Public warned against unsupervised use of weight-loss drugs

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THE public is urged to seek medically guided treatment and consult healthcare professionals before taking obesity medication.

This is amid the growing popularity of self-medication using weight-loss drugs purchased through unauthorized sources and the black market.

Wei Sun, general manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines, issued the reminder during a media engagement in Cebu City on Friday, May 15, as concerns continue over unsupervised use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.

"There's a lot of people sort of doing self-medication and perhaps coming from not exactly from the prescription from the doctors, and that's something that we strongly advise against," she said.

Sun said individuals should undergo proper medical assessment and diagnostics under healthcare professionals before starting obesity treatment, stressing that GLP-1 medications are prescription-only drugs that require doctor supervision and follow-up.

She also warned against self-medication practices involving weight-loss drugs obtained outside regulated channels, saying these bypass essential safety protocols.

Sun said obesity remains a major public health concern in the Philippines, citing data from National Nutrition Institute showing that four out of 10 Filipino adults are living with obesity, while one out of eight adolescents are also affected.

She added that adolescent obesity increases the risk of carrying the condition into adulthood, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

"And so, it's also to say that for any awareness, we also need to start early, in fact, that statistic is very similar in the Visayas area and also in Cebu as well, as where you are now," she said.

Sun said obesity is linked to more than 200 diseases, including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, and sleep apnea.

She noted that stigma continues to delay treatment, with many patients avoiding consultation due to perceptions of personal failure.

Sun said obesity is influenced by multiple factors, including genetics and hormones, alongside lifestyle.

“Obesity is affected by multiple factors. It’s affected by lifestyle, for sure, but it has a genetic reason behind it,” she said.

She added that body mass index (BMI) is used to classify obesity, with Asia-Pacific guidelines defining a BMI above 25 as obese.

The discussion was held during Novo Nordisk Philippines’ “Live Lighter” campaign launch, alongside the introduction of Wegovy, a semaglutide-based GLP-1 receptor agonist for obesity management.

The firm has also partnered with Rose Pharmacy to improve access to obesity care in Cebu and the Visayas, aiming to strengthen patient support and expand awareness of medically guided weight management.

The collaboration seeks to reduce barriers such as stigma and limited awareness while connecting patients.

Earlier, authorities arrested two individuals in Quezon City for allegedly selling unregistered Tirzepatide online.

Tirzepatide is a prescription medicine used for Type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, weight management under medical supervision.

The Food and Drug Administration confirmed the seized products were not registered, violating Republic Act No. 9711 or DA Act of 2009.(MyTVCebu)