The truth about the GLP-1 RA miracle weight loss injection pen.

It was quite surprising to learn that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are being freely sold by non-professionals for the purpose of weight loss and "recovering a slim figure for women." Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Quang Bay, Head of the Endocrinology - Diabetes Department at Bach Mai Hospital, shared some information to help people understand the true nature of this type of injection pen.

Medical experts have issued warnings about the widespread advertising and sale of GLP-1 Semaglutide injection pens (illustrative image).

According to Associate Professor Quang Bay, GLP-1 RA was initially an injectable drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, especially in people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease due to atherosclerosis. However, because the drug also has weight-loss effects through mechanisms such as increased satiety, reduced appetite, and delayed gastric emptying, it is now also prescribed for the treatment of obesity.

However, GLP-1 RA is only indicated for obesity treatment in individuals who have not achieved their weight loss goals despite positive lifestyle changes and whose body mass index (BMI) remains above 25 kg/m2. All studies on the weight loss effects of GLP-1 RA were conducted against a backdrop of positive lifestyle changes. The duration of treatment to achieve the desired weight loss is typically over 6 months.

Mr. Quang Bay shared that the medication is effective (reducing weight by over 20%) in about 20% of patients, but may not be effective (reducing weight by less than 5%) in 10-15% of patients. Newer generation GLP-1 RA drugs are more effective at weight loss. After stopping the medication, about half to two-thirds of patients will regain weight if they do not maintain a good diet and exercise regimen.

This is an injectable medication (oral forms are also available, but less common), administered subcutaneously daily, with gradually increasing doses, as the drug has common side effects such as vomiting and nausea. It can also cause gallstones. GLP-1 RA is contraindicated in individuals with medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia.

Mr. Bay stated that currently in Vietnam, only one GLP-1 RA drug is permitted for circulation: Liraglutide (Saxenda). Drugs sold online, such as Semaglutide, are not yet authorized for circulation (specifically, they are awaiting approval). The law stipulates that only doctors are permitted to prescribe and prescribe this type of medication.

"Currently, due to the very high demand for this drug worldwide , there are many counterfeit and substandard products. Both the US FDA and the World Health Organization have warned about this," Mr. Bay added.

As reported by Giao Thong Newspaper, this type of injection pen is still being widely advertised on some personal Facebook pages and websites selling imported goods. Even more dangerously, the advertisements claim it "helps burn belly fat, quickly restores your figure, and can be used by any woman." The price of the injection pen ranges from 3.8 million VND to 4.3 million VND per pen.

In 2021, the FDA approved the use of injectable Semaglutide, a diabetes medication, to treat overweight individuals, adding another effective treatment option for overweight patients with a BMI above 27.

However, this type of medication is not yet approved for use in Vietnam.

Currently, several countries such as Canada, Australia, and some Asian countries have issued warnings about the quality of counterfeit drugs on the market.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/su-that-ve-but-tiem-giam-can-than-duoc-glp-1-ra-192241112144924773.htm