WeGovy & Mounjaro: Doctor Warns Against Fake Korean Products & Explains Risks/Benefits

Concerns are rising about the availability of fraudulent weight-loss medications, including counterfeit versions of popular drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro. Health authorities are warning consumers against purchasing so-called “oral Wegovy” products, particularly those circulating in South Korea, as they are confirmed to be entirely fake.

Woo Chang-yoon, an endocrinologist and YouTuber, recently cautioned against these products, stating that any oral form of Wegovy currently being sold in Korea is a scam. February 10th, he explained on his YouTube channel ‘New Women’ that while an oral version of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2024, It’s not yet available for use in Korea.

Despite these warnings about counterfeit products, the medications themselves – Wegovy and Mounjaro – have demonstrated significant health benefits. Dr. Woo highlighted that these GLP-1 receptor agonists can reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and overall mortality by approximately 20%. He emphasized their role in preventing “hundreds of thousands of deaths related to obesity,” but also stressed the importance of proper medical management when using these drugs.

The potential for adverse effects is a key concern. Dr. Woo noted that while comprehensive education is required after prescription in the United States, this is often lacking in Korea. He warned of potential complications such as excessive carbohydrate consumption, dehydration, and, in severe cases, even blindness. These risks stem from the significant metabolic changes induced by the medications, necessitating careful attention to protein and fat intake, and adequate hydration.

Wegovy, developed by Novo Nordisk, is a weekly subcutaneous injection containing semaglutide. It works by stimulating insulin secretion and suppressing appetite, leading to an average weight loss of 15% in clinical trials. In Korea, it is approved as an aid for weight loss in adult patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher, or a BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher with weight-related health conditions. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, and more serious complications like cholelithiasis, hair loss, acute pancreatitis, hypoglycemia, and dehydration have been reported.

The recently approved oral semaglutide, often referred to as “eating stomach goby,” offers a pill-based alternative. Approved by the FDA in December 2024, it has demonstrated an average weight loss effect of 13.6% to 16.6% with daily use, and some studies have shown weight loss exceeding 20%. The dosage is gradually increased from 1.5mg to 25mg. Due to potential gastrointestinal sensitivities, particularly among Asian populations, a low starting dose and slow titration are recommended.

The oral formulation is currently available in the United States at a cost of approximately $149 to $299 per month, depending on the dosage. However, the launch date in Korea remains undetermined, with the approval process expected to take at least 6 to 9 months.

The surge in demand for these medications, coupled with limited access through traditional healthcare channels and high costs, has fueled a growing black market. In the UK, authorities have seized unlicensed weight-loss drugs worth £250,000 in a raid on a factory in Northampton in October 2025. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued warnings against purchasing weight-loss medications from unregulated sources, including social media channels, due to the risk of counterfeit or substandard products.

Experts also caution against dangerous practices like “microdosing” – using smaller doses to make the medication last longer – and obtaining prescriptions from unauthorized providers. A survey by Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor in the UK revealed that almost half of the 1.6 million people using weight-loss medication have engaged in these risky behaviors. The maker of Wegovy has explicitly warned that sourcing medication from unregulated suppliers poses a “direct danger to health.”

GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy and Mounjaro mimic a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. While these medications offer promising benefits for weight management and overall health, it is crucial to obtain them through legitimate channels and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Consumers should be particularly wary of claims regarding oral formulations of Wegovy, as current products marketed as such are confirmed to be fraudulent.