WHO Urges Public to Remain Alert for Counterfeit Weight-Loss Medications

Money | June 21, 2024, 9:43 p.m.

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning about falsified weight-loss medications, specifically counterfeit batches of semaglutide drugs such as Ozempic. The agency emphasized the potential harm these fake products can cause to people's health, including unmanaged blood glucose levels and unpredictable health risks. With a rising demand for weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, instances of falsified semaglutide have been increasing globally for two years. The WHO advised the public to only purchase semaglutide medicines with a prescription from licensed physicians and to avoid unfamiliar or unverified sources, especially online. Online scams related to semaglutide have been on the rise, with malicious phishing attempts increasing by 183% in recent months. It is crucial for both the general public and professionals to remain vigilant about the prevalence of falsified weight-loss medications to protect public health.