The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a sharp rebuke of Donald Trump's public endorsement of diabetes medications for weight loss, branding the advice as 'reckless' and potentially dangerous.
The former president's comments, made on his Truth Social platform, promoted the off-label use of drugs like Ozempic, suggesting they were an easy solution for slimming down. This sparked immediate alarm within the medical community.
Medical Authorities Sound the Alarm
The American Medical Association (AMA) and other leading health experts have joined the FDA in condemning the remarks. They emphasise that these pharmaceuticals are not simple weight-loss aids but are potent treatments for type 2 diabetes, requiring strict medical supervision.
"Promoting these drugs for casual weight management is profoundly irresponsible," a spokesperson stated. "It undermines public health and trivialises the serious conditions they are designed to treat."
The Dangers of Off-Label Drug Use
Health officials have highlighted the significant risks associated with misusing semaglutide-based drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. These can include:
- Severe gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, and pancreatitis.
- Potential thyroid tumours: A known risk highlighted in drug warnings.
- Drug shortages: Creating critical access problems for diabetic patients who rely on them.
The FDA warned that using these medications without a prescription and medical oversight can lead to serious, even life-threatening, consequences.
A Pattern of Controversial Health Claims
This incident is not Mr. Trump's first foray into controversial health advice. During his presidency, he famously touted the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a Covid-19 treatment, a claim that was widely disputed by scientists and ultimately refuted by large-scale studies.
This latest endorsement has drawn widespread criticism, with medical professionals urging the public to ignore the advice and consult their doctors for any weight management or health concerns.
