[Young journalist Sihyun Oh] The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has urged the public to use GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) obesity medications, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, with caution, within the approved indications and dosage. Recently, these drugs have gained popularity, known as "diet drugs," leading to an increase in use among youths, overseas direct purchases, and unauthorized advertising.

On the 8th, the MFDS stated that "a series of GLP-1 obesity medications are aimed at obesity patients and should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional in accordance with the approved dosage and administration."

A series of GLP-1 obesity medications work by activating the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate insulin secretion and appetite, resulting in weight loss. Notable example products include Wegovy, which contains semaglutide, and Mounjaro, containing tirzepatide.

These medications are approved for obese adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher, or for overweight adults with a BMI between 27 kg/m² and 30 kg/m², while having at least one weight-related medical condition, such as hypertension.

The MFDS also emphasized that even when products approved for youth use are prescribed, careful attention must be paid to the risk of insufficient nutrition and excessive weight loss during growth. Moreover, healthcare providers should closely monitor patients for gastrointestinal side effects that may lead to dehydration or acute pancreatitis.

The MFDS expressed particular concern about the misuse of a series of GLP-1 obesity medications as they are perceived as simple "diet drugs." They emphasized that these medications must only be used with a physician's prescription and under the guidance of a pharmacist, and should never be purchased through overseas direct purchases or private transactions.

Products obtained through overseas direct purchases have not been approved for use in South Korea, meaning their safety and efficacy have not been sufficiently verified. In addition, their manufacturing and distribution processes are hard to verify, which raises the risk that they may be counterfeit medicines or substandard products. They also warned that consumers may not be protected by legal measures, such as product recalls or compensation, even if they experience the damage after using these products.

MFDS plans to produce informational content, such as card news and short-form videos centered on Social Networking Service (SNS), to promote the safe use of GLP-1 obesity medications. MFDS will also collaborate with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family to provide information on websites frequently used by youths and parents.

Along with this, the MFDS will conduct intensive inspections of local governments, medical institutions, and pharmacies to identify unauthorized advertising and exaggerated promotional claims within obesity medications. These appropriate follow-up measures will be taken against any violations.

An official from MFDS stated, "MFDS will continue to improve users' understanding of obesity medications and provide guidance continuously on their safe use within the scope of their authorized indications, creating an environment that supports the safe use of pharmaceuticals."

▶원문 기사:식약처 "위고비·마운자로 오남용 우려"…해외직구·청소년 사용 주의 (이코노미스트, 2026. 7. 8)

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