Saxenda: The Era of Medicinal Weight Loss - Effects and Concerns.

Obesity is a global health concern that has been on the rise in modern society. Increased convenience, rising stress levels, and a lack of exercise, coupled with poor dietary habits, have led to a significant increase in the number of obese individuals. Obesity not only has negative implications for health but also imposes substantial social and economic costs. Consequently, there is a growing interest and demand for obesity treatment, leading to the emergence of various therapeutic approaches.

 

The global market for obesity treatment medications is expected to continue to grow, presenting a crucial challenge for a healthier society.

 

Recently, there has been a growing interest in medications designed to combat obesity, such as Saxenda and Wegovy. These medications have demonstrated the potential to reduce body weight, offering short-term solutions to the problem of obesity. Particularly, Saxenda has garnered worldwide attention for its remarkable effect, claiming to reduce body weight by over 20% with just one weekly injection.

 

The demand for obesity treatment medications has surged in South Korea as well. Hospitals and pharmacies in Seoul's Jongno area, often referred to as the "Obesity Medication Holy Land," have seen a high demand for obesity medications due to relatively affordable prices. However, there is a concerning trend of prescribing these medications to individuals with a normal body weight, raising questions about potential side effects and safety concerns. This has been pointed out as a challenge requiring government oversight.

 

Novo Nordisk's obesity treatment injection, Saxenda, has witnessed a significant increase in both imports and sales in South Korea. This surge is a result of Saxenda being perceived as an effective treatment option among obese individuals. Last year, the quantity of Saxenda pens imported into the country increased by 135.6% compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 1,095,080 units. Furthermore, the prescription count for Saxenda continues to rise steadily, and if this trend persists, it is expected to surpass the previous year's figures.

 

Alongside the increase in Saxenda sales, there has been a rise in online discussions regarding user experiences and side effects of the medication. Some users have reported symptoms of nausea and vomiting after receiving Saxenda injections, while others have shared experiences of abdominal discomfort and vomiting. These side effects are a cause for concern, especially when considering that the medication is being used by individuals with normal body weights.

 

Experts have cautioned against the use of Saxenda in individuals with normal body weights, citing safety concerns. Using this medication for non-obese individuals is an uncharted territory and raises worries about potential side effects and dependency issues. Therefore, healthcare professionals stress the importance of avoiding indiscriminate prescriptions, and the government is urged to take administrative measures to regulate the use of medications like Saxenda.

 

The global market for obesity treatment medications is expected to continue to grow, presenting a crucial challenge for a healthier society. However, the management of side effects and misuse of these medications must be strengthened. Collaboration between obese patients, healthcare professionals, and the government is necessary, and regulation regarding the effectiveness and side effects of these medications is imperative. To promote a healthier society, ongoing attention and discussions on these issues are essential.