More Singapore telehealth players offer weight-loss drugs, despite risk of misuse by younger people

While prescriptions are required for such drugs, telehealth consultations are vulnerable to false patient declarations

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Renald Yeo

Published Mon, Oct 7, 2024 · 05:00 AM

Saxenda is approved for individuals with a BMI above 30, as well as those with a BMI over 27.5 who have chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. PHOTO: ORDINARY FOLK

WITH more telemedicine providers in Singapore offering prescription weight-loss drugs, the convenience of these platforms has raised concerns about potential misuse, especially by younger people seeking to lose weight quickly.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists, or GLP-1s, are a class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes. But they have gained attention for their effectiveness in aiding weight loss. One such drug, Ozempic, was popularised by celebrities such as Elon Musk.

With demand continuing to grow, some analysts believe the global market for these drugs could reach US$100 billion by 2030.

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