Wednesday 18/March/2026 – 07:11 PM
The results of a recent study, the results of which were published in the Lancet journal, warned of a global increase in drug sales Fake obesityCounterfeit semaglutide has been found in 11 countries. These dangerous products may contain harmful substances or high doses of insulin, exposing patients to serious complications that may be fatal. Due to the increasing demand for them and their online sales, experts advise purchasing only from licensed sources and consulting doctors to avoid serious health consequences.
High percentage of counterfeit medicines to treat obesity
According to what was published in Times Now, the Lancet magazine issued a new warning that highlighted a worrying global trend: the marked rise in the spread of counterfeit medications to treat obesity. As people increasingly turn to medications to lose weight and control diabetes, counterfeit copies are quietly entering the market, posing serious health risks.
A new study has revealed a sophisticated and rapidly expanding global network of counterfeit obesity drugs, which has now infiltrated at least 11 countries. Scientists say that these illicit products are often sold through unsupervised online stores, and are often devoid of active ingredients, or, more dangerously, contain substitute substances such as high doses of insulin, which can lead to fatal medical emergencies.
What is the role of semaglutide in weight loss?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It mimics a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels, helping to reduce food intake and promote weight loss. It is commonly found in drugs such as Ozempic and Wijovi, used to treat diabetes and obesity. The effectiveness of these drugs has led to increased demand for them, but this has also led to a rise in counterfeit products.
The results of the study indicated that counterfeit copies of the drug semaglutide were discovered in at least 11 countries. These copies are not limited to sugar pills only, but investigations have revealed formulations containing substances ranging from harmful bacteria to high doses of insulin, which may lead to a severe drop in blood sugar that may be fatal.
These findings come in the context of research conducted by the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, as well as a review published in the Annals of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences that points to the problem of adverse side effects on physical and psychological health.
What makes fake obesity drugs so dangerous?
- Incorrect or inconsistent doses
- Harmful or unknown substances
- It does not contain any active ingredient at all
