Beware of Counterfeit Drug Products, BPOM Reminds That Obesity Treatment Cannot Be Instant

The desire to lose weight quickly often makes various slimming products that offer instant results look tempting.

Head of the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), Prof. Dr Taruna Ikrar, reminded that such products are also increasingly easy to find, including through online sales and promotions on social media.

“We remind the public not to easily trust promotions of health products, including those carried out by influencers,” said Prof. Taruna in his statement on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.

According to him, promotions on social media are sometimes accompanied by excessive claims or overclaims. Therefore, information from reviews should not be the sole basis for using weight-loss drugs.

Prof. Taruna also reminded that the use of weight-loss drugs should be in accordance with the regulations.

“If the drug requires a prescription, its use needs to go through consultation with a doctor,” he said.

Associate Director Medical & Regulatory Novo Nordisk Indonesia, dr Riyanny Meisha Tarliman, said that the assumption that obesity only occurs due to a lack of discipline also needs to be corrected.

According to her, there are genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, and various other factors that can play a role in causing obesity. These conditions mean that the cause of obesity needs to be identified first, so that its treatment can be tailored.

“Science shows that obesity is a chronic disease influenced by various complex factors, including biological, genetic, environmental, and other factors. This often requires consultation with a doctor,” said dr Riyanny.

Therefore, Novo Nordisk Indonesia has launched www.NovoCare.id, so that the public has access to science-based information to better understand obesity.

“As well as access to connect with doctors who can help manage obesity appropriately,” she said.

It is known that Novo Nordisk has been committed for more than 20 years to addressing obesity and diabetes in Indonesia, through education, collaboration, and innovation with the government, regulators, healthcare professionals, communities, and various other stakeholders.