Weight Loss Drugs in Pakistan: Usage, Risks, and Global Sports Perspective
Musarrat Ullah Jan , KikxNow Digital Creator The growing focus on physical fitness among Pakistan’s youth, coupled with rising obesity rates, has led to a surge in the use of weight loss drugs. Medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Semaglutide are becoming increasingly popular in the country, despite limited public awareness about their potential risks and misuse. Globally, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has increased monitoring of these drugs due to concerns that they may give elite athletes an unfair advantage. In Pakistan and other countries, the non-therapeutic use of these drugs is also on the rise. Semaglutide-based drugs were initially developed for patients with diabetes. They help reduce weight by improving insulin sensitivity and suppressing appetite. However, in recent years, these medications have become popular for non-medical use as well. Ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics , WADA has begun evaluating the possibility of banning these drugs. The ag...