UAE Doctors Warn Against Misuse of Weight Loss Injections Like Ozempic Amid Social Media Hype
health risks & social media influence. safe, ethical use urged.">
Dubai, UAE – Health professionals In The United Arab Emirates Are Expressing Concern Over The Rising Use Of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists, Such as Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) And Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), For Non-Medical Weight Loss. Originally Designed To Treat Type 2 Diabetes, These Weight Loss Injections Are Now Being Increasingly Sought After For Cosmetic Purposes, Fueled By Social Media Trends.
Doctor tony Joseph, A Specialist endocrinologist At Burjeel Day Surgery Center In Al Shahama, Noted That While Prescriptions At His Clinic Adhere To Approved indications-Obesity (A Body Mass Index Of 30 Or Higher, Or 27 With Weight-Related Comorbidities) And Type 2 Diabetes-There’s Been A Noticeable Surge In Off-Label Inquiries. The Speed And Visibility Of Results, With Some Patients Losing Over 15% Of Their Body Weight In less Than A Year, Contribute To Their popularity.
Health Risks associated With Misuse
Healthcare Providers Are Urging Caution Against The Misuse Of These Weight Loss Injections Outside Of Clinical Guidelines. Such Use Can Lead To Side Effects Ranging From Nausea And Gastrointestinal discomfort To More Severe Issues Like Pancreatitis, Gallbladder Problems, And Potential Muscle Loss.
“Long-Term Safety In Non-Obese Individuals Has Not Been Well Established In Clinical Trials,” Warned Doctor Joseph. “we Advise Caution.”
Social Media’s Influence On Weight Loss Trends
Clinical Dietitians Highlight that The Demand Is Being Driven More By Viral Social Media Content than Medical Referrals. These Platforms Often Glorify The Drugs As Simple, Injectable Solutions For Weight Loss.
Ruqsar Rahman, A Clinical Dietitian At Burjeel Hospital In Abu Dhabi, Said That Social Media Platforms Often Portray These Drugs As “Magical Solutions,” Undermining The Importance Of Long-Term Nutrition And Physical Activity.
Rahman Noted A Shift In Patient Approach, With more Inquiries about Pharmaceuticals And Fewer About Dietary Planning or Physical Training.
“The Availability Of these Drugs Has Created The Perception of A Swift Fix,” She Added. “We’re Seeing People Bypass The Fundamentals – Like Sustainable Eating and movement – In Favor Of Weekly Injections.”
The risks Of Dependency And Weight Regain
Even When Appropriately Prescribed, Maintaining Weight loss After Stopping GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Presents A Notable Challenge.
Doctor Joseph And Rahman Have Both Observed Patients Regaining Weight After Discontinuation, especially If Lifestyle Changes Weren’t Implemented Simultaneously.
“Without Long-Term Behavior Change, Weight Regain Is Typical once The Medication Is Stopped,” Said Doctor Joseph. “This Is One Of The Biggest Challenges We Face In Practice.”
Rahman Compared This Pattern To Crash Dieting, Where Dramatic Short-Term Results Are Often Followed By A Quick Return to Previous Weight. She Emphasized That These Weight Loss Injections Should Be A Supplement To Sustainable Habits, Not A Lifelong Dependency.
The Promise Of Ethical And Proper Clinical Use
Despite Concerns About Misuse, Experts Highlight That GLP-1 Drugs Offer A Significant advancement In Treating Obesity, Particularly In Regions Like The Gulf, Where Sedentary Lifestyles And Diet-Related Diseases Are Commonplace.
“These Medications Are Not A Silver Bullet, But They Are A Powerful Tool,” Said Doctor Joseph. “They Help Bridge The Gap Where Lifestyle Interventions Alone Have Had Limited Success.”
When Used Within A Extensive Care Plan-Including Dietary Support, Physical Activity, And Mental Health Counseling-These Drugs Can Help Patients Achieve Lasting Success. Doctor Joseph Refers Eligible Patients To A Multidisciplinary Team For A Tailored Weight Management Strategy.
Rahman Concurred, Stating The Importance Of Framing the Drugs As Part Of An Evidence-Based Medical Toolkit, Rather Than Cosmetic Enhancements.In January 2024, A Study Published In “Obesity” Showed That Integrating Mental Health support With Medical Weight Management Significantly Improves long-Term Outcomes.
The UAE Ministry Of Health And Prevention (MOHAP) Has Reiterated That GLP-1 drugs Are Prescription Medications And Must Be Used Under Medical Supervision. Physicians Are required To Adhere To Established Clinical Protocols, Including Those Issued By The American diabetes Association (ADA) And the European Association for The Study Of Obesity (EASO).
As Interest In Weight-loss Injections Continues To Grow, Doctors In The Emirates Call for Stronger Regulation, Better Patient Education, And A Renewed Focus On Prevention Over Treatment.
“Obesity Is A Chronic, Relapsing Disease With Both biological And environmental Drivers,” doctor Joseph Concluded. “the Emergence Of Practical Pharmacological Tools Is Welcome, But We Must ensure they Are Used Responsibly, Ethically, And With Patient Safety As The Top Priority.”
