[Reporter's View] Regarding the obesity drug craze

There is one research and development item that is gaining explosive popularity among both global and domestic pharmaceutical companies –obesity treatment.

 

The use of obesity drugs has also increased dramatically with the significant rise in the number of obese people around the world.

 

Global sales of obesity drugs reached USD 6.68 billion (about KRW 9 trillion) last year, up 145.6% from USD 2.72 billion in 2022.

 

In particular, the success of glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonist obesity drugs such as Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound has attracted the attention of domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies to GLP-1 drug candidates.

 

Saxenda posted sales of KRW 1.225 trillion last year, up 9.8% YoY.

 

Wegovy’s sales surpassed KRW 300 billion last year despite facing supply difficulties.

 

GLP-1 was originally developed as a diabetes treatment.

 

However, GLP-1 drugs took a major turn when Novo Nordisk's liraglutide and semaglutide showed effect in weight loss.

 

During clinical trials of its antidiabetic drug liraglutide (trade name Victoza), Novo Nordisk noticed a weight loss effect among its enrollees.

 

Based on the findings, the company changed the dose of liraglutide and developed Saxenda, a GLP-1 drug for obesity.

 

The company used the same mechanism to develop Wegovy with semaglutide (Ozempic).

 

Both Saxenda and Wegovy are now in the global market, and their non-reimbursement prices have surged with their increasing popularity.

 

The problem is that the promise of effective weight loss through simple injections has led to increased use for cosmetic and dieting purposes.

 

There has been a significant increase in prescriptions for weight loss in people who are not overweight and obese or chronically ill.

 

The popularity of dietary supplements with unproven efficacy and side effects is also on the rise.

 

However, manufacturers only highlight the weight-loss benefits of GLP-1 drugs and neglect to warn consumers about their side effects.  GLP-1 receptor agonists are associated with various side effects.

 

Side effects of GLP-1 class drugs include muscle loss, acute kidney disease, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

 

In the United States, a recent case of acute pancreatitis was reported as a side effect of an anti-obesity drug, resulting in death.  Unlike diabetes, obesity is not classified as a disease and is therefore treated without reimbursement benefits.

 

Although it is classified as a risk factor for various metabolic diseases, such as dyslipidemia and hypertension, it is not regarded as a condition that requires medication.

 

The first treatment recommended for obese patients who visit an endocrinologist is lifestyle modification.

 

If the weight remains uncontrolled after lifestyle modification, doctors will consider using a medication, but they are cautious about doing so because of the side effects that come with it, including rebound weight gain.

 

While the overprescription of obesity drugs for cosmetic purposes is a serious problem, the lack of information on its side effects seems to be a major contributor to the misuse and abuse of obesity drugs.  The role of the pharmaceutical industry, which has developed and is developing obesity drugs, is also important.

 

While it is necessary to publicize how much weight loss is achieved with the use of each drug, it is also time for the public to be fully informed about their side effects.

 

“Miracle drugs” that can dramatically reduce weight are not free from side effects.