Step into any upscale clinic in Kuala Lumpur, and you will find it. Scroll through your social media feed, and you will see them advertised with a budget-friendly price tag and flexible payment plans.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) – semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide – are all the rage in Malaysia right now.
GLP-1 was originally prescribed mainly for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, helping them to regulate their blood sugar levels and slow down digestion.
Interestingly enough, these drugs were recently embraced by the public as a “safe” weight loss solution and marketed as a “miracle injection”.
This influencer-endorsed secret to rapid weight loss promises a slimmer body without breaking a sweat at the gym or sacrificing your favourite ayam gepuk and roti canai. But while this drug may seem like an easy solution, there are serious concerns beneath the hype.
In Malaysia, where obesity rates have skyrocketed and are the highest in Southeast Asia, the temptation to give in this quick weight-loss solution is understandable. However, the question remains: where do we draw the line?
Recent evidence has shown that rapid weight loss via such drugs may lead to significant side effects. Some experience persistent stomach discomfort and nausea, while others may suffer from dizziness or heart palpitations. These symptoms can negatively impact daily life and well-being.
Without proper medical supervision, these side effects may worsen or lead to more serious complications. Weight loss should never come at the cost of one’s overall health.
An even more alarming issue is the rise of black market sales of GLP-1 drugs like Retatrutide, which are still undergoing clinical trial yet been approve by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These drugs are being sold illegally at lower prices without prescription.
A quick Google search of Retatrutide will find unauthorised sellers offering it at a cheap price. While the Ministry of Health (MOH) has stressed that this drug should only be used with a doctor’s prescription, some individuals are risking their health by purchasing it from the black market in an attempt to lose a few inches of their waistlines.
These unregulated products carry unknown risks such as incorrect dosages, contamination, and counterfeit substances, which may put users in danger. When complications arise, seeking help becomes complicated as users often do not know the source of their medication. This unchecked trade threatens public health.
This is why urgent action is needed. The MOH must enforce stricter regulations against unregistered and illegal sellers. Clinics offering GLP-1 injections should follow clear guidelines to ensure patient safety and proper monitoring.
At the same time, public education campaigns that provide accurate information about GLP-1 are essential. We need to promote healthy, safe approaches to weight management rather than quick fixes that could undermine wellness.
Weight loss matters, but it cannot come at the expense of health and safety. Without decisive measures, the current surge in GLP-1 usage will harm more Malaysians than it helps. The time to act is now.
Lisa Amanda Gintingan and Ho Sweet Lee are from the School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
