Warning from the European Medicines Agency: “Weight-Loss Injections” Obtained via Social Media May Be Counterfeit
GLP-1 receptor agonists, commonly referred to as “weight-loss injections,” have rapidly gained popularity in recent years. However, their use without medical supervision poses serious health risks. Experts warn that counterfeit products, incorrect dosing, and guidance obtained through social media may lead to severe adverse effects, ranging from pancreatitis to biliary tract disorders. Although these medications can be effective in appropriately selected patients, they should be used strictly under medical indication and physician supervision. Otherwise, the pursuit of “rapid weight loss” may result in life-threatening consequences.
Providing insight into this issue, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sema Ketenci Şeren, a faculty member at the Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, emphasized that narratives promoting “rapid weight loss” on social media have no scientific basis.
Unsupervised Use of GLP-1 Agonists Poses a Public Health Risk
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şeren, from the Department of Medical Pharmacology at Istinye University Faculty of Medicine, issued important warnings regarding the increasing popularity of so-called “weight-loss injections.” She noted that medications such as semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide—classified as GLP-1 receptor agonists—were originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. While these agents have demonstrated efficacy in the management of obesity, their inappropriate and unsupervised use represents a serious public health concern.
The global use of GLP-1 agonists has increased sixfold over the past five years. In Türkiye, demand rose particularly during the 2023–2024 period, placing the country in the medium-to-high usage category relative to population size. Off-label demand, especially in urban centers, has increased markedly. Although trends are similar to those observed in European countries, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şeren highlighted that the influence of social media is stronger in Türkiye, thereby amplifying the risks associated with uncontrolled use.
“Use Driven by Social Media Is Dangerous”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şeren reported a recent increase in unsupervised medication use driven by social media, accompanied by the proliferation of illicit and counterfeit products:
“These drugs have potent pharmacological effects. Incorrect dosing, improper use, or counterfeit products can lead to serious adverse effects, including severe nausea and vomiting, acute pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and gastroparesis. The European Medicines Agency has warned that a significant proportion of products obtained via social media are counterfeit.”
Effective in the Right Patient, High Risk When Misused
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şeren emphasized that GLP-1 agonists can be highly effective when prescribed to appropriate patients at correct doses and under physician supervision, as confirmed by clinical trials:
“In the STEP-1 trial involving semaglutide, an average weight loss of 14.9% was observed. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial using tirzepatide, weight loss exceeded 20%. However, these outcomes cannot be achieved without regular follow-up and lifestyle modifications. Claims of ‘rapid weight loss’ circulating on social media have no scientific validity.”
Not Recommended for Individuals Under 18 Years of Age
She added that these injections are not recommended for individuals under 18 years of age and should be used with caution in those over 75. According to international guidelines, candidates for GLP-1 agonist therapy include individuals with a body mass index (BMI) above 30 kg/m², or those with a BMI above 27 kg/m² accompanied by comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia.
However, individuals with a history of pancreatitis, severe delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis), polypharmacy, pregnancy or lactation, or a family history of thyroid cancer are considered high-risk and should not use these medications.
Regarding adverse effects, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şeren stated:
“Side effects range from mild and transient to potentially life-threatening. Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and dizziness. More serious complications include acute pancreatitis, gallstones and biliary tract disorders, gastroparesis, and, rarely, hypoglycemia. For these reasons, regular monitoring and dose adjustments are mandatory.”
Up to 60–70% of Lost Weight May Be Regained
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şeren noted that treatment typically needs to continue for at least 6–12 months and that, upon discontinuation, 60–70% of the lost weight may be regained within 12 months in many individuals. She stressed that injectable therapy alone does not ensure sustainable weight loss and must be accompanied by lifestyle changes.
Symptoms requiring urgent medical evaluation include persistent or severe abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting, jaundice or dark urine, syncope or extreme fatigue, signs of hypoglycemia, and severe constipation or inability to eat.
“Not a Miracle, but a Medical Treatment”
Concluding her remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sema Ketenci Şeren emphasized:
“These medications are prescription-only medical products. They should be used solely in the right patient, for the right indication, and under physician supervision. They should not be obtained through social media or initiated based on peer recommendations. Illicit products pose life-threatening risks. These are not miracle solutions; they are effective treatments only when applied in accordance with scientific protocols.”
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