Medical experts across Pakistan have raised serious concerns over the rapidly increasing misuse of Semaglutide, a drug originally designed to help manage blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. In recent months, the medication has become widely popular among celebrities, influencers, and public figures seeking fast weight loss — a trend that doctors say is both unsafe and medically irresponsible.
A Diabetes Drug Turned Viral Weight Loss Shortcut
Semaglutide works by slowing down stomach emptying, which makes people feel full for longer periods. This reduction in appetite often leads to quick weight loss, which has made the drug extremely popular — particularly on social media platforms where dramatic transformations are frequently showcased.
However, health experts warn that this viral popularity is creating a dangerous culture of self-medication, where people begin using the drug without understanding the risks.
Common Side Effects Can Become Dangerous Without Medical Supervision
Doctors report that even the basic side effects — such as:
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Abdominal pain
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Diarrhea
can worsen quickly when the drug is used improperly.
Plastic surgeons and general surgeons confirm that they are seeing more and more patients, particularly celebrities, suffering complications due to misuse.
Many Users Are Injecting Unsafe Doses
One of the biggest dangers is incorrect dosing.
Medical experts say many individuals:
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Start with high doses
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Inject multiple times a week
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Follow dosage tips from social media rather than doctors
The recommended starting dose is 0.25 mg once a week, but users seeking rapid results often exceed this drastically.
Experts warn that such patterns can lead to life-threatening medical conditions, including:
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Pancreatitis
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Thyroid cancer risk
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Gallstones
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Severe dehydration
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Worsening diabetic retinopathy
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Vision changes
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Mood disturbances and psychiatric effects
Reduced food intake combined with dehydration often causes extreme physical weakness, forcing some users to seek emergency medical care.
Celebrity Trend Driving a Public Health Concern
Doctors say one of the biggest reasons behind misuse is the trend among public personalities, who often seek quick physical transformations due to constant media visibility.
Surgeons report that many individuals arrive at clinics with complications after trying to use Semaglutide as a shortcut instead of adopting medically supervised, safe weight-loss plans.
Doctors Urge Strict Medical Oversight
Experts emphasize that Semaglutide can be effective for weight management — but only when a qualified doctor prescribes it, monitors the dosage, and checks for side effects.
Using the drug without supervision, they warn, can result in long-term, irreversible health damage.
Doctors urge the public to avoid following celebrity trends or experimenting with injections purchased unofficially, stressing that no weight loss is worth risking life-threatening complications.
