According to Gram Research analysis, about 1 in 8 Lebanese adults use diabetes medications like semaglutide for weight loss, but nearly one-third do so without consulting a doctor. A 2025 cross-sectional study of 405 people found that 62% of users experienced side effects and 46% regained weight after stopping, highlighting serious safety concerns around unsupervised use of these powerful drugs.
A new study of 405 Lebanese adults found that about 1 in 8 people are using diabetes medications like semaglutide to lose weight, often without talking to a doctor first. While most people had decent knowledge about these drugs, nearly two-thirds experienced side effects, and almost half gained the weight back after stopping. The research shows that people with higher education and healthcare jobs understood the risks better, but many still used these powerful medications unsupervised. Experts say we need better education and stricter rules to keep people safe.
Key Statistics
A 2025 cross-sectional study of 405 Lebanese adults found that 12.3% reported using antidiabetic medications for weight loss, with semaglutide being the most common choice.
Among users of diabetes medications for weight loss in the Lebanese study, 62% experienced side effects and 46% reported weight regain after discontinuation.
In the 2025 Lebanese study of 405 adults, 32% of those using antidiabetic medications for weight loss did so without medical consultation, and smokers were 3.13 times more likely to use these medications than non-smokers.
A 2025 analysis of 405 Lebanese adults showed that people with prior weight-loss complications were 8.5 times more likely to use diabetes medications for weight loss, while those with higher education had significantly better knowledge about safe use.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How much Lebanese adults know about using diabetes medications for weight loss, what they think about it, and whether they actually use these drugs
- Who participated: 405 Lebanese adults surveyed online between June and July 2025, recruited through social media using convenience sampling
- Key finding: About 12.3% of people surveyed reported using diabetes medications for weight loss, but 32% of those users did so without consulting a doctor, and 62% experienced side effects
- What it means for you: If you’re considering diabetes medications for weight loss, talk to your doctor first. These drugs can have serious side effects and the weight often comes back when you stop taking them. Higher education and healthcare knowledge help people use these drugs more safely.
The Research Details
Researchers created an online survey and asked Lebanese adults to answer questions about their knowledge, attitudes, and use of diabetes medications for weight loss. They recruited 405 people through social media between June and July 2025. The survey asked about their education, job, smoking habits, weight history, and whether they’d used these medications. The researchers scored people’s knowledge and attitudes on a scale of 0-100 to see how well they understood the risks and benefits.
They then looked at which factors predicted whether someone actually used these medications. They used statistical analysis to find connections between things like education level, job type, smoking, and medication use. This approach let them identify who was most likely to use these drugs and what factors influenced their decisions.
This study design captures a snapshot of what’s happening right now in Lebanon with these medications. Cross-sectional studies are good for finding patterns and understanding current practices, though they can’t prove that one thing causes another. By surveying people online, researchers could reach a larger group quickly and ask detailed questions about their knowledge and behaviors.
The study has some important limitations to keep in mind. The researchers used convenience sampling through social media, which means they didn’t randomly select participants—people who saw the survey and chose to answer it may be different from the general population. This makes it harder to say these findings apply to all Lebanese adults. The study is also cross-sectional, meaning it’s a snapshot in time and can’t prove that one factor causes another. However, the survey was reviewed by experts and pilot-tested before use, which strengthens the quality of the questions asked.
What the Results Show
The study found that Lebanese adults had moderate knowledge about diabetes medications for weight loss, with an average knowledge score of 69.4 out of 100. Their attitudes were also moderate, averaging 69.1 out of 100, suggesting people generally understood the need for caution. About 12.3% of the 405 people surveyed reported actually using these medications for weight loss, with semaglutide being the most common choice.
Among those who used these medications, the results were concerning: 62% experienced side effects, 46% gained weight back after stopping the medication, and 32% used the drugs without any doctor’s supervision. People with higher education and healthcare-related jobs had better knowledge and safer attitudes toward these medications. Interestingly, people who had previously experienced complications from weight-loss attempts were more likely to use these medications, possibly because they were desperate for solutions.
