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FDA Warns Against Unapproved Weight Loss Drugs. A Billion-Dollar Craze—From Hollywood To Bollywood But Take Them At Your Own Risk!
These drugs are helping people shed pounds while raking in billions for pharmaceutical companies. But here’s the catch—not all weight loss drugs are created equal, and some are downright risky.
Let’s face it—obesity is one of the most common health challenges in the world today. For years, the medical field didn’t have much to offer beyond surgery. So, when a new class of weight loss drugs hit the market—promising significant results without the risks of surgery—it’s no wonder they became an instant sensation.
These drugs are helping people shed pounds while raking in billions for pharmaceutical companies. But here’s the catch—not all weight loss drugs are created equal, and some are downright risky.
FDA Cracks Down on Unapproved Weight Loss Drugs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued warning letters to four companies—Xcel Peptides, Swisschems, Summit Research, and Prime Peptides—for selling unapproved versions of popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs. These include GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are the active ingredients in household names like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro.
These companies market their products as being for “research use only” or “not for human consumption,” but the FDA has evidence that they’re actually being sold for human use. That’s a big no-no, especially when safety and efficacy haven’t been properly tested.
Another company, Veronvy, got flagged for selling unapproved and misleading oral GLP-1 products, with one even falsely claiming FDA approval. The FDA is giving these companies 15 business days to fix the violations—or face serious legal consequences like product seizures or injunctions.
Why Are These Drugs So Popular?
Semaglutide and tirzepatide have become the stars of the weight-loss and diabetes world. Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Ozempic rely on semaglutide, while Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and its weight-loss counterpart, Zepbound, use tirzepatide. Some of these websites were even offering retatrutide, an experimental drug Eli Lilly is developing for next-generation weight loss.
But it’s not just about the drugs—it’s about the demand. In 2023, the global anti-obesity drug market was valued at $4.51 billion, with combined diabetes and obesity drug sales topping $19 billion.
By the early 2030s, some analysts predict this market could skyrocket to $100–$150 billion.
The numbers speak for themselves. By 2035, an estimated 9% of the U.S. population could be using weight-loss drugs. That’s a massive customer base, and pharmaceutical companies are racing to keep up. They’re expected to pour over $50 billion into strengthening supply chains through 2028 to meet this growing demand.
Miracle Cure or Risky Craze?
Weight loss drugs are everywhere. From Hollywood endorsements to debates in the medical world, they’ve taken over conversations, stock markets and more but are these medications too good to be true?
Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic started the frenzy. Originally developed as a diabetes treatment, it became a household name after being adopted as a weight-loss aid. Then came Wegovy, marketed specifically for obesity. Now, Eli Lilly’s Zepbound has entered the scene, with its sights set on reshaping the weight-loss market further.
These drugs are a big deal, but not without controversy. Some see them as a life-changing breakthrough for obesity—a condition affecting 40% of American adults and linked to severe health risks like heart disease. Others worry they reinforce harmful biases against fat, making life harder for those who struggle with weight while draining their wallets and emotional well-being.
Before you decide, let’s break down the facts.
A Better Option or Just History Repeating Itself?
Weight-loss medications have a messy history. Remember fen-phen from the ’90s? It was hailed as a miracle until it was linked to heart and vascular problems years later. Earlier still, amphetamines were prescribed for weight loss before their addictive properties and severe side effects—like high blood pressure and aggression—made them untenable.
This history makes experts like Dr. Suneil Koliwad, chief of endocrinology at UCSF, cautious. “Initial FDA approval doesn’t mean we can drop our guard,” he warns.
But here’s the thing: these new drugs might be different.
What Makes These Drugs Work?
The latest weight-loss medications work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that curbs hunger and slows digestion, leaving you feeling fuller longer. GLP-1 also boosts insulin production, helping control blood sugar levels. Patients on Wegovy (semaglutide) lose about 12% of their body weight, while Zepbound (tirzepatide) delivers even better results—up to 18%.
These results aren’t just about appearances. Studies show GLP-1 drugs help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, tackling cardiovascular disease—the world’s leading killer.
More Than Just Weight Loss
What’s fascinating is how these drugs may offer benefits beyond the scale. Early evidence suggests they could improve depression, curb substance abuse, and even dampen brain inflammation. Researchers are exploring their potential to prevent neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Oral versions of these drugs, which could replace injections and make treatments even more accessible. But with popularity comes scrutiny, and experts urge caution as demand skyrockets.
The rise of GLP-1-based weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound has sparked excitement, hope, and controversy. While these medications promise significant weight loss and potential health benefits, they come with risks that demand careful consideration.
1. Side Effects You Can’t Ignore
The potential downsides of GLP-1 drugs are becoming clearer as their popularity soars. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue are common side effects, with many patients slowly increasing their dosage to manage discomfort.
However, some individuals feel pressured to push through severe side effects due to societal obsession with thinness. This normalization of symptoms like vomiting and extreme nausea—often fueled by TikTok videos—can be harmful.
For a small subset of patients, the risks are more severe. GLP-1 agonists can significantly slow digestion, occasionally leading to complications like stomach paralysis or bowel obstructions, prompting lawsuits against drugmakers.
