Distorsión terapéutica y medicalización estética: análisis documental del uso off-label de semaglutida y liraglutida en personas sin patologías metabólicas

The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide (Ozempic®) and liraglutide (Saxenda®, Victoza®) has transformed the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, obesity with comorbidities. However, their increasing use for aesthetic purposes by individuals without metabolic disorders represents a serious deviation from their original therapeutic purpose. This documentary study analyzes, from a critical, ethical, and public health perspective, the phenomenon of off-label use of these drugs, mainly promoted by celebrities, influencers, and digital platforms. Three interconnected dimensions were identified: underestimated clinical risks (e.g., pancreatitis, muscle loss, and suicidal ideation), shortages affecting patients with legitimate prescriptions, and ethical gaps in unregulated promotion. The methodology involved thematic content analysis of scientific literature, regulatory reports, technical documents, and audiovisual sources published between 2019 and 2024. The findings reveal a trend of aesthetic medicalization without professional supervision, driven by narratives that trivialize adverse effects and promote pharmacological weight loss as a rapid solution. This practice not only compromises patient safety but also perpetuates inequities in treatment access and distorts public perceptions of body health. The study concludes with a call to strengthen regulatory policies, promote public health literacy campaigns, and reaffirm the role of clinical nutrition in managing weight through evidence-based, sustainable practices.