Key Considerations For GLP-1 Agonist Use
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Approved Use | Primarily for Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity (BMI ≥ 30, or ≥ 27 with comorbidities). |
| Potential Side Effects | Nausea, gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, muscle loss. |
| long-Term Safety | Not well-established in non-obese individuals; caution advised. |
| Dependency Risk | High; weight regain is common after discontinuation without lifestyle changes. |
| Ethical Use | Should be part of a comprehensive care plan, including diet, exercise, and mental health support. |
Did You Know?
Pro Tip: Combining GLP-1 receptor agonists with a structured exercise program can significantly enhance weight loss and improve metabolic health.A 2023 study in the “Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” highlighted the benefits of resistance training in preserving muscle mass during weight loss induced by these medications.
The Global Market For Weight Management Was valued At $192.2 Billion In 2023 And Is Projected To Reach $295.3 Billion By 2032, Growing At A CAGR Of 4.9% From 2023 To 2032,According To Allied Market Research.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Estimates That Approximately 537 Million Adults Worldwide Were Living With Diabetes In 2021, A Number projected To Rise To 783 Million By 2045.This Highlights The Importance Of Effective Treatments Like GLP-1 Receptor Agonists For Managing Blood Sugar Levels.
What are your thoughts on the role of social media in influencing health decisions?
Have you or someone you know considered using weight loss injections, and what factors influenced that decision?
Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Loss Injections
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What are the specific prescribing guidelines and criteria for Ozempic and Mounjaro in the UAE, and how do thes differ from general usage guidelines?
UAE Doctors Warn of Ozempic & Mounjaro Misuse: Risks & Side Effects
Understanding the Concerns: Ozempic, Mounjaro and Obesity Treatment in the UAE
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as in many parts of the world, the demand for weight loss solutions has surged. This has led to increased interest in medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. Originally designed for individuals with type 2 diabetes, these medications are now being considered, and sometimes prescribed, for weight management. However, *UAE doctors* are voicing concerns about their misuse and potential dangers, emphasizing the importance of proper medical oversight and adherence to guidelines for diabetes management and weight loss.
The primary issue revolves around patients using these drugs without a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, frequently enough solely for cosmetic purposes. This includes off-label use of *Ozempic for weight loss* and *Mounjaro for weight loss* in non-diabetic individuals, driven by media trends and social pressures.This practice presents meaningful risks that UAE healthcare professionals are keen to address.
The Risks of Misuse: Side Effects and complications
The potential risks affiliated with the misuse of *Ozempic and Mounjaro* are substantial.These medications,while often effective for those with diabetes,can cause a range of *side effects* and complications when used inappropriately. Common side effects reported by patients include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea and constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Serious Complications: A closer Look
Beyond the common side effects, misuse can lead to more serious health problems.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Severe cases of vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration if the *Ozempic side effects* or *Mounjaro side effects* are extremely uncomfortable.
- Hypoglycemia: In individuals without type 2 diabetes who aren’t taking other specific medications, those symptoms are still possible but much less common. Nonetheless, it’s dangerous.
- Pancreatitis: The risk of developing inflamed pancreas increases in some patients.
UAE Doctor’s Prescribing Guidelines and Ethical Considerations
UAE doctors are ethically bound to adhere to strict prescribing guidelines, which serve the well-being of their patients and protect the patient’s safety. The guidelines emphasize that, while *Ozempic and Mounjaro* can facilitate weight loss, they’re not a worldwide solution. *Doctors in the UAE* are keen to highlight the proper usage of the drugs and the conditions under which they should be prescribed.
Proper Use: A Medical Perspective
The medications *Ozempic and Mounjaro* are mainly used for treating type 2 diabetes and are usually prescribed in conjunction with lifestyle adjustments. If the treatment is indicated and after comprehensive consultations, then the medications are used. Below are the reasons and guidance:
- Patient Evaluation: The evaluation includes checking the medical history and performing examinations of each patient, including lab work.
- Treatment Plan: Prescribing of the drug goes along with the treatment plan, along with counseling individuals on proper diet and exercise.
- Monitoring and Follow-up: Routine check-ups and monitoring provide insight into how patients react to the new treatment, including addressing any side effects of the drug.
Practical Tips: Safe and Responsible Use
For anyone considering Ozempic and Mounjaro in the UAE, it’s important to prioritize your health. Consider the following tips:
Key Recommendations
- Consult a Qualified Physician: Always consult with a doctor or endocrinologist to decide how to proceed.
- Inform your Doctor: Be upfront about your medical history, current medications, and other habits that you may have.
- Be Patient: Effective weight loss takes time. Have realistic expectations.
- Understand the Risks: Become aware of all potential side effects before taking the medications.
What to Do
If you’re in the UAE and concerned about your weight, visit a qualified medical professional. A doctor can assess your health and develop a custom made strategy for weight loss. Consider the information in the section above for the proper information.