Dr. Suneil Koliwad explains, “The stomach contents are retained sometimes for days on GLP-1s,” posing risks during surgeries or other medical procedures.
Additionally, concerns about the safety of GLP-1 drugs during pregnancy have been underexplored, despite the majority of users being women.
2. Off-Label Use: A Growing Concern
GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved for obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or for patients with related conditions like high blood pressure. Yet, demand has outpaced these criteria, with many people seeking the drugs for cosmetic reasons.
Telehealth platforms have made it easier than ever to access GLP-1 drugs off-label. Compounding pharmacies, responding to shortages, have started producing generic versions at much lower prices than the branded options, which can cost over $1,300 per month.
Experts warn that telehealth services often leave patients to navigate side effects alone, leading to complications that require emergency care or specialist intervention.
2. Supply Shortages, Disparities And Money!
The popularity of GLP-1 drugs has caused nationwide shortages, with patients often driving hours to locate a pharmacy that can fill their prescription. Dr. Rina Thiara notes that these delays discourage many, especially those already navigating systemic barriers to healthcare.
Even when supplies stabilize, affordability will remain a hurdle. Many insurers require a diabetes or cardiovascular diagnosis to cover these drugs, leaving others to pay over $1,300 per month. Medicaid coverage varies by state, and Medicare is barred from covering weight-loss drugs altogether due to a 2003 law.
This financial burden disproportionately affects marginalized groups. Obesity rates are highest among Black and Latinx adults, rural communities, and low-income populations—yet these groups are underrepresented in clinical trials and often can’t afford GLP-1 medications.
While GLP-1 drugs effectively curb cravings and reduce calorie intake, they’re not a standalone solution. Experts emphasizes that meaningful weight loss requires pairing the medication with lifestyle changes like exercise and balanced nutrition.
a) The Pressure to Look Better
While GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Ozempic are primarily marketed for health benefits, they’ve become synonymous with aesthetic transformations.
Instagram is flooded with “before and after” photos, many of which depict women celebrating dramatic weight loss. This visual obsession with body transformation has led to the rise of phrases like “Ozempic face,” referring to the realization that shedding pounds can sometimes reveal signs of aging in the face.
Dr. Rina Thiara, a weight loss expert, observes that despite being clear with patients about what to expect from GLP-1s, many still harbor unrealistic hopes of achieving their “ideal” weight. “A 12% weight loss is within the average,” she says, but patients often feel disappointed when they plateau.
b) The Cultural Backlash
The growing popularity of GLP-1 drugs has reignited fears that American society is regressing to its ’90s-era obsession with thinness.
This shift could sabotage the body acceptance movement, which has made strides in promoting self-love at all sizes.
Jason Nagata, an eating-disorders expert, states that social pressure to be thin never truly disappeared, especially among teenage girls, with two-thirds of them attempting to lose weight.
The rise of GLP-1s may aggravate this pressure, particularly if people fixate on weight loss at any cost.
While GLP-1s offer a path to weight loss, they are not without their pitfalls. Rapid weight loss, often a side effect of the drugs, can lead to muscle loss, strain on vital organs, and even psychological distress.
4) The Lifelong Commitment to GLP-1s: A Cure or a Crutch?”
One of the most pressing concerns surrounding GLP-1 medications is that they are not a quick fix but a long-term commitment.
According to studies, stopping the medication often leads to regaining the weight lost, which is a discouraging reality for many patients.
Thus, for many, the thought of lifelong dependency on a medication to maintain weight loss is daunting. Patients sometimes request breaks from the drug, hoping to indulge during social events like birthday trips. While brief breaks are possible, they often come with the downside of intense cravings returning when the medication is paused.
Experts suggest a model where patients use the drugs for a period to lose weight, followed by lifestyle interventions—such as coaching or structured support programs—to help them maintain their new weight.
They suggest that with a combined approach of GLP-1s and lifestyle modification, patients could potentially maintain their weight after stopping the medication, with periodic “boosters” of the drug as needed. This would still be a far more cost-effective option than relying on GLP-1s for a lifetime.
From Hollywood To Bollywood, The “Ozempic Face” Trend
Hollywood has always been a trendsetter when it comes to beauty standards, and the latest trend is no exception.
Weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic have made their way into the hands of A-list celebrities who have openly spoken about their use.
These drugs, originally designed for diabetes management, have gained attention for their ability to promote weight loss. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Elon Musk, Adele, Lorraine Bracco and others have been rumored to use these treatments to achieve their desired body types.
The influence of Hollywood has undoubtedly pushed these drugs into the limelight, with many people eager to replicate the figures of their favorite stars. The portrayal of slim, toned bodies in movies, fashion magazines, and social media feeds sets unrealistic standards for beauty, and weight loss drugs are seen as an easy shortcut to achieving these ideals.
Bollywood, much like Hollywood, has always been a hotbed for beauty standards, with actors and actresses expected to maintain a slim, flawless appearance. The pressure to stay thin is immense, with many stars constantly in the public eye, facing scrutiny over their weight. As a result, some Bollywood celebrities have turned to weight loss drugs to help them maintain their figures.
Some of the names doing the rounds include Sara Ali Khan, Karan Johar, content creator Kusha Kapila etc.
The Verdict
While these drugs may offer quick results, they come with ethical concerns and health risks that should not be overlooked.