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Semaglutide misuse and black market risks spark medical warnings
Health professionals are raising alarms regarding the rising use of semaglutide, most notably marketed as Ozempic, for weight loss. In Argentina, experts in Mendoza have noted that much of the demand is driven by aesthetic pressure and social media trends rather than medical necessity. Nutritionist Paola Navarro reported that over 80% of those interested are women aged 30 to 60, and more than 30% of those seeking consultation do not actually have overweight.
There are significant safety concerns regarding the misuse of the drug. Experts warn of the circulation of adulterated products in the black market. Additionally, medical specialists have documented the risk of overdose, which can occur through errors, improper administration, or attempts to accelerate weight loss. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Some patients may also attempt 'microdosing'—splitting larger, prescribed doses into smaller amounts to manage high costs—which increases the risk of administration errors.
While semaglutide is a highly effective tool for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity when properly indicated, professionals caution against the medicalization of aesthetics and the potential for banalizing the use of the pharmaceutical.
Entities
Alexandra Sowa · Mendoza · Ozempic · Paola Navarro · Sebastián Dalla Torre
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Over 30% of people seeking consultations for these treatments do not have overweight. newsonline.com.ar · www.elsol.com.ar
- [● 2 SOURCES] Health professionals have warned about the circulation of adulterated semaglutide products in the black market. newsonline.com.ar · www.elsol.com.ar
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Some doctors may prescribe higher doses to practice microdosing, a method used to reduce costs when insurance coverage is lacking. fuentesfidedignas.com.mx
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Common symptoms of an Ozempic overdose include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, and general malaise. fuentesfidedignas.com.mx
- [● 2 SOURCES] More than 80% of individuals interested in semaglutide treatments are adult women aged 30 to 60. newsonline.com.ar · www.elsol.com.ar
- [○ 1 SOURCE] It is possible to suffer an overdose of Ozempic by taking doses higher than those recommended by a doctor. fuentesfidedignas.com.mx