MFDS warns against misuse of GLP-1 obesity drugs

Patients should use GLP-1 obesity drugs only as approved indications with a physician's prescription

Unverified products purchased through overseas direct purchases pose significant safety risks.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has warned against the misuse and abuse of GLP-1-based obesity treatments, urging consumers not to use products purchased through overseas direct purchases. The agency also announced plans to intensify inspections of misleading advertisements by pharmacies and medical institutions.

On July 8, the MFDS announced so following media reports on the growing misuse of GLP-1 obesity medications. The agency emphasized that these products should be used only in patients who meet the approved indications for obesity treatment and strictly in accordance with the approved prescribing information under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

GLP-1 class obesity drugs contain glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, delays gastric emptying, and promotes weight loss.

These medicines are indicated for: ‘adults with obesity and an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher,’ or ‘overweight adults with a BMI between 27 kg/m² and less than 30 kg/m² who have at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as hypertension.

When GLP-1 obesity medications approved for adolescents are prescribed, special caution is also required because adolescents are still growing. Healthcare providers should closely monitor for insufficient nutritional intake and excessive weight loss that could affect growth, as well as gastrointestinal adverse events leading to dehydration and acute pancreatitis.

The MFDS also noted that these products are often mistakenly perceived as simple "diet pills," leading to inappropriate use. The agency stressed that obesity treatments are prescription-only medicines and must be used only after being prescribed by a physician and accompanied by proper medication counseling from a pharmacist.

In particular, products obtained through overseas direct purchases have not been approved in Korea, meaning their safety and efficacy have not been adequately verified. Also, because their manufacturing and distribution history cannot be confirmed, such products may be counterfeit or substandard medicines, posing significant health risks. Furthermore, consumers who experience harm after using these products may have difficulty obtaining legal protection, including product recalls or compensation.

To promote the safe use of obesity medications and improve public understanding, the MFDS plans to produce card news materials and short-form videos for distribution through social media. The agency will also work with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family to provide information on the safe use of obesity medications through websites frequently visited by adolescents and parents.

In addition, in cooperation with local governments, the MFDS plans to conduct intensive inspections and follow-up actions on medical institutions and pharmacies regarding off-label promotion and false or misleading advertising of obesity treatments.

An MFDS official said, "We will continue making every effort to improve users' understanding of obesity treatments and actively provide information on their safe use within the approved indications, fostering an environment that supports the safe use of medicines."