Taiwan FDA urges public to get weight-loss injections through doctors
台灣食藥署（FDA）敦促民眾透過醫生注射減肥針劑。
| TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan health officials and medical experts are urging the public to obtain popular weight-loss injections such as Wegovy and Mounjaro only through licensed physicians, as authorities crack down on illegal imports and unauthorized sales channels.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Food and Drug Administration said loopholes in the distribution of GLP-1-based drugs and misuse of the medications have contributed to numerous cases of adverse reactions, particularly gastrointestinal complications, per CNA. According to FDA data, Taiwan currently has 29 approved drug licenses for GLP-1 receptor agonists used for weight management. No oral formulations for weight loss have been approved in Taiwan. Despite prescription requirements, experts warned that consumers can still purchase GLP-1 weight-loss drugs through unauthorized channels. Kao Hsiang-han (高湘涵), secretary-general of the Taiwan Medical Association for the Study of Obesity, said low barriers to obtaining the drugs have become a growing concern. Kao said stronger oversight of distribution channels and physician evaluation mechanisms is needed, in line with World Health Organization recommendations, to prevent inappropriate use of the medications by people who can purchase them without proper medical assessment. TMASO Honorary Chair Hsiao Dun-ren (蕭敦仁) said social media has further fueled demand for weight-loss injections while downplaying their potential risks. He stressed that the medications should be prescribed by physicians and dispensed by pharmacists rather than purchased independently. Hsiao noted that celebrities and online influencers often showcase dramatic weight-loss results without adequately discussing possible side effects or medical risks. According to Taiwan’s adverse drug reaction reporting system, 36 reports related to weight-loss drugs were filed between Jan. 1, 2023, and April 2, 2026. The figure does not include cases involving products obtained through unofficial channels. The most commonly reported side effects were gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. More serious reported reactions included pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, hypoglycemia, acute kidney injury, and injection-site discomfort. Taiwan Dietitian Association Chair Huang Meng-juan (黃孟娟) called on the government to strengthen oversight of cosmetic and weight-loss clinics, ensuring that treatment decisions are based on professional medical evaluations. She also urged healthcare providers to maintain industry standards and prioritize public health, per CNA. The FDA and local health bureaus have conducted special inspections targeting weight-loss drug sales. In 2024, authorities inspected 487 cases, uncovering 85 violations and issuing NT$2.6 million (US$82,000) in fines. In 2025, inspectors reviewed 353 cases, resulting in 26 violations and NT$820,000 in fines. Violations included businesses operating as pharmaceutical companies without authorization and the illegal sale of prescription medications without a valid prescription. Customs officials have also seized large quantities of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs imported without required FDA permits or customs declarations. Such cases are referred to investigative authorities under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. In addition, the FDA has worked with Meta to remove posts promoting illegal drug sales and has established a mechanism with the Taiwan Network Information Center to block illegal websites. Authorities have also partnered with the Pharmacists Association to strengthen online enforcement efforts, including monitoring sales activity on platforms such as Instagram, Line, and Shopee. |
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| Sean Scanlan Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2026-06-21 |
