Why in News
For almost every week in the last few months, newspapers have been publishing articles about the use of ‘magic injections that guarantee weight loss’.
This ‘magic injection’ contains a drug called Semaglutide.
Originally used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
This drug also results in weight loss.
However, many of the articles promoting these drugs fail to mention that this weight loss drug has not been approved for sale in India but is being administered by doctors to patients who are mostly affluent.
The press releases by global pharma companies advising patients not to use this product in India do not get any publicity in the media.
The media is also guilty of not reporting the significant side-effects that these drugs can cause.
For some of us who lived to tell the tale, this is eerily similar to Rimonabant and Fen–Phen.
What is Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a medication that is used for two main purposes:
Treating type 2 diabetes: It helps the body produce more insulin and lowers blood sugar levels.
Aiding weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight, along with diet and exercise.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it mimics the effects of a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.
Semaglutide is available as an injection or as a tablet taken by mouth.
It is important to note that semaglutide is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.
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