[HIGHLIGHTS] New obesity treatment drug begins to be prescribed to patients; concerns over use for cosmetic purposes

GLP-1 receptor agonist, a new obesity treatment, went on sale in Japan on the 22nd. Medical institutions have begun prescribing it to patients.

There are concerns about this drug being used for cosmetic purposes. Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and academic societies have established guidelines for this drug and are calling for its use for purposes other than obesity treatment. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has announced that there is a shortage of supply, and the supply is not keeping up with increasing global demand.