One of the most remarkable studies ever regarding GLP-1 group drugs, which is one of the most popular methods for those who want to lose weight in recent years, has been published. Scientists examining electronic health records between 2021 and 2025 in the USA determined that among 92 million 415 thousand 648 adults, 1 million 133 thousand 953 people were prescribed GLP-1 medication even though there was no clear reason for use in their files. Moreover, the usage rate in this group has increased 15 times in just four years. The picture revealed by the research has also reignited the debates about the growing “slimming injection” trend in the world. The use of these drugs, which have become widespread with the desire to lose weight faster and look fit in a short time, without the control of a physician and unconsciously, has brought about the risks of serious side effects. Slimming needles, which are sold at prices starting from 9 thousand TL to 30 thousand TL in Türkiye, have turned into a giant market of approximately 30 billion dollars on a global scale.
THEY USE IT AT NORMAL WEIGHT
One of the most striking results of the research published in the journal Obesity on September 22, 2026 was the body weight profile of those using medication. The body mass index of 35.1 percent of those for whom no approved reason for use was seen in the medical records was within the normal range. While the average BMI was calculated as 25.9 in these people, it was recorded as 24.5 in the comparison group that did not use GLP-1. It was also noteworthy that 85.5 percent of the users were women. HEThe emerging picture has reignited discussions about whether GLP-1 drugs can go beyond the treatment of diabetes and obesity and be used to lose a few kilos, look slimmer, or benefit from other benefits that have not yet been scientifically proven.
EATING DISORDER IS 6 TIMES
Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Ayça Kaya stated that even people who are only 3-5 kilos overweight turn to slimming injections, and that uncontrolled use in those who are obsessed with weight can further disrupt eating behavior, and brought the following warnings to the agenda: “One of the most dangerous points about slimming injections today is that people who are not actually obese are turning to these drugs. People who are three to five kilos overweight, or even those whose weight is within normal limits, want to get results very quickly. However, these drugs are not an innocent aesthetic tool; they directly affect the appetite mechanism, gastric emptying and eating behavior.”
A PHYSICIAN’S CONTROL IS REQUIRED
“The situation may get worse, especially in people who are obsessed with weight, are constantly weighing themselves, are afraid of eating, or have had an eating disorder in the past. The person may start skipping meals because they think they are not hungry, eating less and less, and not being able to get enough protein. While the drop in the weight gives happiness, muscle loss, weakness, hair loss, and nutritional deficiencies may be overlooked. After a while, the person may also be afraid to stop taking the drug, because anxiety about gaining weight again may develop. It is definitely not right to use these drugs for the sole purpose of losing a few kilos, without the supervision of a physician. Any rapid weight loss may be overlooked. Loss should not be seen as success. The goal of healthy weight loss is not just to lower the scale; It is to protect muscle, metabolism and healthy eating behavior.”
CAPITALIST MARKET WARNING!
Prof. Dr. Osman Erk (Internal Medicine Specialist)
“Slimming drugs must be used under the supervision of a doctor. The concept of ‘I bought them from the pharmacy, I did them according to my wishes’ is extremely wrong. The target of weight loss is fat tissue, but these drugs can also cause muscle and bone loss in some people. Even the appearance of the person can change, especially when there is wasting of the facial muscles. Uncontrolled use also carries serious risks such as pancreatitis. Moreover, this craze has not only medical but also economic and environmental dimensions. The capitalist agricultural system and the chemical production chain are also a part of this picture.”
