By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – The Philippine College of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM) on Tuesday warned the public against buying weight-loss medications such as Ozempic from online sources, stressing that the drug should only be used under the supervision of a physician due to possible health risks and the proliferation of unverified products in the market.
In a press briefing, PCEDM vice president Dr. Elaine Cunanan said the medication’s generic component, semaglutide, was originally developed as a treatment for diabetes and has been proven effective in lowering blood sugar levels.
Studies have also shown that it can help reduce the risk of kidney complications and cardiovascular disease among patients.
Another medication, tirzepatide, has also shown similar benefits for diabetes management and metabolic health.
Cunanan noted that weight loss was initially observed as a side effect among diabetic patients using the drugs, prompting researchers to study their potential use in people who are overweight or obese.
However, the drugs should only be taken when medically indicated and under professional supervision.
“These medicines are effective, but it is best that they are supervised by a physician because there are criteria to determine which obese patients actually need them,” she said.
The warning comes as more Filipinos, particularly those who are overweight, have turned to weight-loss medications promoted on social media and online marketplaces.
Health experts see this growing demand as a reflection of the rising burden of obesity in the country.
According to the Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight and Obesity, recent data presented by medical groups showed that about 41 percent of Filipinos, or roughly 29.5 million people, are overweight or obese, placing more than four in 10 adults at higher risk of developing chronic illnesses.
Among adults aged 20 to 59, studies have also found that more than half are either overweight or obese, highlighting the scale of the public health challenge.
Doctors said the medications may be prescribed for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, even without diabetes.
Patients with a BMI of 27 or above may also qualify if they already have obesity-related conditions such as fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease or other metabolic complications.
For patients with diabetes who are also overweight or obese, the medications may offer additional benefits, including better blood sugar control and protection against heart and kidney complications.
Despite these advantages, health experts caution against the growing trend of purchasing the drug online, particularly compounded or unverified versions.
Cunanan explained that those sold online may contain the active ingredient and may also have other components that could cause side effects.
“So, meron na po kami nababalitaan na meron iba po na nagkakaside effect doon sa gamot na ‘yun (So, we have already received reports that some people have experienced side effects from that medication), she said.
The PCEDM has previously issued advisories warning the public against the use of compounded versions of the drug whose origin and quality are uncertain.
It added that other concerns about these drugs are potential contamination, and improper handling and storage.
Doctors also reminded the public that weight-loss medications are not intended for cosmetic purposes.
“For those who just want to be sexy, this is not the best way. Because if these medicines are stopped, there’s a chance that the weight will go back,” she said.
“So the dictum here is not just about the medicine. As what we’ve mentioned earlier, very important is lifestyle,” Cunanan added.
Health specialists stress that healthy eating, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and stress management remain the foundation of weight management, with medications used only as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. (PNA)
