German doctors warn against misuse of weight-loss injections

Medical professionals and organizations in Germany are raising concerns regarding the use of weight-loss medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, as lifestyle drugs. The medical association MEDI warns that these injections should not be viewed as quick fixes, emphasizing that sustainable obesity treatment requires long-term lifestyle changes and intensive medical and psychological support.

Physicians have noted risks including malnutrition and rapid loss of muscle mass, which is particularly dangerous for older populations due to its correlation with increased mortality.

In parallel, updated guidelines from the German Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ) and the German Obesity Society (DAG) address rising obesity rates among children. Data from the Robert Koch Institute indicates that approximately one in ten school-age children in Germany is overweight, with about four percent classified as obese. The updated guidelines suggest that for adolescents with obesity, medication may be considered alongside lifestyle therapy once the minimum approved age is reached. For cases of extreme obesity, specialized center evaluations are recommended.