Severe risks to physical and mental health – including addiction, psychotic episodes, stomach ailments and eating disorders – are the dangerous side-effects of society’s obsession with the “perfect body”, leading to rising incidences of abuse of weight-loss drugs.
She said pervasive images of idealised beauty and social expectations to look a certain way played a role in people taking the use of weight-loss drugs too far, to the level of abuse, and has impacts on their physical and mental health. It is estimated that as many as 15% of South Africans struggle with drug addiction. Although the extent of addiction to prescription drugs, vs illegal substances, is not known, up to 7% of rehab admissions in SA are for prescription drug abuse.
“Just because a product promising weight loss is freely available over the counter at a pharmacy or health store does not necessarily mean it is safe, especially when used outside of the recommended dose or method.” “Many of these medications are ineffective as weight-loss agents and may prevent you from seeking safe and approved care for weight issues.
“These are serious illnesses and should always be taken seriously – there is good evidence to show that the sooner a person gets help for the problem, the better their chance of having a full recovery,” Dr Mawson said.