Fit Individuals Still Relying on Weight-Loss Injections
Many fit individuals are increasingly relying on weight-loss injections to manage their appearance and maintain body weight. Amid rising popularity, experts are sounding alarms about the safety of unsupervised use, particularly for those without medical needs.
Weight-Loss Injections: A Growing Trend
Gabriela, a 40-year-old Brazilian lawyer, epitomizes this trend. Weighing 76 kg (11 st 13 lb) and standing 1.69 m (5 ft 6 in) tall, she found herself battling stubborn weight after the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite adhering to strict diets and consistent high-intensity workouts, her efforts proved unfruitful.
Introduced to weight-loss injections by friends, Gabriela began using Ozempic in February 2024. She purchased these injections from a pharmacy in Rio de Janeiro without a prescription and soon experienced rapid weight loss. She described her experience as “surreal,” noting a significant change in her perception of fullness when eating.
The Cycle of Use
However, the results were not sustainable. Following a stop in her injections, Gabriela noticed the weight slowly returning. This initiated a cycle where she would intermittently use the injections based on her appearance and social events. Over the past year, she has spent over $2,000 (£1,500) on these medications.
- Weight when starting: 76 kg (Gabriela)
- Height: 1.69 m
- Estimated spending: $2,000 (£1,500)
Risks Associated with Unsupervised Use
Health experts express concern regarding the off-label use of these drugs for cosmetic purposes. Dr. Bharti Shetye, vice-president of the Obesity Medicine Association, emphasizes that these medications are approved primarily for treating diabetes and obesity, not cosmetic enhancement.
In the UK, the NHS typically prescribes such medications only to individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher. Gabriela’s BMI was calculated at 26.6 when she initially began her treatments.
Another Perspective: Andrew’s Story
Andrew, a 49-year-old executive, shares a similar narrative. Weighing around 90 kg (14 st 2 lb) and standing 1.83 m (6 ft) tall, his dissatisfaction with his image led him to pursue weight-loss jabs. With a BMI of 26.9, Andrew obtained Wegovy and Mounjaro from an online pharmacy without stringent checks.
Like Gabriela, Andrew uses the injections cyclically, often before social events to control his appetite. Despite the apparent benefits, he also ignores the potential dangers associated with irregular usage.
Health and Emotional Implications
Experts warn of various health risks linked to sporadic use of weight-loss injections. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and constipation. More severe complications could arise from long-term unsupervised usage, including muscle loss and metabolic changes.
Cycling on and off medications runs the risk of triggering a yo-yo effect, where individuals may gain back weight more easily after stopping treatment. The psychological toll can also be considerable, as the pressure to maintain a certain appearance can lead to feelings of failure if weight returns.
Regulatory Changes and Future Outlook
In response to growing concerns, regulatory bodies in the UK and Brazil have tightened their restrictions on the online sale and prescription of weight-loss drugs. Despite these developments, individuals like Gabriela and Andrew display no intentions of discontinuing their use.
Gabriela acknowledges her reliance on the injections, while Andrew considers his approach a calculated risk in pursuit of a long-term commitment to his appearance. With the ongoing evolution of this trend, the dialogue surrounding the responsible use of weight-loss injections continues to expand.
