PETALING JAYA: For businesswoman Nina, losing weight was never about fitting into a smaller dress size but about leading a healthier life.
The 46-year-old had struggled with obesity and insulin resistance for years despite dieting and regular stints at the gym.
She lamented that her excess weight had begun taking a toll on her joints, making it difficult for her to stay active.
Last July, she learned that she could lose weight and improve her health with a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist prescribed by a doctor.
Since starting treatment, Nina’s insulin resistance has improved, while the reduced strain on her knees and ankles has allowed her to exercise more comfortably.
She has since lost 20kg, reducing her weight from 83kg to 63kg, but her biggest transformation went beyond the weighing scale.
“The biggest achievement hasn’t been the weight loss itself, but the improvement in my overall health, mobility and metabolic health,” she said.
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Nina represents the growing demand for GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide, particularly among Malaysians seeking to lose weight.
However, the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) recently issued an advisory warning healthcare professionals and patients about the risk of severe acute pancreatitis associated with these medicines.
The warning comes amid the growing popularity of weight-loss injections, which has fuelled an online market for unapproved products, as highlighted by The Star’s investigation into the sale of experimental slimming injections on social media.
Nina said she was aware that acute pancreatitis was a rare but serious potential side effect before beginning her treatment.
She said the recent advisory reinforced the importance of monitoring her health and seeking immediate medical attention if she experienced any concerning symptoms.
Despite the growing popularity of such medications, Nina believes they should not be seen as a shortcut for weight loss.
“They are a medical tool that may help people living with obesity or metabolic conditions, but they are not a replacement for healthy habits,” she said.
For a 47-year-old private sector worker who wished to be known only as Thomas, rising blood sugar levels prompted him to begin GLP-1 treatment.
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“I thought it was time to act when my blood sugar reached a prediabetic reading of 6.2 despite regular workouts and watching my diet.
“I was willing to face the risks rather than become diabetic,” Thomas said.
He admitted that the potential weight-loss benefits were also a factor in his decision, as they would improve his physical appearance, reduce snoring and increase his mobility.
He was prescribed Mounjaro by his doctor to treat high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar and excess weight.
Thomas said he had been aware of potential risks of the treatment, however, the warning did not dissuade him from continuing.
While acknowledging that some people may use the medicines primarily for weight loss, Thomas believes they can have a positive impact when used appropriately.
