Why the Weight Loss ‘Magic Pen’ Isn’t So Magical: Understanding the Dangers of Its Unauthorized and Unsupervised Use

Imagine if there were a pen that could miraculously enable us to lose weight and eat less. 

Jab that pen into your stomach once a week and, lo and behold, you’re much thinner after just a few months. 

Now, imagine that this pen isn’t imaginary, but is available through your doctor.

WHAT IS THIS ‘MAGIC PEN’?
For those still wondering about these weight loss ‘magic pens’, we’re discussing the latest fat-burner fad, GLP-1 analogues.

This group of medications first hit the market in 2005, but for a long time, they were only approved for improving blood glucose control in people with diabetes.

In 2014, one type of GLP-1 analogue received approval for use in helping overweight and obese people lose weight.

MANY PEOPLE WANT IT
Since their launch, these drugs have been in high demand.

Everyone with a fat belly and a big wallet—yes, the magic pen is not cheap! —rushed to their doctors to purchase these pens. Many left in disappointment, however, as their doctors told them that they did not meet the criteria to use these drugs.

So, what do these people do? They scour the internet for ‘lubang’ that will let them purchase these medications without a doctor’s prescription.

It’s illegal to sell or buy controlled medication in this manner, but that doesn’t matter to these desperate individuals.

DO YOU WANT IT?
Looking down at my belly, I would have to say yes, I do.

I imagine that every single person with excess belly fat would share the same answer!

I want it, but I haven’t used it.

REASON 1

ONLY SHADY PEOPLE SELL CONTROLLED MEDICATIONS ONLINE WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION

In Malaysia and many other countries, most controlled medications require a valid prescription. Furthermore, only licensed pharmacies are authorized to dispense these items. For someone to deliberately break the law and sell these items online, they would use a false identity to prevent themselves from being prosecuted by law enforcement.

When you buy from someone hiding behind a false identity, that person is now free from any form of responsibility. They can practically sell you expired, damaged, or even outright counterfeit goods without any repercussions.

REASON 2

THESE ILLEGITIMATE WEBSITES COULD VERY WELL BE SELLING DAMAGED MEDICATIONS

These medications need to be stored within a strict temperature range (2-8°C).

If you obtain these medications from licensed pharmacies, they will have measures in place to ensure the ‘cold chain’ isn’t broken from the distribution center, up to the point the medication is in your hands. The cold chain means the temperature never goes out of range mentioned earlier, even during transportation and storage.

If you buy temperature-sensitive medicine online, how likely do you think it is that the temperature will be maintained within the range during the entire process of transport and storage?

For it to arrive at your destination, it passes through many stages in the courier company, probably none of which guarantee proper temperature control.

Even if the medicine is legitimate, by the time it reaches your hands, it’s most likely been damaged by heat or mishandling.

What’s worse, the items sold online could have been damaged to begin with. Faceless, consequence-less sellers or unscrupulous pharmacists can sell off damaged goods at a good price online. They aren’t afraid of any ramifications, nor do they know you personally. So, dumping damaged goods online is an easy way to ‘salvage’ their profits.

REASON 3

THESE MEDICATIONS REQUIRE A PRESCRIPTION FOR A REASON

Despite the pen being approved for weight loss, it is still very much a drug.

Like all drugs, it has side effects, precautions, and contraindications.

This means that not everyone is suited for this drug, and the benefits outweigh the risks for someone only under certain conditions.

One of the complications that could occur with this drug is pancreatitis—the inflammation of the pancreatitis—which can result in severe pain and long-term problems.

There are enough cases of reported pancreatitis to warrant a warning included in the medication leaflets, and those who are prone to pancreatitis would not be prescribed this drug by a medical practitioner.

This is just one of many conditions that the prescriber needs to rule out before starting someone on the medication.

Since most of us aren’t medical doctors, you should always consult them before starting ANY form of controlled medication.

REASON 4

WRONG USE COULD LEAD TO HARMFUL SIDE EFFECTS

These GLP-1 analogues are not just weight loss aids, they are medications that can have profound effects on your body’s functioning.

They can cause nausea, diarrhoea, and even affect your kidney function.

Hence, using the ‘magic pen’ is not just about taking a shot and watching the pounds melt away. It involves proper dose management and regular health checks to ensure the medication isn’t doing more harm than good.

Misusing these medications, especially without a doctor’s supervision, could be hazardous.

REASON 5

THE LOST WEIGHT MIGHT JUST COME BACK.

While these drugs can certainly help reduce body weight, they aren’t a magic solution for maintaining a healthy weight longterm.

A lifestyle change is needed for that.

Relying solely on these drugs, then discontinuing their use without any dietary changes or exercise, would most likely lead to regaining of the lost weight.

Therefore, they should ideally be used as a tool to facilitate lifestyle change, not as a standalone solution!

IN CONCLUSION
The lure of an easy weight-loss solution is understandably tempting.

It is, however, crucial to remember that these drugs are not for everyone, require a doctor’s prescription, and must be used responsibly.

There are real dangers associated with their misuse or unsupervised use, including serious health consequences and the risk of using damaged or counterfeit drugs.

Most importantly, they are not a replacement for a healthy diet and regular exercise, which remain the most effective and  sustainable strategies for weight management.