Obesity & Weight Loss
Understanding weight loss medications (such as Wegovy and other obesity treatments), prescription criteria, and side effects. - **Proper understanding of diet pills (including obesity treatments like Wegovy).** - **Prescription criteria.** - **Side effects.**
What are these popular weight loss injections and medications that are currently trending?
Injectable obesity medications such as Wegovy and Saxenda (GLP-1 class), and Mounjaro (dual GIP/GLP-1 action) are prescription drugs that reduce appetite and promote weight loss. Oral medications include Qsymia and Contrave. All of these require a doctor's consultation and prescription, and they are not covered by health insurance, so the full cost is borne by the patient.
- The target patients are obese individuals who meet the Body Mass Index (BMI) criteria. Uncontrolled use for cosmetic purposes is not recommended.
- Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation are common, and in rare cases, serious side effects such as pancreatitis have been reported.
- Weight tends to return after discontinuation, so it should be combined with improvements in diet and exercise habits.
Source: Ministry of Food and Drug Safety · as of 2026-08-13
Be cautious of diet pills sold on social media and through overseas direct purchase channels.
Diet pills (including injections) sold online and through social media without a prescription are illegal and pose a high risk of being fake or adulterated. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has repeatedly warned about this.
- There have been ongoing cases of side effects, such as liver damage, from "dietary supplements" with unknown ingredients.
- If you feel that you need weight loss medication, consult with a doctor (family medicine, internal medicine, or obesity clinic).
Source: Ministry of Food and Drug Safety · as of 2026-08-13
How does the hospital help?
- We provide comprehensive obesity management services in family medicine and internal medicine departments, including obesity assessment, blood tests (for diabetes and lipids), dietary and exercise prescriptions, and medication.
- For individuals with severe obesity, surgical treatments (such as sleeve gastrectomy) may be covered by health insurance.
- Rapid, single-food diets or starvation can lead to muscle loss and the yo-yo effect. The key is to proceed slowly and consistently.
Frequently asked questions
Can anyone get a prescription for Wegovy?
No, it must meet medical criteria such as BMI, and a doctor will make the judgment after an examination. Using it without meeting the criteria can only increase the risk of side effects.
Can you lose weight with diet supplements (such as probiotics and Garcinia cambogia)?
Health supplements are not medications, and their weight loss effects are limited. Please check the "approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety" statement, and be wary of exaggerated advertisements (e.g., losing 10 kg in a month).
What is the difference between Vigovib and Maunzarol?
Both are injectable medications that reduce appetite, but they have different ingredients (Wegovy = semaglutide, Mounjaro = tirzepatide). In clinical trials, Mounjaro has been reported to result in slightly greater weight loss, but the most suitable medication for you will be determined by a doctor based on factors such as side effects, pre-existing conditions, and cost. Regardless of which one it is, self-purchasing and self-administration are dangerous.
Sources for this page
· 식품의약품안전처 (as of 2026-08-13)Last checked: 2026년 8월 13일
Rules and costs can change. Before you make an important decision, check the official page for the latest information.