Weight loss medication
The demand for weight loss injections is on the rise
The global market for obesity drugs is expected to reach $105 billion by 2030, up from $6 billion in 2023.
Not since Botox® has a brand name become part of the cultural zeitgeist as “Ozempic”, one of a number of brands of weight loss drugs that have hit the market.
These injections work by suppressing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and delaying gastric emptying. By mimicking natural hormones released after eating, they can support adherence to diet plans and help decrease overall calorie consumption.
Some of these injections also lower blood sugar levels. When administered under prescription and ongoing medical supervision, they've proven clinically effective, particularly for individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
However, reports of counterfeit products being sold online and tragic incidents, like the recent death of a nurse linked to tirzepatide, known under the brand name Mounjaro, and reports that a woman in her 50s passed away after allegedly receiving an injection from an unlicensed provider, underscore the importance of education and careful patient selection.
Clinics need to stay alert to regulations and patient education to avoid counterfeit products and safety risks.
According to the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP), weight-loss injections must always be prescribed and overseen by licensed professionals in regulated facilities.
The JCCP has called for more stringent regulation of online weight loss treatment sales and greater public education about the dangers of unlicensed cosmetic procedures.
In an article on the risks of weight loss injections, the JCCP wrote: “We received over 50 complaints within a 12-month period regarding weight loss injections. This significant number of complaints in such a short timeframe highlights the growing concerns surrounding these treatments and underscores the need for increased scrutiny and regulation in this area of cosmetic medicine.”
Practitioners must consult their insurers to understand the scope of their coverage and take precautions to avoid liability.
CQC registration is mandatory for weight loss services that involve medical prescriptions. Where: “A medical practitioner provides or supervises advice or treatment in a clinic, including prescribing medicines, for the purposes of weight reduction.”
With the rise of weight loss medications like Ozempic and tripeptide, complementary treatments will emerge to address resulting skin laxity known as “Ozempic face”. This term has been coined to describe facial ageing that occurs due to the rapid speed of the weight loss achieved through using these drugs.
Increased demand for weight loss services: An opportunity to support patients with their weight loss by combining weight loss medications with dietary and lifestyle changes under medical supervision
Treatments for “Ozempic face”: A rise in demand for treatments to target the effects of extreme weight loss on the face
Medical oversight: Far from being a fad, the JCCP warns that weight loss injections are “powerful hormonal agents that should never be administered without strict medical oversight”
Increased regulation: Calls for increased regulation of weight loss medications following reported patient fatalities. Make sure you are vigilant about the risks and complications associated with weight loss medications
