The government said on the 14th that, as the use of GLP-1 class anti-obesity drugs among teenagers has expanded amid growing interest, it will provide youth-tailored safety information to prevent side effects and misuse or abuse.
GLP-1 class anti-obesity drugs are substances that help lower blood sugar and reduce appetite to aid weight loss, and they have so far been prescribed mainly to adults. Recently, the approved indication was expanded to teenagers 12 and older, broadening the eligible age range.
According to the government, the drug can be prescribed only to teenagers 12 and older who meet all of the following: ▲ a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher when converted to the adult standard, ▲ a body weight over 60 kg, and ▲ a medical diagnosis of obesity from a physician. The drug is a prescription medicine used to supplement diet control and exercise therapy.
Clinical trials found that teenagers experienced side effects such as cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, and hypotension more frequently than adults. Even when used within the approved indication, gastrointestinal side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain may occur. Teenagers in their growth phase also face risks of nutritional imbalance, rapid weight loss, dehydration from gastrointestinal problems, and acute pancreatitis, requiring close observation.
To prevent use without a doctor's prescription, the government will produce a leaflet on the safe use of anti-obesity drugs for teenagers and distribute it to public health centers and medical institutions such as hospitals nationwide. The leaflet includes ▲ eligible users ▲ dosing method ▲ precautions ▲ storage and disposal guidelines ▲ side effects and how to report them.
In addition, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the leaflet will be sent to households through schools at all levels, and card news will be posted on digital platforms such as "Together School" and "Parents On Nuri" to provide accurate information to teenagers and parents.
Furthermore, in coordination with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the government plans to promote proper use of anti-obesity drugs through online and offline channels frequently used by teenagers, such as Youth 1388, e-Youth, and the National Youth Center.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said that, since GLP-1 class anti-obesity drugs were launched in Korea in the second half of last year, use has increased rapidly and reports of side effects have also risen. It designated the drugs as "subjects of intensive monitoring for adverse events" and is strengthening surveillance together with the Korea Institute of Drug Satety & Risk Management.
The government noted that it will continue to expand the provision of information within the approved indication so teenagers can use anti-obesity drugs safely, and will also step up campaigns to prevent misuse and abuse. It guided that, if unexpected side effects occur during normal use, people can use the adverse event reporting and injury relief system of the drug safety management institute.