Lives vs Likes, and Use vs Abuse
With the rise of groundbreaking medications like injectable Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, a shift is occurring in the management of obesity and diabetes. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and Tirzepatide, a dual agonist targeting both GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) and GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) receptors, have become hot topics in medical and social media discussions. While these drugs offer immense potential, they also raise vital questions about their indications, side effects, use, abuse and accessibility, particularly concerning the balance between obesity management and diabetes care.
Recently, these medications have gone viral on social media platforms, often being marketed as “miracle solutions” for weight loss. This trend highlights the dangers of misinformation and underscores the need for ethical communication and responsible usage.
A Glimpse into the Trend
Injectable Semaglutide, branded as Ozempic, was launched in the United States in 2017, and Tirzepatide, branded as Mounjaro, followed in 2022. Both drugs were originally designed for obese diabetes patients under strict medical supervision. Despite their success internationally, these injectables are yet to be launched in India, a country grappling with both high rates of obesity and diabetes. The longer a US FDA-approved medicine takes to launch in India, the higher the chances of its medically unsupervised misuse.
Nowadays, information spreads rapidly, and misinformation travels at lightning speed. It is plausible that these drugs may already be entering the Indian market through unofficial channels, which poses risks to public health. This scenario highlights the urgent need for all stakeholders to take appropriate measures to curb the spread of misinformation and ensure safe, supervised usage. Often, the desire for social media validation can inadvertently impact lives, emphasizing the need for mindful sharing of health-related content.
The portrayal of these drugs on social media platforms as magical solutions for weight loss has created a surge in demand, particularly among individuals seeking quick fixes for non-medical reasons such as aesthetic improvements or social pressures. This unregulated use threatens to tip the scale away from diabetes management, the drugs' primary intended use, depriving diabetic patients of their potential benefits
Ethical and Health Concerns
The unregulated and rampant use of these injectables raises critical issues. By bypassing healthcare professionals, consumers remain unaware of the appropriate indications, dosage, and potential side effects. Additionally, the high demand among non-diabetic users further exacerbates the supply-demand imbalance, making the drugs unaffordable for diabetic patients who need them the most.
Furthermore, the lack of oversight means that adverse effects experienced by Indian users remain undocumented, complicating safety evaluations. The current trend also risks overshadowing the importance of lifestyle modifications, which remain the cornerstone of sustainable obesity and diabetes management
Key Stakeholders at Risk
1. All End Users: Many individuals are unaware of the risks associated with these injectables, including potential side effects on the thyroid, pancreas, eyes, and other organs. Without proper guidance, they risk misuse and harm.
2. The Doctors: Physicians often find themselves sidelined as patients bypass professional advice, driven by the allure of quick results promoted on social media.
3. The Diabetic Patients: The inflated demand for these injectables as weight loss solutions risks limiting access for diabetic patients, potentially depriving them of these drugs' life-altering benefits.
Proposed Solutions
To address these concerns, several steps must be taken:
Ethical Market Launch: These products should be efficiently introduced through regulated, ethical channels with appropriate pricing and availability under prescription. This would ensure equitable access for diabetic patients while discouraging misuse.
Promoting Responsible Health Communication: Social media influencers have a powerful role in shaping public perception. With this power comes the responsibility to share accurate, balanced health information. "Influencers aim for likes but influence lives, and health matters deserve informed, professional discussion." Influencers must avoid presenting half-cooked medical information that could misguide their audience.
Consumer Education: Public awareness campaigns should emphasize the importance of medical supervision, the drugs' primary indications, and the potential risks of unsupervised use.
Balanced Advocacy: Emphasize the dual role of these injectables in managing both diabetes and obesity, ensuring their benefits reach those who need them most.
What Users Should Know
1. Injectable Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are yet to be officially launched in India.
2. These drugs, part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, are strictly prescription-based and require medical supervision.
3. They should not be used for aesthetic purposes or to shed a few kilograms for non-medical reasons.
4. Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, remain critical for sustainable weight and diabetes management.
5. These injectables are not a permanent solution to obesity and carry risks of adverse effects on various organs.
6. Always consult with your doctor to understand whether these treatments are appropriate for your health needs.
Food For Thought
The desire to create viral content on social media that promotes prescription-based pharmaceutical products—either directly or indirectly, consciously or subconsciously—poses a complex challenge for our healthcare system. While these platforms have significant reach, it is crucial to ensure that health communication is accurate and responsible. Being an influencer with millions of followers carries the power to significantly impact the thoughts and perceptions of a vast audience. Remember "With power comes responsibility" and "Lives should matter more than likes."
The distinction between general health information and professional medical advice must be respected. Medical information should be left to healthcare professionals, ensuring that it is accurate, unbiased, and tailored to patient needs. By fostering informed decision-making, we can uphold public health standards and ensure equitable access to these life-altering medications.
If you have questions about these drugs or other weight loss and diabetes management options, consult your physician. Together, you can determine the safest and most effective approach tailored to your health needs.
Regards,
Dr. Deepak Chaturvedi, MD., Internal Medicine
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for educational and awareness purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The use of brand names such as Ozempic and Mounjaro within this article is solely for reference and does not imply endorsement of any specific pharmaceutical product. These brand names are the trademarks of their respective companies.
Readers are advised to consult qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. The information presented here should not be used as a substitute for professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment.
The authors and publishers of this content disclaim any responsibility for adverse effects resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided. Always rely on licensed healthcare providers for medical decisions.