The recent trend of using diabetes medication as an off-label method for weight loss is a topic of considerable interest and concern among healthcare professionals. Last month, we asked 3400 healthcare professionals about their concerns regarding this new weight-loss trend in our M3 Pulse survey. Read on to find the results.
Obesity and overweight are growing health concerns worldwide. Since 1975, the prevalence of obesity has nearly tripled. In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight, with over 650 million classified as obese. This is a significant health issue, as obesity is preventable yet contributes to various diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and certain cancers.*
These challenges extend to children and adolescents. In 2019, approximately 38.2 million children under 5 were overweight or obese. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents aged 5-19 increased dramatically from 4% in 1975 to over 18% in 2016.
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In the last couple of years, diabetes medication available under various brand names, initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and later in 2021 for treating obesity, has gained substantial popularity as a solution for weight loss. The medication has caught the eye of not only healthcare professionals but also celebrities, who are increasingly turning to it to maintain their physique. On social media platforms, influencers are posting their dramatic before-and-after transformations, attributing their success to this diabetes medication.
The hype surrounding these drugs has led to a shortage of diabetes medication, expected to persist for several months, causing concern among diabetes patients who are dependent on it to manage their blood sugar. There have also been reports of pre-filled pens falsely labelled as diabetes medicine circulating among wholesalers in the EU and the UK, which has caught the attention of the European Medicines Agency. As with any pharmaceutical, there are potential side effects; users might experience symptoms such as nausea, dehydration, fatigue, and alterations in bowel movements.
Diabetes Medication Shortages and Concerns for Diabetes Patients
Physicians are reporting an increase in individuals without diabetes or significant weight issues seeking diabetes medications as a means of weight loss. Experts from UCLA Health advise those aiming to lose weight to thoroughly understand their treatment options before seeking prescriptions for diabetes medications. Matthew Freeby, MD, Director of the Gonda Diabetes Center at UCLA, acknowledges that many patients benefit from these drugs, particularly those with diabetes or obesity. However, he highlights that the shortages resulting from off-label usage are causing significant problems.*
Across the US, people with diabetes are increasingly finding it difficult to fill their prescriptions for certain diabetes medications. The scarcity has led to the need for reduced dosing or switching to alternative drugs within the same class. This situation often results in shortages of other brands, necessitating various workarounds.
How Concerned are Healthcare Professionals About the Use of Diabetes Medication for Weight Loss? M3 Pulse Results
Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disease characterised by high blood glucose levels, affects around 422 million people globally. About 1.5 million deaths each year are directly attributed to diabetes.
Over the past three decades, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, the most common form, has risen dramatically worldwide. This increase is concerning, as diabetes can lead to serious health complications affecting the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.*
In our November M3 Pulse survey we asked 3420 M3 panel members how concerned they are as healthcare professionals about the off-label use of diabetes medication for weight loss. See the full M3 pulse results below.
Do you agree with these results as a healthcare professional? Let us know your thoughts and concerns in the comment section below.
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M3 Pulse is a one-question online survey we conduct every month with our M3 panel members. It´s a fun and easy way to share your opinions about trending healthcare topics with a global community of healthcare professionals. If you want to participate in this month´s M3 Pulse, register and join the M3 panel today.
These results indicate a significant level of concern among healthcare professionals, with a combined 74% of respondents being either moderately or extremely concerned about diabetes medication being used to lose weight. 11% hold a neutral stance on the issue, while 9% are slightly concerned, and only 5% are not concerned at all.
Off-label Use and New FDA Approval for Diabetes Medication
“Off-label use” of medication refers to the practice of prescribing drugs for a purpose different from that for which the drug was approved by regulatory agencies, like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In other words, the medication is being used in a manner not specified in the FDA’s approved packaging label or insert.
It’s important to note that off-label prescribing is legal and quite common in medical practice. It’s often based on emerging research, clinical studies, or documented experiences that indicate the drug may be effective for conditions not included in its official approval. However, because these uses are not as rigorously tested and approved by the FDA, they can carry risks and should be approached with caution. Doctors typically rely on their professional judgment, guidelines, and research studies when prescribing medications off-label.
The off-label use of diabetes medications for weight loss is a trend that requires careful consideration and management. Healthcare professionals must navigate the challenges this trend presents, ensuring that the needs of diabetes patients are met while also addressing the global issues of obesity and overweight.
In light of recent trends and new research, the FDA recently approved a new diabetes medication for weight loss. The approved drug is designated for individuals classified as obese (BMI of 30 or higher) or overweight with related health issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. It functions by imitating hormones that control appetite and satiety.
Administered through weekly injections, these drugs have been shown to facilitate considerable weight loss. However, they can cause side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort and are costly (over $1,000 per month), potentially limiting access for uninsured patients and low-income earners.
This development is particularly relevant in the context of the global rise in obesity and diabetes. The approval of diabetes medications for weight loss is a significant step in obesity treatment but also raises concerns about drug availability, affordability, and proper use.
What are your thoughts around the off-label use of diabetes medication for weight loss? Share your opinions in the comment section below and share this article with someone who may suffer from diabetes or is considering losing weight.
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