Rewritten Title: The Political Weight of a Trend: Inside Iran’s Debate on Prescription-Only Weight-Loss Injections
Article:
A new health trend is sweeping Iran, sparking a complex debate that sits at the intersection of public health, regulatory oversight, and social pressure. The focus is on weight-loss injections like Mounjaro and Ozempic, and their domestic counterpart, Spartina. While their popularity soars, official channels and medical experts are raising urgent flags about their unregulated use and potential dangers.
The Regulatory Stance: A Clear Warning
The core of the official position is one of caution. The Iranian Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has clarified that while some brands of these drugs are on the country’s official pharmaceutical list, the specific brand “Mounjaro” has not been registered with the organization. Furthermore, Ozempic, though registered, has not been officially imported.
Mohammad Hashemi, spokesperson for the Iranian FDA, emphasized that these drugs are strictly intended for patients with severe obesity and specific underlying conditions, prescribed under a doctor’s supervision. “The biggest danger and the most important concern is the self-administered use of these drugs and the use of smuggled and counterfeit products,” Hashemi stated. He warned that unauthorized use can lead to serious side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, gallbladder stones, and severe allergic reactions.
A Thriving Underground Market
Despite the official warnings, a vibrant, unregulated market for these injections has flourished. The report highlights individuals purchasing these drugs from online shops and beauty salons, often introduced to them through social media influencers and international celebrities.
- “Sara,” 34, reported significant weight loss after buying Mounjaro online but also experienced a loss of appetite and dizziness.
- “Mohammad,” a former athlete, suffered severe nausea and digestive problems after two doses, requiring him to stop. All the weight he lost returned after cessation.
- “Mahdieh,” 30, was convinced of the drug’s safety because of its use by foreign celebrities, obtaining injections at a beauty center.
The Medical Divide: A Controversy Unfolds
The medical community appears divided on the issue. An anonymous internal medicine specialist, who admits to administering these injections, argued that when proper pre-injection tests are conducted and dosing is supervised by a physician, drugs like Mounjaro (which has FDA approval in the US) are not dangerous. However, this specialist did not conceal the fact that weight regain is guaranteed once the injections stop, often requiring ongoing “booster” doses.
In contrast, other experts issued stark warnings. Mansour Rezaei, a pharmacology and nutrition specialist, explained that drugs like Mounjaro were originally developed for type 2 diabetes, with weight loss being a side effect. He drew parallels to other drugs, like Sibutramine, which had initial approval but were later linked to serious heart conditions after years of use.
“I promise you that the side effects of this drug will also become clear after a few years,” Rezaei stated, predicting damage to the liver and gallbladder. “Until then, the drug mafia, with easy access and advertising on social media, will have achieved its goal of selling Mounjaro.”
A Societal Pressure Point
The investigation revealed that women constitute approximately 90% of those using these injections. Sociologist Nira Toukali contextualized this trend, explaining that social pressures on women to conform to specific body standards make them more vulnerable to such health risks. She described a society where an “excessive focus on being beautiful” relentlessly pressures women to be “flawless, proportionate, and beautiful.”
The Path Forward: Official Channels Only
The official conclusion from health authorities is unequivocal. Citizens are urged to obtain anti-diabetic and weight-loss drugs only with a doctor’s prescription and through legal channels. The public is encouraged to report any illegal advertisements or sales through the official regulatory hotline (190). The message is clear: in the pursuit of health and wellness, safety and regulatory compliance must be the foremost priority.