The study identified several factors that made people more likely to use diabetes medications for weight loss. Smokers were 3 times more likely to use these drugs than non-smokers. People with a history of weight-loss complications were 8.5 times more likely to use them. Those who followed a weight-loss diet were 2.2 times more likely to use these medications. Surprisingly, people with physically demanding jobs were less likely to use these drugs, possibly because they were already getting exercise through their work.
This research adds to growing concerns about the unsupervised use of diabetes medications for weight loss. Previous studies have shown that these medications can be effective for weight loss but carry real risks of side effects. This Lebanese study confirms that pattern and highlights a major gap: many people are using these powerful drugs without medical guidance. The finding that 32% used medications without doctor consultation is particularly alarming and suggests a global trend of self-medication with prescription drugs.
This study has several important limitations. First, it only surveyed people in Lebanon who used social media, so the results may not represent all Lebanese adults or people in other countries. Second, people who chose to answer the survey might be different from those who didn’t—perhaps more interested in health topics. Third, the study is a snapshot in time and can’t prove that one thing causes another; it can only show associations. Finally, the researchers relied on people’s honest self-reporting about medication use, which might not always be accurate.
The Bottom Line
If you’re considering diabetes medications for weight loss, consult with a doctor first (high confidence). Be aware that side effects are common and weight often returns after stopping (high confidence). Don’t use these medications without medical supervision (high confidence). If you have a history of weight-loss complications or are a smoker, be especially cautious and seek professional guidance (moderate confidence).
Anyone considering using diabetes medications for weight loss should care about these findings. People with diabetes who are considering these drugs for weight management should definitely talk to their doctor. Healthcare providers should use this research to educate patients about safe use. Policymakers should consider stronger regulations around these medications. People who have struggled with weight loss in the past should be especially careful.
Weight loss from these medications typically takes several weeks to become noticeable, but side effects can appear within days or weeks. The concerning finding that 46% of people regained weight after stopping suggests these medications work only while you’re taking them—there’s no permanent change. Plan for long-term use if you want to maintain weight loss, and discuss this timeline with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use diabetes medications for weight loss without a doctor?
No. A 2025 study found that 32% of users took these medications without medical supervision, and 62% experienced side effects. These are powerful prescription drugs requiring professional oversight to monitor for complications and ensure appropriate use.
How much weight do people lose with diabetes medications like semaglutide?
The study didn’t measure weight loss amounts, but found that 46% of users regained weight after stopping. This suggests these medications work only while taking them—they don’t create permanent weight loss without ongoing use and lifestyle changes.
What are the most common side effects of using diabetes drugs for weight loss?
The study found that 62% of users experienced side effects but didn’t specify which ones were most common. Nausea, appetite changes, and fatigue are typical concerns. Always discuss potential side effects with your doctor before starting any medication.
Who is most likely to use diabetes medications for weight loss?
A 2025 Lebanese study found smokers were 3 times more likely to use these drugs, and people with previous weight-loss complications were 8.5 times more likely. Those following weight-loss diets were also significantly more likely to use these medications.
Does having more knowledge about these drugs make people use them more safely?
Partially. The study found higher knowledge was associated with more appropriate attitudes about safe use, but 32% of users still took medications without doctor consultation, suggesting knowledge alone doesn’t guarantee safe practices.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly weight, side effects experienced (nausea, fatigue, appetite changes), and whether you’re taking the medication as prescribed. Record any doctor consultations or medication changes.
- If using these medications, set a reminder to schedule a doctor’s appointment if you haven’t had one. Log any side effects daily to discuss with your healthcare provider. Track your diet adherence alongside medication use to understand the combined effect.
- Create a monthly check-in to review weight trends, side effect severity, and medication adherence. Set alerts for doctor follow-ups every 3 months. Track weight regain patterns if you stop the medication to understand your personal response.
This research describes current practices and concerns regarding the use of antidiabetic medications for weight loss. These medications are prescription drugs approved by regulatory agencies for diabetes management. Using them for weight loss without medical supervision carries significant health risks. This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Anyone considering antidiabetic medications for weight loss must consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss safety, appropriateness, potential side effects, and monitoring requirements. The findings are based on a cross-sectional study in Lebanon and may not apply to all populations. Individual results and safety profiles vary significantly.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.