Wegovy has garnered attention as a game-changing solution for those struggling with obesity. However, like any medication, Wegovy is designed for a specific group of people, and using it outside of its intended purpose can be dangerous.
So, what are the risks of not using Wegovy as directed?
Wegovy: more than just a weight loss solution
Wegovy (semaglutide) can lead to significant weight loss and improvements in overall health when combined with diet and exercise.1
But here’s the key point: Wegovy is not meant for those seeking cosmetic weight loss. It’s a medical treatment with a medical purpose, and taking it when you don’t fit the clinical criteria may do more harm than good. Studies only show the benefits of using it when a patient fits certain criteria.1
What happens when Wegovy is misused?
Misuse of Wegovy is becoming a concerning trend. Recently, a news report highlighted the case of a young girl who experienced severe side effects after purchasing Wegovy online to lose weight, even though she wasn’t overweight. She suffered from starvation ketoacidosis - a potentially life-threatening condition that resulted in her hospitalisation.2
This is not an isolated incident. The desire for rapid weight loss has led to a rise in people obtaining medications like Wegovy without proper supervision, with dangerous consequences.
Why you should get Wegovy prescribed by a physician
Wegovy, like all medicines, can cause side effects. The benefits of Wegovy for obese people outweigh the risks of the side effects, but for those with a normal BMI, the side effects can pose health risks.
Here are some of the major risks:
Severe low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia): Wegovy can reduce blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for people with insulin resistance. But for those without this condition, it can cause dangerously low blood sugar, leading to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and even seizures.3
Gastrointestinal distress: Common side effects of Wegovy include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. While these are manageable for patients who need the drug, for those taking it unnecessarily, they can lead to dehydration and other complications.3
Pancreatitis: One of the more serious potential risks, pancreatitis, is a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. It’s a rare but documented side effect of Wegovy, and misusing the medication increases this risk.3
Dehydration and renal health risks: Wegovy has been associated with dehydration and imbalances in renal biomarkers, which are indicators of kidney function and health.3
Risks of malnutrition: Wegovy’s appetite-suppressive effects may cause individuals, particularly those already at a normal or lower weight, to struggle with consuming adequate daily nutrients. This can lead to severe malnutrition and increase the risk of complications such as starvation ketoacidosis, a serious condition where the body produces excessive ketones due to insufficient calorie intake.4
Hair loss: Clinical trials found that 3% of patients taking Wegovy (semaglutide) experienced hair loss compared to 1% of people taking a placebo.5
Using any medication irresponsibly comes with risks, and Wegovy is no exception. It’s crucial to remember that weight loss medications are not a substitute for healthy lifestyle habits. Those who have been prescribed any medication should use it as advised by their prescriber.
The numan take
Wegovy is a medication designed to help people with serious weight concerns. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s certainly not a quick fix for those wanting to lose a few pounds for that perfect beach body. Misusing it can lead to dangerous health risks that far outweigh any temporary benefits.
If you’re struggling with weight, it’s important to focus on healthy lifestyle changes and consult professionals to guide you in the right direction.
References:
Jastreboff, A. M., Aronne, L. J., Ahmad, N. N., Wharton, S., Connery, L., Alves, B., Kiyosue, A., Zhang, S., Liu, B., Bunck, M. C., & Stefanski, A. (2022). Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205–216.https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
