KRG cracks down on dangerous weight-loss drugs, says health minister

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Health will crack down on all the dangerous weight-loss medications and herbs that are advertised for in Iraq’s Kurdish region, mostly online, the health minister says amid growing demand for the drugs.

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Minister of Health Saman Barzanji’s remarks on Saturday came on the sideline of a scientific conference held by Erbil Alliance NGO on fighting obesity through healthy habits in Erbil.

The Region’s quality control and public health authorities have recently embarked on a campaign to crack down on weight-loss drugs and herbs that are mostly advertised online, Minister Barzinji said, urging the public to not trust those so-called solutions, as they contain “harmful” substances and are not medically approved.

Specific regulations have been set to prevent the rise in the sale of those drugs, he added.

The official did not elaborate on any figures regarding the confiscation of such products.

Several social media accounts are awash with inexpensive weight-loss products that promise a rapid pace towards a slim body.

A few cases of complications resulting from the usage of such products have been reported previously in the Kurdistan Region.

In a parallel trend, weight-gain drugs are also heavily advertised across social media, where they can be delivered to those who seek them for an affordable price.

The minister preached following healthy habits for those who struggle with high Body Mass Index –a measure of body fat based on height and weight – including consistent exercise, healthy diet, and good sleep.

The World Health Organization (WHO) annually marks March 4 as World Obesity Day to raise awareness of the global phenomenon.

Obesity is one of the leading factors for various chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and various forms of cancer.