Obesity is worsening in Jordan, prompting warnings against the use of slimming injections.

Jordan is witnessing a significant increase in the use of weight loss injections, amid rising obesity rates among the population, despite medical warnings about the risks of resorting to these drugs without the supervision of specialists.

Data from the Jordanian Ministry of Health indicates that 60.8% of adults aged between 18 and 69 are overweight, including 32.3% who are obese, which are alarming health indicators.

The 2019 National Progressive Survey report shows that 68.8% of Jordanian women are overweight or obese, compared to 53.1% of men, reflecting a clear gender disparity.

Quick solutions instead of lifestyle changes

With growing concerns about obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, an increasing number of Jordanians have turned to quick ways to lose weight, instead of committing to long-term diets or exercising regularly.

Among these methods, the use of “Ozempic” injections has emerged, a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, but which has become used for slimming purposes without medical supervision.

According to the World Health Organization , more than one billion people worldwide suffer from obesity, which claimed the lives of 3.7 million people in 2024. The organization warned that the number of people with obesity will double by 2030, and stressed the need to take decisive measures to reduce obesity, emphasizing that its continuation could result in significant health and economic burdens.

Personal experiences

Khairi Al-Fuqaha, a 50-year-old diabetic, says that his weight gain has affected his health, prompting his doctor to advise him to use Ozempic injections to control his blood sugar levels and help him lose weight.

He added that his goal was not just to lose weight, but to improve his health, noting that he had noticed a decrease in his appetite and a gradual decline in his weight.

In contrast, Rania, a woman in her thirties who struggled with obesity, resorted to injections after multiple attempts at dieting, following the advice of a nutritionist. Within a few months, she lost approximately 10 kilograms. She said the injections helped, but emphasized that adhering to a healthy diet remains the most important factor.

Doctors’ warnings

Hazem Qaraleh, the media spokesperson for the Jordanian Medical Association, warned against using slimming injections without medical supervision, noting the increased demand for them in recent years, especially among young people, in light of the spread of the culture of rapid weight loss and the influence of social media.

He explained that the ease of obtaining these drugs without a prescription has contributed to their widespread and indiscriminate use, along with their promotion as a safe and quick method, coupled with a lack of awareness of the potential health risks.

Qarala pointed out that the use of these injections may cause short-term side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and digestive disorders, in addition to mood changes, while potential long-term effects may include pancreatic problems and psychological effects.

He stressed that obesity treatment is not limited to injections, but includes multiple options, such as surgical interventions or oral medications. He emphasized that these medications are not suitable for all patients and called for stricter control over the distribution of slimming injections, and that they should only be dispensed with a prescription and under the supervision of specialists.

Official position

For her part, the Director of the General Food and Drug Administration, Rana Obeidat, confirmed that the drug Ozempic has been officially registered in Jordan since October 2020, after a comprehensive evaluation of its effectiveness and quality.

She explained that the drug’s registration is limited to the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and does not include its use for weight loss purposes.

The organization also warned of the risks of counterfeit or substandard medicines spreading online, given the high demand for these drugs, stressing that their use could lead to serious health consequences.

The price of a box of Ozempic in Jordan is about 96 Jordanian dinars, and it is enough for one week’s use, with slight differences in prices between pharmacies.

Experts agree that adopting a healthy lifestyle, based on balanced nutrition and physical activity, remains the safest and most sustainable option in combating obesity.