INDISCRIMINATE USE OF LIRAGLUTIDE AND SEMAGLUTIDE FOR WEIGHT LOSS

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1593492303076

• Palavras-chave: medication, semaglutide, liraglutide, weight loss, indiscriminate use, adverse effects, health risk.

• Keywords: medication, semaglutide, liraglutide, weight loss, indiscriminate use, adverse effects, health risk.

• Abstract:

  Introduction: Liraglutide and semaglutide are allied to the treatment of weight loss. However, both have side effects, which is intensified by their indiscriminate use.  Objective: To review the scientific literature regarding the harm caused by the indiscriminate use of liraglutide and semaglutide for weight loss. Methods: This is a narrative review of the literature, which was carried out from the SciELO, Pubmed, Lilacs, Medline, Google Scholar and Uptodate databases. Inclusion criteria were articles from 2012 to 2023, which were available in full, selecting 13 articles to compose the result. Results and discussions:  The reviewed studies indicated that the indiscriminate use of liraglutide and semaglutide can lead to serious side effects, including pancreatitis, gallstones and dehydration. Other common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Also, in the long term, the use of these drugs can lead to decreased absorption of important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12. Although the use of liraglutide and semaglutide has been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the indiscriminate use of these drugs for weight loss can lead to serious side effects. It is important that prescribing physicians exercise caution when recommending these drugs to patients without diabetes, especially those who have a history of pancreatitis or gallstones. Also, patients must be aware of possible side effects and be closely monitored while using these drugs. Final considerations: The use of samaglutide and liraglutide is a good ally in weight loss, however their indiscriminate use can cause damage to health.