The surgeon spoke about the consequences of uncontrolled use of pills for weight loss

Sales of drugs originally intended for the treatment of diabetes, but actively used to reduce weight outside of indications, have increased dramatically in Russia. On March 2, Natalia Bordan, MD, President of the Society of Bariatric Surgeons of Russia, told Izvestia about the consequences of uncontrolled use of such drugs and health risks.

According to the analytical company DSM Group, in 2023, the production of related medicines increased by 48% and demand also continues to remain high.

"The use of such drugs without medical supervision can lead to serious disorders in the body. Possible consequences include digestive disorders, sudden fluctuations in blood sugar levels, dehydration, nausea, and with prolonged use, hormonal disruptions and metabolic disorders," the expert noted.

In addition to the main consequences, it can also affect aesthetic aspects: sagging skin, loss of tone, which is especially important with a sharp weight loss, Bordan said.

The doctor noted that drug therapy can be an auxiliary tool in the fight against obesity, but its use should be strictly regulated by specialists. Prescribing medications should be based on individual indications, taking into account the patient's health status and potential risks, the doctor emphasized.

Obesity is a chronic, recurrent disease that requires a comprehensive approach. Lifestyle changes are necessary for effective control and treatment: following a balanced diet, increasing physical activity, and forming healthy habits. In some cases, when it is difficult for a person to fight obesity on their own and their body mass index (BMI) exceeds 40 or 35 in the presence of serious diseases (such as diabetes, sleep apnea, joint problems, and others), specialists resort to bariatric surgery, she said.

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On February 3, Invitro endocrinologist Valeria Ivanitskaya told Izvestia about the dangers of using drugs for people with diabetes for weight loss. According to her, this can lead to the loss of not only fat, but also muscle tissue. As a result, the basic metabolism may slow down, the body composition may deteriorate, which does not have a good effect on the whole body.