During SANCA Drug Awareness Week, from 24 to 30 June, experts will share how the pursuit of the “perfect body” impacts our physical and mental health.
South Africa (June 24, 2024) -Serious risks to physical and mental health, including addiction, psychotic attacks, stomach illnesses and eating disorders, are dangerous side effects of society’s obsession with the “perfect body” and have led to an increase in the abuse of weight-loss drugs.
South African medical experts are warning about the long-term health effects of misusing weight loss drugs, taking more than the recommended amount or using them for planned weight loss without a prescription or proper medical care.
Almost half (45.3%) of South Africans aged 15 and over are “very dissatisfied” with their body size,[i] Dr Kate Mawson, a member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP), said the risk of misusing weight loss drugs was likely high.
She said pervasive images of idealised beauty and societal expectations of looking a certain way contributed to people overusing weight-loss drugs to the point of abusing them, affecting their physical and mental health.
“Adolescents and young women, particularly some athletes and models, feel a lot of pressure to be thin, which may lead them to try a variety of substances, drugs, diets and behaviors to lose weight. If these behaviors become habits, they can lead to eating disorders,” she said.
Dr Mawson said the misuse of prescription weight loss drugs, over-the-counter so-called “herbal” weight loss products and the off-label use of medicines for other illnesses all carried the risk of a range of side effects, including nausea, diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal problems, increased risk of heart disease, insomnia, hallucinations, mood swings and increased anxiety.
It is estimated that 15% of South Africans suffer from drug addiction.[ii] The extent of dependence on prescription and illicit drugs is unknown, but up to 7% of admissions to rehabilitation facilities in South Africa are due to prescription drug abuse.[iii]
Globally, nearly one in ten teenagers report using non-prescribed or medically unapproved weight loss products that are largely ineffective and potentially harmful.[iv]
A further problem is the use of drugs to treat other conditions, such as ADHD, despite untested off-label side effects such as appetite suppression and weight loss.
“Just because a product promising weight loss is freely available over the counter at pharmacies and health food stores does not necessarily mean it is safe, especially when used in doses or ways other than those recommended.”
“The same applies to doctor-prescribed weight loss drugs, as well as prescription drugs obtained illegally – if used in excess of the recommended dosage or without the supervision of a medical professional in a planned weight loss programme, there is a risk of long-term adverse physical and mental health effects which far outweigh the benefits of losing a few kilos,” Dr Mawson said.
She said misuse of weight-loss drugs could be a sign of an eating disorder requiring professional treatment, or misuse of the drugs could in turn lead to an eating disorder, in either case “causing severe mental and physical distress”.
“Many of these drugs are ineffective as weight loss medications and may prevent people from receiving safe, approved treatments for their weight problems.
“People may already have other mental health issues that underlie their desire to lose weight, such as eating disorders, mood disorders or drug problems. Misuse of weight loss drugs can exacerbate these issues or prevent people from seeking effective mental health care and treatment for underlying conditions, with serious implications to their overall health,” she said.
Some eating disorders involve significant physical risks to the person who develops them, and others are associated with significant psychological distress and social dysfunction.
“These are serious illnesses and should always be taken seriously and there is good evidence to show that the sooner you get help for the problem, the better your chances of making a full recovery,” Dr Mawson said.
She advises that anyone who is worried that their use of weight-loss drugs is becoming a problem, who needs help dealing with their body image, who feels that their weight worries are heading towards an eating disorder, or who is worried about a friend or relative, should seek help from their GP, local clinic or social worker.
“Your GP or doctor at your local clinic can assess your physical health and provide advice on healthy, sustainable weight loss or refer you to a mental health specialist for further assessment and treatment.”
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has support groups for a range of mental health issues, including substance abuse and eating disorders. Contact them on the 24-hour toll-free number 0800 567 567 or visit www.sadag.org
