GLP-1 Weight-Loss Pens Dominate Medical Practice Across Brazil
GLP-1 receptor agonist medications have emerged as the primary therapeutic option for treating obesity and overweight patients in Brazil, according to an analysis released on Thursday (15) by Brace Pharma. The research, which aggregates data from multiple studies and a survey conducted by Ipsos among 200 doctors and 1,000 adult patients, indicates that 87% of physicians recommend these substances for overweight individuals, while 15% prescribe them for patients with type 2 diabetes. Among specialists, including endocrinologists, cardiologists, and general practitioners, 95% cite the GLP-1 drug class as their first-line treatment choice. Patient demand mirrors professional endorsement, as 68% of respondents express an intention to start using the medications, and 8% report current or past use.
Clinical Adoption Driven by Metabolic Integration
The high adoption rate stems from the ability of GLP-1 therapies to address metabolic risk factors simultaneously, according to Marcelo Neri, executive director responsible for prescription companies at Grupo EMS, which includes Brace, Ofta, and USK. Neri noted that while specialists have historically evaluated metabolic profiles broadly, they now possess a therapeutic option that acts in an integrated manner across various health factors while respecting individual patient needs. The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) currently lists 21 injectable and oral GLP-1 medications registered for use in the country, expanding treatment possibilities following the introduction of major brands such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. Public interest has grown correspondingly, with online mentions of the injection pens increasing by 86% over a six-month period, comparing the first half of 2026 to the second half of 2025 in Brandwatch data.
Financial Barriers and the Rise of Illegal Commerce
Despite widespread popularity, high treatment costs restrict continuous access for a significant portion of the patient population. Approximately 65% of patients struggle to maintain their dosage or continue therapy due to financial constraints, and doctors estimate that only 28% of eligible individuals can afford ongoing treatment. This financial barrier drives patients toward unregulated alternatives, with 91.4% of online discussions involving the purchase of weight-loss pens without a prescription. Endocrinologist Deborah Beranger warned that intermittent use and a lack of medical supervision lead to the “yo-yo effect,” where patients cycle between losing and regaining weight. Beranger explained that weight regain places greater physiological stress on the body than failing to lose weight initially. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, alongside severe complications such as intestinal obstruction and esophageal laceration from vomiting. Anvisa advises against using illegal medications, noting that unverified products present serious health risks, and reminds the public that the commercialization of unauthorized injectable drugs constitutes a crime under the Brazilian Penal Code.
Cardiovascular Protection Identified in Low Doses
Beyond diabetes management and weight loss, injectable GLP-1 medications utilizing semaglutide demonstrate a protective effect against heart failure even at very low doses, according to laboratory research published in the European Heart Journal. Led by investigators at the Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute, the study evaluated mice and miniature pigs with a condition simulating obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Traci Goodchild, professor of cardiac surgery at the Smidt Heart Institute and co-senior author of the study, noted that low-dose administration could provide significant cardiovascular protection while minimizing common side effects. Mahmoud Elbatreek, project scientist and lead author, emphasized that the data points to powerful heart-protective properties independent of weight loss.
Physical Side Effects of Rapid Weight Reduction
Rapid weight loss induced by GLP-1 medications creates distinct physical consequences that require clinical management, according to medical specialists. A surgeon explained that rapid slimming leads to severe facial and body sagging, often depleting natural fat reserves and necessitating synthetic fillers such as hyaluronic acid to restore volume in the face or glutes. The surgeon added that unmonitored use causes severe nutrient and protein loss accompanied by hair shedding, producing symptoms comparable to the postoperative state of bariatric surgery. Orthopedist Bruno Scatigna, a hip surgery specialist and member of the Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SBOT) and the Brazilian Society of the Hip, warned that rapid weight loss reduces bone mineral density and muscle mass. Scatigna highlighted that proper nutrition, adequate protein intake, and physical exercise—supported by research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association—are essential to counteract musculoskeletal decline.
Dermatological Investigations Into Nail and Hair Health
Users of GLP-1 receptor agonists face a fourfold higher risk of nail detachment and related abnormalities, according to an international controlled study presented at the European Academy of Dermatology congress. Conducted by researchers centered in France who evaluated patients across France, the United States, Mexico, and Brazil, the study compared 575 individuals using semaglutide or tirzepatide pens against 1,329 control subjects with obesity or type 2 diabetes who never used the drugs. Nearly 40% of medication users experienced nail detachment—where the nail separates from the underlying skin bed—compared to under 10% in the control group. Furthermore, 46% of GLP-1 users reported nail discoloration, versus 17% of non-users. Study authors noted that while findings are consistent, confirming a direct causal link remains challenging due to pre-existing nutritional and metabolic imbalances associated with obesity and diabetes. Hair loss and reduced hair volume were also documented among participants, emphasizing the importance of monitoring skin, hair, and nail health during treatment.
