As the allure of quick weight loss solutions grips the internet, drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro have surged in popularity among diverse age groups.
However, the growing trend of using these medications without medical supervision has raised alarm among health professionals. Concerns are mounting over the known and unknown side effects, particularly for those who bypass professional guidance.
Health Concerns and Personal Experiences
Abdul, a 43-year-old male expat, shared his journey with Ozempic. Originally using the drug without a prescription, Abdul has since undergone various medical tests after experiencing a series of troubling symptoms.
“The doctors had to be very thorough, and I was told to undergo different tests to make sure that the symptoms I’ve experienced were not something more sinister than just side effects from the weight loss injection,” Abdul revealed.
His symptoms included headaches, nausea, fatigue, and heartburn, leading to an abdominal ultrasound to scan his liver, kidneys, and intestines.
Dr. Haicam El Mourad, a general surgeon at Fakeeh University Hospital in Dubai, emphasized the risks associated with unsupervised use of weight loss drugs.
“Unsupervised use of weight loss drugs can lead to severe side effects, such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, insomnia, liver damage, and even stroke or heart attack,” he warned.
Dr. El Mourad also highlighted the potential for incorrect dosages, either too high, risking severe side effects, or too low, rendering the drug ineffective.
Diverse Motivations for Use
While some turn to weight loss drugs as an alternative to exercise and strict dieting, others have more personal motivations. Sania, a 27-year-old female expat, recounted her struggle with fluctuating weight and fad diets.
“I decided to turn to the injections after giving birth to my twin babies, as I just couldn’t seem to find the time to get to the gym and lose the excess weight,” she explained.
Despite using the drugs without a prescription for eight months, Sania’s main side effect has been extreme dizziness, which she counteracts by drinking plenty of water.
Another resident, Chris, turned to weight loss drugs after disappointing results from liposuction and rigorous training.
“Due to medications I have to take for my chronic disease, the progress I’m physically able to make was extremely slow, which after a period of time became very disheartening. So, I turned to weight loss drugs,” he said.
Helen, a 54-year-old female expat, found weight loss drugs alarmingly easy to obtain over the counter.
“I was recommended Mounjaro by a close friend after she told me how easily accessible it is. While I wasn’t completely convinced, all it took was walking into a pharmacy and asking for it, as if I were asking for a pack of Ibuprofen,” she shared.
Despite initial concerns, Helen was assured by the pharmacy that a prescription wasn’t necessary due to the low dosage.
Expert Warnings on Long-Term Effects
Dr. El Mourad emphasized the potential long-term risks associated with the unsupervised use of weight loss drugs.
“There is limited comprehensive research on the long-term side effects of using weight loss drugs without a prescription, however, the potential risks can be inferred from short-term adverse effects and known drug interactions,” he noted.
Indicators of health issues include heart palpitations, chest pain, jaundice, dark urine, swelling, persistent nausea or vomiting, mood swings, and depression.
Additionally, Dr. El Mourad warned against the use of unprescribed drugs due to the risk of counterfeit or contaminated products, which could result in additional health complications.
The unprescribed use of weight loss drugs may also exacerbate existing health issues or mask symptoms, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
The Path Forward: Medical Supervision and Awareness
As weight loss drugs continue to gain popularity, the need for medical supervision and public awareness becomes paramount. Health professionals urge individuals considering these medications to seek medical advice and undergo thorough health assessments.
Proper dosage and monitoring can help mitigate potential risks and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.
Abdul’s experience underscores the importance of professional guidance. After experiencing adverse effects, he now relies on medical supervision for his Ozempic use.
The comprehensive tests he underwent provided peace of mind and ensured that his symptoms were not indicative of more serious health issues.
For Sania, balancing her responsibilities as a new mother and managing her weight has been challenging. Her experience highlights the pressures faced by many individuals who turn to weight loss drugs as a convenient solution.
Chris’s journey reflects the frustration of those who struggle with chronic conditions and slow progress despite significant efforts.
Helen’s story raises concerns about the accessibility of weight loss drugs without proper prescriptions. The ease with which she obtained Mounjaro from a pharmacy underscores the need for stricter regulations and better enforcement to prevent misuse.
Conclusion
The rise in popularity of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro reflects a growing desire for quick and convenient solutions to weight management.
However, the risks associated with unsupervised use cannot be ignored. Health professionals stress the importance of medical supervision, proper dosage, and thorough health assessments to mitigate potential risks and ensure safe and effective treatment.
As the allure of rapid weight loss continues to attract diverse age groups, public awareness and stricter regulations become crucial in safeguarding individuals from the potential dangers of unsupervised weight loss drug use.