Overdoses linked to medication used for weight loss, including Ozempic and Wegovy, are increasing sharply in Belgium, according to the country’s public health authorities.
Patrick De Cock, spokesperson for Belgium’s Poison Control Centre (SPF Santé Publique), told Flemish outlet Nieuwsblad that the service has seen a notable rise in emergency calls involving excessive doses of such drugs.
As of July this year, the Centre had received 41 calls, nearing the 50 cases recorded in the entirety of 2024. Experts predict that the total number for 2025 could reach triple digits if the current trend continues.
The spike in misuse reflects the soaring popularity of weight-loss medication in Belgium. A recent report revealed that reimbursement claims for drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have increased twentyfold since 2021.
In response to overwhelming demand, the Belgian government restricted prescriptions of Ozempic in 2023 to patients with Type 2 diabetes or a high BMI. These limitations remain in force until the end of this month.
Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy are all brand names for Semaglutide, a medication that lowers blood sugar levels and suppresses appetite. Manufactured by Danish pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk, Wegovy—marketed specifically for weight loss—became available in Belgium earlier this year.
A related drug, Mounjaro, entered the Belgian market last year and is also accessible only with a doctor’s prescription.
“People hope that a higher dose will help them lose weight faster, but more isn’t always better,” De Cock cautioned. He emphasised the importance of following medical advice to avoid harmful side effects or overdose.
Professor Christophe Stove of Ghent University further warned that misuse of these medications can cause severe “gastrointestinal complaints: nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea.”
He added that purchasing these drugs from unlicensed or online sources poses serious health risks. “Medication should always be taken under medical supervision to ensure suitability and the correct dosage,” Stove said.
Belgian health experts continue to stress the need for awareness and caution as the demand for weight-loss drugs remains at record highs, urging the public to prioritise medical guidance over quick results.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
