Survey shows 25% of adults consider weight loss drug use without prescription

Injectable weight reduction medication are fashionable proper now however may be onerous to get as a result of they’re briefly provide or too costly with out insurance coverage. The result’s that some persons are skipping the physician’s workplace and reaching out to doubtlessly unreliable sources comparable to unlicensed on-line pharmacies or telehealth websites, which might expose sufferers to dangers.

A brand new nationwide survey from The Ohio State College Wexner Medical Heart reveals 1 in 4 (25%) of 1,006 adults surveyed would think about using an injectable weight reduction medicine with out consulting their physician. The explanations embody:

Decrease value (18%)
Not coated by insurance coverage (15%)
Unable to get a prescription from their physician (9%)
Lack of availability by way of a pharmacy (6%)

“It is actually essential for individuals who need to drop a few pounds to first talk about choices with their physician. It’s not one measurement suits all, and each medicine can have dangers and unwanted effects. A trusted physician can undergo a affected person’s medical historical past and present medicines to evaluate their explicit dangers and advantages,” mentioned Shengyi Mao, MD, an Ohio State inside medication doctor.

What are these new medication for weight reduction?

GLP1-RA medication (comparable to model names Ozempic and Wegovy) had been initially developed to manage blood sugar ranges in folks with kind 2 diabetes. Throughout security and efficacy research, researchers found the medication might result in weight reduction as a result of they will curb urge for food and sluggish emptying of the abdomen. Some research have proven they will decrease the chance of coronary heart assault, stroke or cardiovascular loss of life. In March, the FDA authorised semaglutide for lowering cardiovascular threat in adults who’re chubby or overweight and have established heart problems.

This yr, the FDA issued two warnings about compounded semaglutide together with stories of dosing errors leading to hospitalization and ineffective components. Compounded medication are custom-made alternate options to model names and made in state-licensed pharmacies as an alternative of by drug producers when a drug is briefly provide.

The FDA has acquired stories that some compounders could also be utilizing semaglutide salt, which is a distinct lively ingredient than the one authorised by the company. The FDA can be investigating stories of counterfeit Ozempic being marketed within the U.S.

“Weight problems is a critical and complicated persistent illness and should not be addressed in a one-size-fits-all method. That is why a complete weight administration program is usually your best option as a result of reducing weight and conserving it off requires a life-style change and lifelong dedication,” Mao mentioned. “These weight reduction medication could also be efficient for some folks however they will trigger critical unwanted effects and the load might return after they cease taking them.”

Survey methodology

This survey was performed on behalf of The Ohio State College Wexner Medical Heart by SSRS on its Opinion Panel Omnibus platform. The SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus is a nationwide, twice-per-month, probability-based survey. Information assortment was performed from August 16—August 18, 2024, amongst a pattern of 1,006 respondents.

The survey was performed by way of internet (n=975) and phone (n=31) and administered in English. The margin of error for whole respondents is +/-3.8 share factors on the 95% confidence degree. All SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus information are weighted to symbolize the goal inhabitants of U.S. adults ages 18 or older.