An endocrinologist has warned against self-injecting slimming drugs, citing digestive complications, counterfeit products and the risk of regaining weight after treatment stops.
Self-injecting weight-loss medicines without medical supervision can be risky, endocrinologist and dietitian Anton Polyakov told aif.ru, warning that the drugs were originally developed for people with diabetes rather than as casual slimming aids. He said these treatments can cause significant side-effects, especially for the digestive system, and may also unsettle the body’s appetite-control mechanisms, making weight regain more likely once the medication is stopped.
Polyakov’s warning fits a broader medical picture. Medical News Today notes that weight-loss injections are prescription medicines intended to alter appetite and metabolism, usually for people with a higher body mass index, and are generally taken over a prolonged period. Common examples include liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are designed to be used under clinical supervision rather than as do-it-yourself treatments.
The concern is not limited to the medicine itself, but also to how and where it is obtained. Health authorities and media reports have warned that unregulated online sellers and informal markets can expose users to counterfeit products, uncertain doses and contaminated compounds. The Department of Health in Northern Ireland has cautioned that medicines bought from unverified sources may not be what they claim to be, while reports citing the World Health Organisation and the US Food and Drug Administration have highlighted the risks of unsupervised use, including serious gastrointestinal complications.
Polyakov said people should not buy and inject these drugs on their own, arguing that treatment decisions ought to be made with clinicians who can assess the whole body, not just body weight. That approach matters because not every slimming injection carries the same risk profile: WebMD has reported that some hormone-based products promoted for weight loss, including hCG, are not approved for that purpose and may bring a range of unwanted effects. The broader message from doctors and regulators is consistent: medicines marketed for weight loss are tools for carefully selected patients, not shortcuts to be used without expert oversight.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
