The relentless pursuit of thinness in South Korea has sparked a concerning trend: the misuse of diet drugs. Despite being prescribed for medical purposes, these medications are increasingly being used for aesthetic weight loss, raising alarm among health authorities. This issue is exacerbated by the country's low obesity rates, which are measured by the World Health Organization (WHO) standard, but a rising number of overweight and obese individuals under local standards. The popularity of these drugs is fueled by easy access and a growing body-image pressure, particularly among young women exposed to pro-anorexia content online. Social media algorithms, filled with dieting vlogs and unrealistic body norms, further contribute to this problem. As a result, authorities are calling for caution, emphasizing the risks associated with the casual or cosmetic use of GLP-1 drugs, which can lead to serious health issues like anemia, hair loss, and muscle loss, even in individuals with normal BMI.
