SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Attorney General Derek Brown is joining 37 other state attorneys general in calling for stricter safety guidelines on weight loss drugs.
In a joint letter, the 38 states urge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate illegal and counterfeit weight loss drugs. The letter also requests that the FDA collaborate with state pharmacy boards to prevent these drugs from reaching consumers.
Brown expressed concern about the rising use of GLP-1 drugs, calling the situation dangerous. He explained, “With high prices and supply shortages, bad actors have found opportunities to profit unlawfully.”
Demand for weight loss drugs has surged. Prescriptions for popular medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have increased by 400% over the past four years.
This surge in demand has led some to seek out cheaper alternatives, giving scammers a chance to offer potentially harmful products. Brown highlighted several scams, including cases where fraudsters repackage insulin and sell it as semaglutide.
As the popularity of these drugs grows, so does the danger, Brown warned. “They contain contaminants and other harmful ingredients,” he said.
