A warning has been issued by experts regarding the unconscious use of drugs known as "slimming injections", which have become widespread in the treatment of obesity in recent years.
Denizli Private Tekden Hospital Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Muhammed Raşid Aykota stated that using slimming injections without the supervision of a doctor, only for aesthetic purposes or to lose weight in a short time may pose serious health risks.
Stating that GLP-1-based drugs provide significant results in the treatment of obesity, Aykota emphasized that weight regain may occur after stopping the treatment and that the drugs should be used under the supervision of a physician.
'SLIMMING NEEDLES ARE NOT A SIMPLE WEIGHT LOSS METHOD'
Stating that GLP-1 receptor agonists and new generation drugs that work with similar mechanisms are effective in appetite control and weight loss, Aykota said that active ingredients such as semaglutide and tirzepatide provide significant weight loss in scientific studies.
However, Aykota pointed out that these drugs should not be considered as risk-free slimming products and used the following statements:
"It is not possible to deny the effectiveness of these drugs in the treatment of obesity. Active ingredients such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, developed in recent years, have provided significant weight loss in scientific studies. However, it is extremely wrong for society to perceive these drugs as simple weight loss products that can be used and stopped for a few months and do not pose any risks. These are serious medical treatments with specific indications, side effects and follow-up requirements."
TWO-THIRDS OF THE WEIGHT LOSS CAN BE GAINED BACK
Stating that one of the most important problems with slimming injections is weight regain after treatment, Aykota gave examples from scientific research.
He stated that in a study on semaglutide treatment, patients regained an average of about two-thirds of the weight they lost within a year after stopping the drug and structured lifestyle support.
Stating that in another study using tirzepatide, patients who stopped treatment experienced significant weight regain, Aykota said, "Obesity is a chronic disease that tends to recur. Losing weight by using medication for a few months does not mean that the disease has completely disappeared."
IT MAY CAUSE SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS
Stating that the most common side effects of slimming injections include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain, Aykota warned that more serious health problems may arise in some patients.
Stating that medications can slow down gastric emptying, Aykota made the following assessment:
"In some patients, long-lasting digestive system complaints, severe fluid loss and subsequent deterioration in kidney functions may be observed. Important complications such as gallbladder diseases and pancreatitis should also be taken into consideration. Especially patients who experience severe and persistent abdominal pain, continuous vomiting or significant fluid loss should be evaluated without delay."
Aykota emphasized that adequate protein consumption, regular resistance exercises and evaluation of body composition when necessary are important against the risk of muscle loss during the treatment.
LONG-TERM EFFECTS CONTINUE TO BE RESEARCHED
Stating that new generation weight loss drugs are an important development in the treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases, Aykota stated that research on long-term use and termination of treatment continues.
Aykota said, "Today, we have strong scientific evidence about the effectiveness of these drugs. However, research is still ongoing on issues such as the results of use for many years, how long the treatment should be continued in which patient, and how to achieve weight control after discontinuation."
He also reminded that patients should inform their medical teams about the weight loss medications they use before procedures requiring general anesthesia or deep sedation.
'OBESITY TREATMENT SHOULD BE PLANNED PERSONALLY'
Stating that the use of medication and surgical methods in obesity treatment are not alternatives to each other, but options that can be evaluated according to the patient's condition, Aykota said that the treatment plan should be prepared according to the person's health condition.
Aykota said, "While lifestyle changes and drug therapy may be sufficient for some patients, surgical treatment may be a stronger and more permanent option, especially in suitable patients with severe obesity or serious metabolic diseases. The important thing is not to apply the same method to everyone, but to choose the most appropriate scientific treatment for the patient."
