Social Media Weight-Loss Market Draws Scrutiny From Addis Health Regulator

June 23, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

The Addis Ababa Food and Medicine Authority has raised concerns over the growing promotion of weight-loss injections and pills on social media, saying no institution has so far received approval to provide specialised weight-reduction treatment services.

The authority said some organisations are advertising weight-loss treatments online despite not having the required licences to operate in the sector.

Gelgelo Weljira, director of health institutions and professionals supervision at the Addis Ababa Food and Medicine Authority, told Arada FM that the authority provides licences for cosmetic and aesthetic surgery services but has not approved any facility established specifically to offer weight-loss treatment.

He said institutions providing such services without approval are operating outside the legal framework and warned that regulatory measures would be taken against those involved in unauthorised advertisements and services.

The warning comes as weight-loss treatments promoted through social media gain popularity, with some facilities advertising injections and medicines claiming to support rapid weight reduction.

Medical professionals have cautioned that some of these treatments, particularly injections and medicines containing GLP-1 compounds, require careful medical supervision.

Doctor Biruk Alemayehu said such medicines could pose serious health risks when used without proper assessment and monitoring.

He said possible complications include excessive and rapid weight loss, significant reductions in blood sugar levels, inflammation of the gallbladder and pancreas, and kidney problems.

The doctor added that many of the weight-loss medicines currently circulating in Ethiopia are not officially supplied through registered companies, and some are brought into the country through individuals rather than formal distribution channels.

The Addis Ababa Food and Medicine Authority said it will increase monitoring of healthcare providers’ social media platforms to identify institutions promoting services beyond their approved scope.

The authority has also urged the public to report illegal health-related activities.

Medical professionals advised that weight-loss treatments should only be provided under the supervision of qualified specialists and in facilities capable of managing potential complications.

Source: FSX Business News