The Worsening Obesity in Jordan and Warnings About the Use of Weight Loss Injections

SadaNews - Jordan is witnessing a noticeable increase in the use of weight loss injections, amid rising obesity rates among the population, along with medical warnings about the dangers of resorting to these drugs without the supervision of specialists.

Data from the Jordanian Ministry of Health indicates that 60.8% of adults aged 18 to 69 are overweight, with 32.3% classified as obese, which are considered alarming health indicators.

The 2019 National Survey Report shows that 68.8% of women in Jordan suffer from being overweight or obese, compared to 53.1% of men, reflecting a clear disparity between the genders.

Quick Solutions Instead of Lifestyle Changes

With rising concerns about obesity-related illnesses, such as diabetes, heart diseases, and high blood pressure, an increasing number of Jordanians are turning to quick methods for weight loss, instead of committing to long-term diets or regular exercise.

Among these methods, the use of "Ozempic" injections has emerged, a drug originally used for treating type 2 diabetes, but it has begun to be used for weight loss purposes without medical follow-up.

According to the World Health Organization, over a billion people worldwide suffer from obesity, which was linked to the deaths of 3.7 million people in 2024. The organization warned of a doubling of obesity cases by 2030 and stressed the need for decisive action to curb obesity, emphasizing that its persistence could lead to significant health and economic burdens.

Personal Experiences

Khayri Al-Fuqaha, a diabetic in his fifties, says that his weight gain has affected his health, prompting his doctor to advise him to use Ozempic injections to manage his blood sugar levels and help reduce his weight.

He added that his goal was not just to lose weight but to improve his health condition, noting that he has observed a decrease in his appetite and a gradual weight loss.

On the other hand, Rania, a thirty-something employee suffering from obesity, turned to the injections after numerous attempts with diets, based on the advice of a nutrition expert, and in several months lost about 10 kilograms of her weight. She stated that the injections assisted her but emphasized that adhering to a healthy diet remains the most crucial factor.

Doctors' Warnings

Hazem Qarala, the media spokesperson for the Jordanian Medical Association, warned against using weight loss injections without medical supervision, noting the increased demand for them in recent years, especially among young people, amidst the spread of quick weight loss culture influenced by social media.

He explained that the easy availability of these drugs without a prescription has contributed to their random use, further promoted as a safe and quick method, coupled with a lack of awareness about the potential health risks.

Qarala pointed out that the use of these injections can cause short-term side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and digestive system disorders, in addition to mood changes, while potential long-term effects may include pancreatic issues and psychological impacts.

He affirmed that obesity treatment is not limited to injections but includes multiple options, such as surgical interventions or oral medications, stressing that these drugs are not suitable for all patients, and calling for stricter regulations on the circulation of weight loss injections, with a prescription requirement and under specialist supervision.

Official Stance

For its part, Rana Obaidat, director of the Jordan Food and Drug Administration, confirmed that the Ozempic drug has been officially registered in Jordan since October 2020, following a comprehensive assessment of its effectiveness and quality.

She explained that the registration of the drug is limited to the treatment of type 2 diabetes and does not include its use for weight loss purposes.

The institution also warned of the risks of counterfeit or non-compliant drugs being sold online amid the rising demand for these medications, asserting that their use could lead to serious health consequences.

The price of a box of Ozempic in Jordan is around 96 Jordanian dinars, sufficient for one week of use, with slight price variations between pharmacies.

Specialists agree that adopting a healthy lifestyle based on balanced nutrition and physical activity remains the safest and most sustainable option to combat obesity.

Source: Reuters