BENGALURU: The city's medical community is raising red flags as diabetes medications are increasingly being repurposed as quick-fix weight loss solutions, creating what doctors describe as a dangerous trend sweeping through urban India.
These pharmaceutical interventions, primarily containing semaglutide and liraglutide, were originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes but are now being prescribed off-label for weight management at premium clinics across the city.
The Price of Rapid Weight Loss
Dr. Prakash Doraiswamy, a senior endocrinologist, reveals the shocking reality: "Patients are paying anywhere between ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 monthly for these injections, often without understanding the potential consequences."
The drugs work by mimicking gut hormones that regulate appetite and insulin secretion, creating a feeling of fullness and reducing food intake. However, this mechanism comes with significant risks.
Serious Side Effects Emerging
Medical professionals report observing alarming side effects in patients using these medications:
- Severe gastrointestinal issues including persistent nausea and vomiting
- Development of gallbladder stones requiring surgical intervention
- Acute pancreatitis cases leading to hospitalization
- Substantial muscle mass loss alongside fat reduction
Dr. Doraiswamy emphasizes the muscle loss concern: "When people lose weight this rapidly, they're not just shedding fat - they're losing crucial muscle tissue that's essential for metabolic health and mobility."
The Rebound Weight Gain Problem
Perhaps the most significant concern is what happens when patients stop treatment. Dr. Sonali Kinagi, a consultant in internal medicine, explains: "The weight loss isn't sustainable. Once patients discontinue the injections, the hunger hormones return with vengeance, leading to rapid weight regain, often exceeding their original weight."
This yo-yo effect creates a cycle that's both physically damaging and psychologically distressing for patients.
A Better Approach to Weight Management
Doctors unanimously agree that sustainable weight loss requires a comprehensive approach:
- Medical evaluation to identify underlying health conditions
- Personalized nutrition plans rather than extreme dieting
- Regular physical activity tailored to individual capability
- Behavioral modification to address eating patterns and lifestyle
Dr. Kinagi stresses: "There are no magic solutions for weight management. These drugs should only be considered for severe obesity cases under strict medical supervision, not as cosmetic solutions."
The medical community urges the public to approach weight loss with patience and scientific understanding, warning that quick fixes often come with long-term consequences that could compromise overall health and wellbeing.
