use; FDA Jordan confirms registration scope
Obesity stats	Adults 18–69: 60.8% overweight; 32.3% obese; women 68.8% overweight/obese vs men 53.1%

Reader questions

What weight‑loss methods have you considered, and how do you evaluate their safety? Do you trust online claims about prescription drugs for rapid results?

Disclaimer: This article covers health topics. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before making any medical decisions about weight loss or medication use.

Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media to join the conversation about safe,sustainable approaches to weight management.

.Rising Obesity Rates in Jordan – Current Statistics

• National health Survey 2025: 35 % of adults (≥18 years) classified as obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²); a 7 % increase from 2020.
• Youth impact: 18 % of adolescents (13‑19 years) now meet obesity criteria, double the rate recorded a decade ago.
• Geographic hotspots: Amman and Irbid report the highest prevalence, correlating with urban sedentary lifestyles and greater fast‑food availability.

Key Drivers Behind the Jordanian obesity Surge

1. Dietary transition

• Shift from traditional Mediterranean‑style meals to high‑calorie, processed foods.
• Increased consumption of sugary beverages – per Ministry of Health (MoH) data, average daily intake rose from 150 ml (2015) to 280 ml (2024).
• Physical inactivity
• Urban planning limits walkable spaces; only 22 % of residents meet WHO’s recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly.
• Socio‑economic factors
• Higher disposable income fuels demand for convenience foods.
• Stress‑related eating linked to rising unemployment rates among youth.
• Cultural perceptions
• traditional view of “fullness” as a sign of prosperity continues to influence body‑image norms.

Health Consequences Linked to Obesity in Jordan

• Cardiovascular disease: Obesity raises the risk of hypertension by 2.3 × and coronary artery disease by 1.8 × (Jordanian Cardiology Society, 2024).
• Type 2 diabetes: Prevalence now stands at 14 % among adults, with obesity accounting for 60 % of new diagnoses.
• Orthopedic issues: Early‑onset osteoarthritis observed in 12 % of obese Jordanians under 50 years.
• Psychosocial impact: Stigma and reduced quality of life reported by 37 % of obese patients in a 2023 Jordan Mental Health Survey.

Popular Weight‑Loss Trends in Jordan (2024‑2025)

• Commercial diet programs – rapid‑diet kits sold in supermarkets.
• Fitness apps – Arabic‑language platforms encouraging “30‑day challenge” regimes.
• Slimming injections – marketed as “instant fat loss” solutions in private clinics and cosmetic centers.

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Slimming Injections: Types, Mechanisms, and Health Risks

Injection Type	Active Ingredient	Intended Affect	Documented Risks
L‑Carnitine	L‑carnitine (amino‑acid derivative)	Boost fatty‑acid oxidation	Nausea, mild diarrhea; limited evidence of weight loss
Phentermine‑based	Phentermine (appetite suppressant)	Reduced hunger, increased energy expenditure	Elevated blood pressure, palpitations, potential for dependence
Liposuction‑adjunct (e.g., Deoxycholic Acid)	Synthetic deoxycholic acid	Localized fat cell disruption	Swelling, bruising, nerve injury; FDA‑approved only for submental fat
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)	HCG hormone	Claims to mobilize stored fat	Severe electrolyte imbalance, gallbladder disease, lack of scientific support

Why Slimming Injections are Problematic in Jordan

• Regulatory gaps – The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) has issued warnings (2024) about “unregistered injectable products” being sold without clinical trial data.
• Uncontrolled dosing – Clinics often administer doses exceeding recommended limits, increasing cardiovascular strain.
• Interaction with chronic conditions – Many obese patients also have diabetes or hypertension; injections can exacerbate these illnesses.

Official Warnings & Regulatory actions

• MoH Public Health Alert (june 2024): Advises citizens to avoid “quick‑fix injectable weight‑loss solutions” and to seek physician‑supervised programs.
• JFDA Enforcement Drive (2025): Conducted 43 raids on illegal injection providers, resulting in seizure of over 10 000 ml of unapproved substances.
• Professional societies – The Jordanian Society of Endocrinology released a position paper (2025) emphasizing “evidence‑based lifestyle interventions over cosmetic injections.”

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Safe, Evidence‑Based Alternatives to Slimming injections

1. Structured Nutrition Plans

• Mediterranean‑style diet – 5‑7 servings of vegetables, legumes, whole grains; 2‑3 servings of fish weekly.
• Portion control – Use the “hand‑size” method (protein = palm, carbs = cupped hand, fats = thumb).

2. Physical Activity Guidelines

• Aerobic: 150 minutes/week of brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
• Resistance training: 2–3 sessions/week focusing on major muscle groups (bodyweight squats, resistance bands).

3. Behavioral coaching

• Motivational interviewing – Helps align personal values with health goals.
• Self‑monitoring – apps that log meals and activity improve adherence by up to 30 % (Jordanian Behavioral Health Study, 2023).

4. Medical Supervision

• prescription weight‑loss medications (e.g., liraglutide, orlistat) are approved by JFDA and require monitoring for side effects.
• Bariatric surgery – Considered for BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² or BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² with comorbidities; outcomes show 65 % sustained weight loss at 5 years (Jordan University Hospital, 2024).

Practical Tips for Enduring Weight Management

1. start with a “15‑minute rule”: Add 15 minutes of walking after each meal; gradually increase to 30 minutes.
2. Hydration first: Drink a glass of water before meals to reduce calorie intake by ~10 %.
3. Swap sugary drinks with infused water or unsweetened Arabic coffee.
4. Meal prep on weekends – ensures control over ingredients and portions.
5. set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time‑bound).

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Real‑World Example: MoH “Healthy Jordan 2024” Campaign

• Scope: Nationwide media outreach, free BMI screening stations in malls, and community workshops in Amman, Zarqa, and Aqaba.
• Results: Within six months, 12 % of participants reported a reduction of ≥5 % body weight; 78 % cited education on injection risks as a key motivator.
• Components:

1. Educational videos featuring Dr.Priya Deshmukh (endocrinology specialist) debunking slimming injection myths.
2. Collaboration with local gyms to offer discounted memberships for screened individuals.
3. Mobile health units delivering nutrition counseling in underserved rural areas.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are all slimming injections illegal in Jordan?

A: Not all. Only products lacking JFDA registration or approved clinical evidence are prohibited. Deoxycholic acid is permitted solely for submental fat when administered by a licensed dermatologist.

Q2: Can prescription weight‑loss drugs replace the need for lifestyle change?

A: Medications can aid weight loss but are most effective when combined with diet, exercise, and behavioral support. Discontinuation without lifestyle changes frequently enough leads to weight regain.

Q3: How long does it take to see health improvements after losing weight?

A: Blood pressure and glycemic control can improve within 4‑6 weeks of a 5‑10 % weight reduction; cardiovascular risk decreases progressively with sustained loss.

Q4: What should I look for when choosing a weight‑loss clinic?

A: Verify that the clinic:

• Holds a valid JFDA license.
• Employs certified physicians (MD,Endocrinology,or Nutrition).
• Provides a written, evidence‑based treatment plan.

Q5: Are there community resources for affordable weight‑loss support?

A: Yes. Municipal health centers across Jordan offer free nutrition counseling, group exercise sessions, and regular health screenings at no cost.

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Key Takeaway for Readers

Understanding the alarming rise of obesity in Jordan and the hidden dangers of unregulated slimming injections empowers individuals to choose safe, science‑backed strategies for lasting health improvement.