Chen, a 28-year-old woman residing in Suzhou, Jiangsu, spent 900 CNY (approximately 3.1 million VND) on a three-injection course. She purchased it from a friend on social media, who advertised each injection would lead to a weight loss of at least 3.5 kg, according to SCMP on 9/12.

Chen injected only half the recommended dose around her navel, but immediately felt nauseous and lost her appetite. She lost 5 kg in four days, attributing it to the drug. Her condition worsened as she began vomiting green and yellow bile. Doctors at the hospital diagnosed her with gastric mucosal burns from continuous bile vomiting.

During an electrocardiogram, Chen vomited blood from severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage and suffered cardiac arrest. Doctors resuscitated her, but organ damage will delay her pregnancy plans for at least one year.

In an interview, Chen revealed she learned about the weight-loss injections through a friend. *Photo: CCTV*

Chen is not the only one to face critical danger. In Huzhou, Zhejiang, a woman identified as Shen also fell into a coma and suffered liver and kidney failure after receiving a weight-loss injection at a beauty salon. She remained in the intensive care unit (ICU) for over four months and now requires liver and kidney function monitoring once every three months.

A CCTV investigation revealed these injections are unregulated products, costing only 4 CNY (approximately 13,000 VND) to produce. They contain low-purity industrial semaglutide, with unknown dosages, and are often mixed with prohibited substances like diuretics or adrenaline.

Semaglutide, a diabetes medication, slows digestion and suppresses appetite. However, its misuse or consumption of substandard products can cause severe vomiting and organ damage. On the black market, these products are disguised as "rapid weight loss king" or "black gold transport protein", selling for hundreds of CNY. Vendors even categorize them into "no dizziness" or "enhanced" versions to deceive buyers.

Another victim shared the dangers of 'weight-loss injections'. *Photo: CCTV*

Health experts warn consumers against 'miracle' weight-loss methods. A scientific weight-loss process involves assessing body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and liver, kidney, and thyroid function. GLP-1 drugs, like semaglutide, are only prescribed for individuals with a BMI over 30, or over 27 with underlying medical conditions, and require a doctor's supervision.

For safe weight loss, maintaining a 500 kcal daily deficit is key, combined with a high-fiber diet and 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Consumers must be wary of products without national drug approval and never undergo injections at non-medical facilities, such as beauty salons. If vomiting, fever, or rapid weight loss (over 2.5 kg in three days) occur after using such drugs, seek immediate medical attention.

By Binh Minh (According to SCMP, 163, Family Doctor)