Want to Lose Weight? Know the Dangers of Extreme Diets and Fake Medicines
The desire to lose weight in a short time can tempt someone into extreme dieting or consuming slimming drugs that promise instant results. In fact, obesity is a chronic disease that requires gradual treatment tailored to each individual’s condition.
Clinical nutrition specialist at Brawijaya Hospital, Dr Prinindita Artiara Dewi, B.MedSc, Sp.GK, said one of the mistakes still often made in weight-loss efforts is cutting food intake excessively. Such patterns include eating only once a day or eliminating certain food groups such as carbohydrates.
“For example, eating once a day or being picky about food. So not wanting to eat carbohydrates at all, only eating protein, for example,” Dr Prinindita said in a Health Corner session themed ‘Managing Obesity Safely, Beware of Fake Medicine Products’ on Friday (14/8/2026).
According to her, the body still needs various nutrients to function properly. Therefore, eating patterns in a weight-loss programme need to be adjusted to energy needs, body condition, and individual activity levels.
“The important thing is that we eat enough according to our needs. That is why a personalised diet is needed for each individual,” she explained.
Associate Director Medical & Regulatory at Novo Nordisk Indonesia, Dr Riyanny Meisha Tarliman, said the assumption that obesity occurs solely due to lack of discipline needs to be corrected. Obesity is a chronic disease influenced by various complex factors, including biological, genetic, environmental factors, and certain health conditions.
Dr Prinindita explained that obesity can also be influenced by lifestyle, use of certain medications, and hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s syndrome. Therefore, treatment cannot simply look at the number on the scale, but also needs to consider body condition and comorbidities.
“Science shows that obesity is a chronic disease influenced by various complex factors, including biological, genetic, environmental factors, etc., and often requires consultation with a doctor,” said Dr Riyanny.
Obesity management can include lifestyle modification, pharmacological therapy if needed, and bariatric surgery in certain conditions. Determining therapy needs to be adjusted to each patient’s condition, including the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.
“Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor to get appropriate treatment,” Dr Riyanny explained.
Fake slimming drugs
The desire for quick results has also made weight-loss products marketed online and through social media increasingly attractive. However, not all products in circulation have met safety requirements or have marketing authorisation.
Head of the Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), Prof Dr Dr Taruna Ikrar, M.Biomed, reminded the public not to easily trust promotions of health products, including those made by influencers.
According to Taruna, promotions on social media are sometimes accompanied by exaggerated claims or overclaims. Therefore, the public should not use social media reviews as the sole basis for using weight-loss drugs.
Drug use must also follow regulations. If a drug requires a prescription, the public needs to consult a doctor before using it.
Dr Prinindita also reminded that there are drugs that have been withdrawn from circulation but are still found on the market. The public needs to ensure the status and safety of products before consuming them.
Taruna reminded the public to apply ‘Cek KLIK’ before buying medicines or health products. Cek KLIK covers Packaging, Label, Marketing Authorisation, and Expiry date.
The public needs to ensure the packaging is in good condition, read the information on the label, ensure the product has marketing authorisation, and check the expiry date.
“Make sure of the BPOM’s message. What does BPOM say? Make sure to check KLIK: packaging, label, marketing authorisation, and expiry date,” said Taruna.
The public also needs to be careful about barcodes on packaging. If the scan result leads to a page unrelated to BPOM, the product should be suspected.
Dr Riyanny emphasised that obesity management cannot be done instantly because the condition develops over a long period. Lifestyle changes also need to be made gradually so they can be maintained in the long term.
“It is called chronic, not that yesterday I was suddenly obese today, so the solution is not that today or tomorrow I am done. Obesity management must be science-based, involve health professionals, and consider long-term health impacts and benefits,” she said.
Physical activity also needs to be adjusted to body condition. For people with certain disorders, such as knee problems, the type of exercise needs to be adjusted to remain safe.
Dr Prinindita emphasised consistency in undergoing obesity therapy. Treatment aims not only to lose weight but also to maintain results and prevent weight regain.
“Indeed, consistency is needed first and foremost, steadfastness, and also commitment,” Dr Prinindita concluded.