Doctors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are raising alarms about the increasing off-label use of diabetes medications, like Ozempic and Mounjaro, for weight loss. These drugs are being sought after by individuals who are neither diabetic nor clinically obese, posing potential health risks. The surge in demand is partly driven by widespread social media portrayals that suggest these medications are quick fixes for weight loss, without mentioning the possible dangers.
Medical experts warn that using these drugs without meeting the necessary clinical criteria can lead to serious health consequences. Some patients, after stopping treatment, have reportedly regained all the weight they lost, highlighting the unsustainable nature of relying on such medications without proper medical supervision.
The situation has raised concerns among healthcare professionals, who emphasize the importance of a more balanced, long-term approach to weight management. They stress that weight loss should be guided by clinical advice and not influenced by trends or online celebrity endorsements, which often present these drugs as a “magical” solution to obesity.
Experts also note that while drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are approved for treating type 2 diabetes, their use as weight-loss tools outside of clinical guidelines can carry significant risks. The growing demand for these medications in the UAE reflects a global trend, where more people are seeking rapid weight loss solutions without fully understanding the potential side effects.
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