THE INFLUENCE AND RISKS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE USE OF WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATIONS

Abstract

The growth of social networks in Brazil, combined with the growing relevance of digital influencers, has intensified the aesthetic pressure that young people and teenagers face. Influencers, often motivated by commercial interests and without specialized knowledge, recommend substances for weight loss without considering the risks involved, which can result in serious consequences for the health of their followers. This work was based on reprinted articles, monographs, in the following databases: Online scientific electronic library (sciELO), Google Scholar and through a qualitative analysis of influencers' posts, the terms used to obtain the data following the descriptors in health sciences are: media influence, obesity, weight loss medications and indiscriminate use of weight loss medications. Research reveals a worrying increase in the consumption of weight loss medications, the results indicate the urgent need for stricter regulations on the advertising of weight loss substances, as well as the importance of the pharmacist's role in promoting the rational use of these medications. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for awareness campaigns that aim to mitigate the health risks arising from these practices, with the aim of reducing the incidence of eating disorders and possible damage to health.