CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – As the new year sparks a wave of weight loss resolutions and millions turn to weight loss medications, rising costs and the growing popularity of compounded alternatives have raised critical questions.
For many people, the path to reaching weight loss goals can be slow, difficult, and frustrating.
Drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are growing in popularity and have become synonymous with weight loss success. These medications, while highly effective, come with significant costs, limited insurance coverage, and growing concerns about their accessibility. But for some, compounded versions of these drugs have become a more affordable alternative.
Drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro come with pre-measured doses in auto-injectors that allow a patient to receive a precise dose. (Live 5)
They help with weight loss by regulating blood sugar and suppressing appetite. Their effectiveness has gained widespread attention, with studies showing that they can lead to weight loss of 15% to 25% of a person’s body weight.
Patients get a prescription from their doctor and receive the specific, measured doses in auto-injectors, similar to EpiPens which provide life-saving doses of epinephrine for people with severe allergies.
Dr. Marc-André Cornier, an expert in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolic diseases, explains the appeal.
“These drugs are game-changing and life-changing treatments for many people struggling with obesity.” However, he cautions that despite their efficacy, the cost of these medications can be prohibitive. “They’re extremely expensive, and while we’re starting to see some insurance coverage, it’s still not enough for many people,” Cornier says.
The rise and risks of compounded alternatives
The financial barriers associated with brand-name weight loss drugs have led to a surge in the use of compounded versions of Ozempic and Mounjaro.
These compounded medications are often sold at med spas and are marketed as more affordable alternatives. However, these drugs are not FDA-approved, raising concerns among healthcare professionals.
Chris Diorio, a board-certified practitioner of bariatric and emergency medicine with Lowcountry med-spa Physicians Plan, warns against the dangers of self-administering compounded drugs.
“You can’t expect someone to just buy a vial of solution, draw it up, and inject it themselves without proper medical guidance. It’s dangerous,” he says.
Cornier says compounded medications pose other risks, such as the possibility of containing no active ingredients at all.
Some people who turn to compounded forms of popular weight loss drugs bypass medical professionals and self-administer their own doses, increasing the risks of misuse and adverse effects. (Storyblocks)
“There have been investigations where some compounded drugs had no active ingredients, which is essentially fraud,” Cornier says.
While compounded versions of weight loss drugs may seem like an affordable option, they come with significant risks. The most concerning issue is the lack of FDA approval and the uncertainty around the active ingredients.
“If you overdose on these medications, you can become very ill. It can block your stomach from emptying, causing severe nausea and vomiting,” Cornier says.
These risks, they say, are particularly troubling as many patients are turning to these drugs in desperation, sometimes without fully understanding the potential dangers. For instance, some people bypass medical professionals and measure their own doses using hypodermic needles and vials of the medication then administer the injections themselves.
That, doctors say, increases the risk of misuse and adverse effects.
Success stories and the appeal of cheaper options
Despite the risks, some people have successfully used compounded medications for weight loss.
Branneisha Cooper, a weight loss influencer who lost 80 pounds over two years, credits medications like Mounjaro with helping her achieve her health goals. She emphasizes that these medications not only improved her weight but also her overall health.
“My numbers look amazing. My blood pressure is normal, and my blood work is great,” she says. “I feel good and am so happy with the results.”
However, Cooper is quick to point out that she uses FDA-approved Mounjaro, not a compounded version. She acknowledges that many people turn to compounded drugs because their insurance won’t cover the brand-name medications.
“If you’re choosing to go with a compounded option, make sure you do your research and only get it from a reputable pharmacy,” she says.
The growing popularity of compounded weight loss medications has led to a divided opinion among medical professionals.
Cornier believes the risks outweigh the potential benefits.
“I think there’s just too many unknowns, but it tells you a lot that people are willing to risk, you know, their lives in a way for weight loss. That how important weight loss is to people… but we don’t recommend it, period,
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