O uso indiscriminado da semaglutida e seus efeitos adversos: implicações para a saúde pública

Abstract

Semaglutide is a glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis; however, it has been widely used for aesthetic purposes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate and present the adverse effects of semaglutide and its indiscriminate use for aesthetic purposes. This qualitative and exploratory review gathered studies published over the past 10 years, analyzing the mechanisms of action of semaglutide and its therapeutic effects, adverse effects, and those associated with inappropriate use. The literature search was conducted between February 2025 and January 2026, using Google Scholar, PubMed, and LILACS databases and government websites. The results demonstrate that, although effective for weight loss, indiscriminate use may trigger complications such as acute pancreatitis, gallbladder disorders, and facial flaccidity resulting from rapid fat loss. A significant increase in the consumption of this medication driven by social media was also observed, increasing the risks of self-medication and the acquisition of counterfeit products. The indiscriminate use of semaglutide represents an important public health problem, requiring greater awareness, professional monitoring, and caution due to the negative effects that are still poorly understood in the long term.