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"Weight-Loss Injections" Obtained Through Social Media May Be Counterfeit

Turkchem 15 Dec 2025 90 3 dk okuma

İstinye University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Associate Professor Sema Ketenci Şeren issued important warnings about the "weight-loss injections" that have become popular recently. Noting that drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide, were actually developed for type 2 diabetes, Şeren emphasized that while these drugs are effective in obesity treatment, unsupervised use poses a serious public health risk.

Assoc. Prof. Sema Ketenci Şeren, Department of Medical Pharmacology at Istanbul University School of Medicine, issued important warnings about so-called "weight loss injections" that have recently gained popularity. Reminding that medications such as semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, were actually developed for type 2 diabetes treatment, Şeren emphasized that while these drugs are effective in obesity treatment, unsupervised use poses serious public health risks.

As GLP-1 agonists, known as weight loss injections, rapidly gain popularity, use without medical supervision creates serious health risks. Experts say counterfeit products, incorrect dosages and social media guidance can lead to severe side effects ranging from pancreatitis to biliary tract problems. These medications, which can be effective in the right patient, should only be used with proper medical indication and physician supervision. Otherwise, the pursuit of "rapid weight loss" can turn into life-threatening consequences. Assoc. Prof. Sema Ketenci Şeren from Istanbul University School of Medicine, who provided information on this matter, said: "The 'rapid weight loss' narratives on social media have no scientific basis whatsoever."

Global use of GLP-1 agonist medications increased 6-fold over the past five years. In Turkey, demand particularly rose during the 2023–2024 period. Turkey ranks in the mid-to-high group in usage rates per capita. Off-indication demand increases are particularly notable in urban centers. Noting a trend similar to European countries, Şeren pointed out that social media influence is stronger in Turkey, and therefore uncontrolled use poses a greater risk.

"Use guided by social media is dangerous"

Assoc. Prof. Şeren noted that uncontrolled medication use guided through social media has increased in recent months, and counterfeit and illicit products have proliferated in the market, stating:

"These medications have potent pharmacological effects. Incorrect dosage, improper use or counterfeit products can lead to serious side effects ranging from severe nausea and vomiting to acute pancreatitis, gallbladder problems and gastroparesis. The European Medicines Agency warned that a significant portion of products obtained through social media are counterfeit."

Effective in the right patient, high risk with improper use

Noting that GLP-1 agonists are extremely effective in the right patient, at the correct dose and under physician monitoring, Şeren stated that clinical studies support this:

"In the STEP-1 study using semaglutide, an average weight loss of 14.9% was observed; in the SURMOUNT-1 study using tirzepatide, weight loss exceeding 20% was seen. However, these results cannot be achieved without regular monitoring and lifestyle changes. The 'rapid weight loss' narratives on social media have no scientific basis."

Not recommended for those under 18

Adding that these injections are not recommended for those under 18, and those over 75 require careful evaluation, Şeren said: "These medications must absolutely not be used outside medical indication." Regarding who these injections are suitable for and who they are risky for, Şeren stated:

"According to international guidelines, the groups for which these medications are recommended include people with a body mass index above 30, or those with an index above 27 who have additional conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or elevated cholesterol. However, those who have previously had pancreatic inflammation, those with very slow gastric emptying (gastroparesis), those taking numerous medications, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those with a family history of thyroid cancer are considered at risk."

Regarding side effects, Şeren noted: "Side effects range from temporary ones to consequences that would be considered life-threatening. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and dizziness. More serious side effects include the following: acute pancreatitis, gallstones and biliary tract problems, gastroparesis, and rarely hypoglycemia. Regular monitoring and dose adjustment are mandatory due to these side effects."

60–70% of lost weight may return

Stating that treatment usually needs to last at least 6–12 months, Assoc. Prof. Şeren reported that with discontinuation of the medication, 60–70% of the weight lost can return within 12 months in many patients. Saying "The injection alone does not provide permanent weight loss; lifestyle changes are essential," Şeren noted that the following symptoms require urgent evaluation: Persistent or severe abdominal pain. Repeated vomiting. Jaundice, dark urine. Fainting, extreme fatigue. Signs of low blood sugar. Severe constipation or inability to eat.

"Not a miracle, a medical treatment"

Assoc. Prof. Sema Ketenci Şeren concluded with this warning:

"These medications are prescription medical products. They should only be used with the right patient, the right indication and physician supervision. They are not obtained from social media or started based on friend's advice. Illicit products carry vital risk. These are not miracles; they are effective medications when applied according to scientific protocols."