New obesity drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro are changing weight-loss treatment around the world. Wegovy, once available only as a weekly injection, is now also available as a daily pill in some markets, making treatment easier for some patients to access. Mounjaro, however, remains an injectable drug. But as more people use these drugs, concerns about misuse are also growing, especially among teenagers.

These drugs work by mimicking hormones that help control hunger and blood sugar. They reduce appetite and help people feel full longer. Because of this, doctors increasingly see obesity not simply as a lack of willpower, but as a disease that may require medical treatment. Studies also show that some of these drugs can reduce cardiovascular risk and improve blood sugar control, making them important for public health.

At the same time, concerns about misuse are growing. According to Drug Utilization Review data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service submitted to the National Assembly, Mounjaro prescription checks for Korean teens rose from 1,739 in January to 2,594 in May, an increase of about 1.5 times. Mounjaro is not officially approved for minors in Korea. Some clinics, known as "diet clinics," have also been criticized for giving prescriptions without sufficiently checking a patient's weight or health history. A pharmacists' group official raised concerns about pancreatitis and eating disorders and warned that the risks for people using the drug outside its approved indications are still unclear.

Experts also worry about teens' growing bodies. A pediatric doctor at UC Irvine said adolescence is a key time for brain, muscle, and bone growth, and that long-term effects of these drugs on teens are still unclear. Common problems include muscle and bone loss, and rapid weight gain after stopping the drug.

As prescriptions keep rising, health officials are now considering stricter rules. Without clear guidelines, experts say the medical benefits of these drugs could be overshadowed by unsafe or inappropriate use.

Reference :
10대 마운자로 처방건 1.5배 증가
https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20260728143500530
10대가 미용목적으로 처방받으면 안됨
https://www.usknews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=4208
비만치료제 부작용
https://www.sisain.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=57959

양유진 강남포스트 학생기자  webmaster@ignnews.kr

<저작권자 © 강남포스트, 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지>