The Netherlands has seen a significant increase in overdoses related to weight loss drugs, particularly with medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda. According to data from the National Poisons Information Center (NVIC) at UMC Utrecht, the number of reported poisonings has surged, with 41 cases in 2023 alone, more than quadrupling the number in 2021. In the first seven months of 2024, there have already been 32 reported cases.
These medications, known as GLP-1 agonists, are primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, their growing popularity as weight loss aids has led to an increase in overdoses. Common symptoms of overdose include nausea and vomiting, while severe cases may result in heightened sensitivity or allergic reactions to the drug.
One of the key factors contributing to the rise in overdoses is the increased use of these drugs outside of medical supervision. The NVIC noted a worrying trend of patients using these medications without a doctor’s prescription. In 2022, only one such case was reported, but by mid-2024, there were already nine.
Liesbeth van Rossum, an internist and professor of obesity at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, remarked that the number of reported overdoses is “surprisingly low,” given the widespread use of these medications in the Netherlands. She speculates that many cases likely go unreported, particularly those involving drugs purchased online.
Edo Aarts, an obesity treatment specialist and co-owner of the Allurion Clinic, highlighted the risks associated with using GLP-1 agonists obtained illegally. These medications often come in pre-dosed devices designed to start patients on a low dose that gradually increases. However, in the illegal market, these lower doses are often unavailable, leading to accidental overdoses when users start with a dosage that is too high.
The rise in overdoses underscores the need for greater awareness and caution when using weight loss drugs, particularly those not prescribed by a healthcare professional.
