Weight Loss with Unapproved GLP-1s Can Be Dangerous To Your Health!
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease that is often misunderstood and undertreated. Health professionals focused on changes in eating habits and exercise don’t understand the now accepted understanding of obesity as an illness.
GLP-1 drugs have been a huge step forward in treatment of obesity, but unfortunately, Medicare and insurance companies have not covered the cost because of outdated perceptions that obesity is a cosmetic issue, not a medical one. That is changing in 2026, when Medicare is covering GLP-1 drugs for a select group of individuals to start. Hopefully other insurance companies will follow Medicare.
What has happened in the meantime is a proliferation of compounded GLP-1 drugs, unapproved by the FDA, hitting the market to make money in the short term. This has attracted many patients to unsafe alternatives, which are not FDA-approved and carry twice the risk of hospitalization. These patients deserve the same access to proven, FDA-approved treatments as those with diabetes or heart disease—but coverage gaps remain as only a third of employers cover GLP-1s for obesity, and most Medicare and Medicaid programs do not cover them either.
Unapproved GLP-1 drugs can cause severe side effects due to potential issues like incorrect dosing, wrong ingredients, or harmful contaminants, which can lead to serious health problems. Known side effects of the active ingredient, like those from FDA-approved products, include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as potential risks of pancreatitis and hair loss, but these risks are amplified with unapproved products.
Risks from unapproved products
- Incorrect dosage: Compounded drugs often come in non-standard concentrations, which can lead to users accidentally taking 5 to 20 times their intended dose, resulting in severe nausea, vomiting, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and even hospitalization.
- Harmful ingredients: Unapproved drugs may contain the wrong active ingredients, harmful substances, or be contaminated. For example, some compounded versions have been found to contain insulin glargine, which can cause an adverse reaction if mixed with other diabetes medications.
- Lack of safety testing: Unlike FDA-approved drugs, unapproved and compounded versions do not undergo premarket review for safety, quality, or effectiveness, meaning their contents and impact are not guaranteed.
- Specific adverse events: Reports have linked unapproved GLP-1 products to injection site reactions, intestinal blockages, and other complications not seen in approved drugs.
Common side effects of GLP-1s (risks are amplified in unapproved versions)
- Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation are common.
- Pancreatitis: There is an increased risk of pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas.
- Hair loss: Some studies and reports have noted hair loss as a potential side effect.
- Other side effects: Other reported side effects include gallstones, dehydration, and suicidal ideation.
What you should do
Verify your source: Only obtain GLP-1 medications from a licensed healthcare provider and a licensed pharmacy.
- Check the label: Carefully check the label for spelling errors, incorrect addresses, or other warning signs of counterfeit products.
- Ask your doctor: Discuss any unapproved drugs with your healthcare provider to understand the risks and determine if your medical needs can be met with an FDA-approved drug.
- Be cautious: If you experience any adverse effects, seek immediate medical attention and report them to the FDA.
Special Section: The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) – A Voice for Change
The obesity action movement is championed by organizations like the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), a national non-profit dedicated to giving a voice to the millions of Americans affected by the disease of obesity. Recognizing obesity as a complex, chronic disease—a view supported by the video content—the OAC focuses on health awareness, education, advocacy, and fighting weight bias 6.
The OAC is a vital resource for patients navigating the complexities of obesity drugs and obesity treatment. They advocate for improved access to care, including coverage for FDA approved drugs for weight management. Their work is essential in ensuring that patients receive evidence-based information and are empowered to make informed decisions about their health journey, promoting health safety over quick, risky fixes.
Special Section: Knownwell and the Expertise of
Angela Fitch MD
In the pursuit of comprehensive and compassionate obesity treatment, the work of knownwell and its Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Angela Fitch MD, stands out. Dr. Fitch is a nationally recognized expert in obesity medicine, advocating for a weight-inclusive approach to healthcare that is free of bias, blame, and shame 7.
Knownwell provides integrated primary care and obesity medicine, offering patients a path to safe weight loss and weight management through personalized, evidence-based strategies. Dr. Angela Fitch MD and her team emphasize the importance of using FDA approved drugs and providing holistic medical advice that addresses the root causes of obesity. Their philosophy aligns perfectly with the need for health awareness and responsible use of weight loss drugs, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care and avoid the pitfalls of unapproved substances.
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