Ohio State survey: 1 in 4 adults consider weight loss injection without prescription

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - A new survey is showing how many people would get on a weight loss drug, but would do so without getting a prescription from a doctor, putting patients and their health at risk.

According to a national survey from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 25% or one in four of 1,006 adults surveyed would consider using an injectable weight loss medication without talking to their doctor for the needed prescription. The study notes that some people may explore other options, including unlicensed online pharmacies or telehealth sites.

Some of the reasons include cost, insurance not covering the medication, being unable to get a prescription from a doctor and lack of availability through a pharmacy, according to Shengyi Mao, a physician with Ohio State Wexner.

"Every medication has its risks and benefits, and that's why it's very important to talk to a physician and make sure that you're eligible for these medications," Mao said. "Even these injectable medications have side effects, and it's important to know about them."

Weight loss medications, also known as GLP1-RA drugs, have been in high demand between brands like Ozempic and Wegovy. According to the study, the drugs were initially made for those who have Type 2 diabetes and need to regulate their blood sugar levels. The FDA approved semaglutide for those who are overweight or obese and to reduce their cardiovascular risk.

"There are specific FDA requirements," Mao said. "You're either a BMI of 30 or a BMI of 27 or greater, plus a complication of obesity such as diabetes or high blood pressure ... If a patient also has obesity and known cardiovascular disease, that's another reason they could qualify for these medicines."

Since the prescription drugs are in such high demand and in short supply, Mao said it raises concerns of patients getting on the non-prescription version without consulting a doctor. There are warnings from the FDA about semaglutide, including reports of hospitalizations from dosage errors and issues with its ingredients. The FDA is also investigating reports of counterfeit Ozempic.

"That is dangerous because there are reasons why these medications require prescriptions, there's reasons why it requires that review," Mao said.

Mao recommended talking to a doctor if patients who want to get on the medication are concerned with the cost, availability and other issues, but noted that it's not for everyone.

"It's not one size fits all, so there may be other solutions that could work for the patient," Mao said.