The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) banned the circulation of weight loss pens from the Synedica and TG brands in Brazil. The measure was taken due to the lack of studies proving the safety of these products, which have been gaining popularity as alternatives for weight loss.
In an interview with Now CNNendocrinologist Andressa Heimbecher explained the benefits of weight loss pens. “What we understand when we prescribe a medication is that, before it has even proven effective, it needs to be safe”, highlighted the specialist.
According to Andressa, those available in pharmacies go through a rigorous testing process before reaching the market. “When we have the original versions purchased in pharmacies, we know that they have been subjected to all tests, from the tests that began on animals to the original tests on humans and then on a large population”, he explained.
Lack of studies and health risks
The expert warned that versions not approved by Anvisa did not undergo the same rigorous tests. “When we have other versions of the medication, we know that there are no studies to prove the same thing that the original medications had. And that’s where an important issue comes in”, highlighted Andressa.
One of the main problems highlighted by the endocrinologist is the lack of control over how these substances are produced. “From how it is made, how this molecule is assembled, how this peptide is assembled. In the industry we know, we have control, we have the step by step. In other versions we don’t have this”, warned the doctor, emphasizing that it should be a priority in weight loss treatment.
