GLP-1 agonists: Science, Safety, Responsibility

In recent months, there has been growing interest in GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonist medications, used in the medical setting for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, in specific formulations and dosages, for the pharmacological management of obesity³,⁴.

These molecules, analogues of endogenous GLP-1, act by modulating hormonal and neuroendocrine pathways involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism and appetite, producing favorable effects on glycemic control, satiety, and— in selected individuals—body weight reduction³,⁴.

Agorà – Italian Society of Aesthetic Medicine, as part of its mission to promote safety, expertise, and clinical appropriateness in Aesthetic Medicine, calls the attention of professionals and citizens to several key recommendations for the correct use of these medications:

1. Prescription and use strictly following medical evaluation, within an appropriate and personalized clinical pathway¹;

2. Administration and monitoring under medical supervision, in compliance with approved therapeutic indications and the patient’s clinical profile¹;

3. Exclusive use of medications legally authorized in Italy, sourced through official distribution channels (licensed physical or online pharmacies)²;

4. Absolute prohibition of self-prescription, acquisition through unauthorized/illicit channels, or use of uncertified substances or products of uncertain origin².

Improper or unsupervised use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, outside approved indications or without medical oversight, may lead to metabolic, gastrointestinal, and systemic risks, compromising patient safety and constituting a violation of current regulations governing the prescription and distribution of medicinal products¹,².

Agorà also highlights the growing spread of products marketed as “GLP-1,” “GLP-1-like,” or “GLP-1 formula,” sometimes presented as dietary supplements or natural preparations for weight management. According to regulatory authorities and international guidelines, these products are not authorized medicines, lack approved clinical evaluations, and cannot claim pharmacological effects comparable to those of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications⁵,⁶.

Sector regulations clearly state that no ingredient or dietary supplement can be described as “GLP-1-like” or claim to mimic GLP-1 activity, as such effects pertain exclusively to medicinal products subject to regulatory authorization⁶.

«Medications are not a trend; they are therapeutic tools whose use, particularly for prescription-only drugs, must occur exclusively within a validated clinical pathway.»

Agorà reaffirms its commitment to promoting a scientific culture of safety, to the ongoing training of aesthetic physicians, and to fostering a responsible and regulation-compliant approach to the use of pharmacological treatments, with the aim of safeguarding patient health.

Follow our Instagram page @agoramedicinaestetica References

1. European Medicines Agency. EU actions to tackle shortages of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Amsterdam: EMA; 2024. Disponibile su: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/eu-actions-tackle-shortages-glp-1-receptor-agonists

2. Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (AIFA). Allerta: aumento di farmaci illegali venduti nell’UE come agonisti del recettore GLP-1. Roma: AIFA; 2024. Disponibile su: https://www.aifa.gov.it/en/-/allerta-aumento-farmaci-illegali-venduti-ue-agonisti-recettore-glp-1

3. Hamed K, Alosaimi MN, Ali BA, Alghamdi A, Alkhashi T, Alkhaldi SS, Altowarqi NA, Alzahrani H, Alshehri AM, Alkhaldi RK, Alqahtani KW, Alharbi NH, Alhulayfi HF, Sharifi SY, Dighriri IM. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists: Exploring Their Impact on Diabetes, Obesity, and Cardiovascular Health Through a Comprehensive Literature Review. Cureus. 2024 Sep 1;16(9):e68390. doi: 10.7759/cureus.68390. PMID: 39355484; PMCID: PMC11444311.

4. Vahora I, Moparthi KP, Al Rushaidi MT, Muddam MR, Obajeun OA, Abaza A, Jaramillo AP, Sid Idris F, Anis Shaikh H, Mohammed L. Efficacy of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss Management in Non-Diabetic Patients. Cureus. 2024 Jul 21;16(7):e65050. doi: 10.7759/cureus.65050. PMID: 39165448; PMCID: PMC11335185.

5. Swissmedic. Swissmedic warns against “GLP-1” products sold online. Berna: Swissmedic; 2024. Disponibile su: https://www.swissmedic.ch/.../smc-warnt-vor-glp-1-produkten.html

6. SupplySide SJ. GLP-1 supplement claims: Know the rules. SupplySide Journal. 2024. Disponibile su: https://www.supplysidesj.com/labeling/glp-1-supplement-claims-know-rules