Geneva, Switzerland – The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning on Thursday urging the public and healthcare professionals to be cautious of counterfeit weight-loss medications, specifically fake semaglutide drugs that are commonly used for weight loss purposes.

The WHO highlighted the risks associated with consuming fake Ozempic, a popular weight-loss medication, that appeared in Brazil, the U.K., and the U.S. in recent months. The fake products, which were not produced by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of authentic Ozempic, pose serious health risks to individuals who unknowingly consume them.

According to the WHO, counterfeit medicines like falsified semaglutide can have detrimental effects on health, potentially leading to complications from unregulated blood glucose levels or the presence of undeclared active ingredients like insulin in the injection device. As a result, individuals may face a range of unpredictable health risks and complications.

The rise in falsified semaglutide products globally over the past two years coincides with increased demand for weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, both of which contain semaglutide as their active ingredient. The surge in popularity of these drugs, along with others like Tirzepatides, has contributed to a growing market for counterfeit weight-loss medications.

The WHO emphasized the importance of obtaining semaglutide medications through licensed physicians and avoiding purchasing them from unfamiliar or unverified sources, particularly online. With online scams related to semaglutide becoming more prevalent due to high demand for weight-loss drugs, individuals are urged to exercise caution and only procure medications through legitimate channels.

In light of the escalating issue of counterfeit weight-loss medications, McAfee reported a significant increase in malicious phishing attempts related to semaglutide from January to April, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and vigilance among consumers. As the demand for weight-loss drugs continues to surge, it is crucial for individuals to prioritize their health and safety by only obtaining medications from trusted sources.