Overweight
Hype about weight loss injections – warning against misconceptions
In order to shed the pounds, those affected often resort to weight loss injections. photo
© Franziska Kraufmann/dpa
Many people struggle with their weight. Medications that sound like simple remedies are in demand. Experts make it clear that there is currently no miracle cure.
In fact, the intake must be embedded in an overall concept with lifestyle changes, such as a change in diet and more exercise, said DDG Vice President Julia Szendrödi from Heidelberg University Hospital.
If the medication is stopped, the weight will otherwise increase again. Side effects could include severe nausea. Szendrödi emphasized that medical support is always needed.
It’s about these preparations
It’s about so-called GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide, which became known to the general public with names such as weight loss injection. Such preparations have long been used by patients with diabetes. With them, the benefit can be carefully weighed up against the risk, said Szendrödi. However, the previous findings cannot automatically be transferred to people with a healthy metabolism. Approval for obesity is now new; legally insured patients usually have to pay for such products themselves. Schulz does not initially expect any change in this regard.
There will also continue to be “massive supply bottlenecks” for all GLP-1 receptor agonists and will likely continue throughout the year, said Schulz. Manufacturers have not yet been able to meet the enormous global increase in demand. The consequences of the high demand include fake prescriptions, exceptionally high prescription quantities on normal prescriptions and prescriptions by non-specialist doctors.
These funds would have value on the international black market. Fake syringes were “almost certainly” not received by patients in Germany. They were relabeled insulin pens. “This is a catastrophe for the people who rely on drug safety in Germany,” said Schulz. Pharmacies would have had to open every single package to check its authenticity.