SELF-MEDICATION WITH SEMAGLUTIDE FOR WEIGHT LOSS IN BRAZIL

Abstract

Self-medication has become a public health problem in Brazil, especially given the increased use of semaglutide for aesthetic purposes and rapid weight loss. Originally indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and clinical obesity, the substance has come to be consumed indiscriminately, influenced by factors such as aesthetic pressure and the dissemination of information on social media. This scenario has generated concern about the risks arising from the practice, which include everything from gastrointestinal effects to serious complications such as retinopathy and the risk of neoplasms. This study aimed to analyze the risks of semaglutide self-medication, highlighting its clinical, social, and ethical impacts. This is a qualitative and descriptive literature review, carried out from the analysis of scientific publications between 2018 and 2025, selected from national and international databases. The results showed that self-medication has increased the risks of adverse effects, reduced the value of professional practice, and strengthened unsafe consumption practices. Furthermore, it was observed that widespread media coverage contributed to the trivialization of the drug and the increase in its off-label use. It is concluded that the self-medication of semaglutide requires greater regulatory attention, as well as strategies to raise public awareness and promote the importance of professional guidance, in order to promote the rational use of medicines and prevent harm to public health.