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KMID : 1812620230030020182
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HIRA Research
2023 Volume.3 No. 2 p.182 ~ p.195
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The Use of Weight Loss Medication in Korea: An Analysis of Prescriptions Voluntarily Posted Online
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Lee So-Young
Lee Ji-Eun
Kim Mi-Ri
Jeong Eun-A
Cho Eun
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Abstract
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Background: Multiple medications have been used for weight loss (WL); however, research on the regimens of WL treatment in Korea have been limited. This study aimed to characterize the medications prescribed for WL in real-world settings.
Methods: The study sample comprised WL prescriptions (Rxs) shared via a portal site for 1 year (from June 2022 to May 2023). WL drugs were classified into four categories: (1) on-label WL drugs; (2) off-label WL drugs; (3) medication-induced symptom management drugs; (4) dietary supplements and others. We calculated prescribing occurrence rates for each category and drugs. Further, we investigated the usage of off-label and psychotropic drug prescribing.
Results: The study sample included 66 Rxs consisting of 63 active ingredients. The average number of medications per Rxs was seven (range, 1?13). Acetaminophen/caffeine/(pseudo)ephedrine (59.1%) and topiramate (54.5%) were the most commonly used medicines. The most frequently prescribed drug regimen involved a combination of on-label WL, off-label WL, and medication-induced symptom management drugs.
Conclusion: Psychotropic appetite suppressants have been prescribed with unapproved WL drugs or psychotropic anti-anxiety/hypnotics. Further research is needed to provide evidence on drug combinations to ensure the safety of WL treatments.
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KEYWORD
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Obesity, Off-label use, Polypharmacy, Prescription drugs, Weight loss
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