‘News Story’ examines the pros and cons of the obesity treatment drug Wegovy.
On the 28th, SBS 'News Story' will shed light on the pros and cons of Wegovy through actual users and discuss the reality of obesity treatment drugs.
The Miracle Obesity Drug 'Wegovy' Craze Continues
The obesity treatment drug 'Wegovy' is shaking the world. Thanks to Wegovy, the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has risen to the top of the European market capitalization rankings. Celebrities like Elon Musk, Pani Bottle, and Poongja have shared their experiences on social media, further increasing public interest. Many people are easily getting prescriptions for Wegovy and sharing their experiences as content, and even after about 7 months since its release, the craze for 'Wegovy' continues.
'A Miracle for Some, a Challenge for Others'
Hyun-bae Jeon (32 years old), who is severely obese at 274 kg, says his life has changed before and after using Wegovy. When his weight peaked, Hyun-bae struggled to walk to the bathroom and experienced leg strain that caused his veins to burst. After fainting several times during daily activities, he ultimately chose Wegovy to survive. He started his diet solely with Wegovy, without any dietary changes or exercise, achieving an astonishing weight loss of about 50 kg in just 15 weeks.
However, not everyone experiences positive effects. Hong-seok Jang (28 years old) has suffered from side effects such as heartburn and gastrointestinal issues, and his hair loss symptoms have worsened 2-3 times compared to before using Wegovy. Hong-seok advises that only those with a strong desire to lose weight should consider it and does not recommend Wegovy to those worried about side effects.
'High Doses' and 'Sharing Doses' Raise Concerns of Misuse
The desire to become slimmer has led to an increase in cases where people of normal weight are using Wegovy. A woman in her 20s, who met with reporters, received the maximum dosage on her first visit to a hospital in Jongno, known as the 'holy land of Wegovy.' Since the price of Wegovy is the same regardless of dosage, she thought she could save money by getting a high dose and using it gradually. She even shared the remaining doses with acquaintances.
Experts warn that sharing Wegovy doses not only poses a risk of infection but also that individuals adjusting their own dosages could experience serious side effects.
Amid the Wegovy craze, the obesity treatment market is growing, and competition among companies is intensifying. The market size for obesity treatment, which was $24 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $280 billion by 2040. There are already treatments that are more effective and have fewer side effects than Wegovy. However, one expert advised, 'The effects of obesity treatments are temporary, and it is essential to consider whether they can be a fundamental method for dieting.'
Meanwhile, 'News Story' will air on the 28th at 8 AM.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
