11/25/2025
I am thankful to The Buffalo Criterion Newspaper for allowing me to shed light on an issue that I am truly passionateabout.
With obesity affecting over 40% of American adults, GLP-1 medications have become an important tool in medical weight loss. However, I’m deeply concerned about the rise of dangerous counterfeit and illegally compounded GLP-1s being marketed online.
Here’s what you need to know:
The FDA shortage is over. Compounded GLP-1s were a temporary solution during a drug shortage, but that shortage has ended. Companies continuing to sell these products are operating illegally.
Counterfeit ingredients are flooding the market. Between September 2023 and January 2025, 239 shipments of unregulated GLP-1 ingredients entered the U.S. - with 82% making it into the drug supply. These ingredients bypass FDA safety regulations entirely.
The consequences are real. Poison control centers have reported a 1,500% increase in calls related to GLP-1 overdoses, many linked to these unregulated products.
At our practice, we prescribe only FDA-approved GLP-1 medications as part of a comprehensive medical weight loss program that includes:
• Thorough medical evaluation and monitoring
• Personalized treatment plans
• Ongoing support and follow-up care
• Integration with your overall health goals
Your health and safety are too important to trust to unregulated products sold on social media. If you’re considering GLP-1 therapy for weight loss, let’s discuss the safe, legitimate options available to you.
Schedule a consultation with Visionary Wellness to learn more about our medical weight loss program by visting www.visionarywellnesswny.com
By Joyce O’Riley Smith Joyce O’Riley Smith is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner from Buffalo.
