Concerns Rise Over Appetite Suppressant Use Among Celebrities Amidst Health Warnings

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Comedian Park Na-rae and YouTuber 'Short-mouthed Sun' are under scrutiny for alleged use of appetite suppressant drugs, as actress Joo Jin-mo's wife, Dr. Min Hye-yeon, issues a warning about their side effects.

Family medicine specialist Dr. Min Hye-yeon released a video on her channel 'Doctor Hye-yeon' on the 17th titled "A Must-Watch for Dieters!! Everything You Need to Know About Diet Pills from a Doctor! | Wegovy, Mounjaro, Narcotic Appetite Suppressants."

In the video, Dr. Min explained, "These appetite suppressants are drugs that act on the brain," adding, "While they work quickly, they carry a high risk of addiction and can burden brain function in the long term." She further warned, "There have been reported cases of death."

She emphasized, "Regardless of the type of appetite suppressant, all medications require a doctor's prescription," and explained, "Prescription drugs, including appetite suppressants, must be purchased with a doctor's prescription. Most prescription drugs carry significant risks of side effects if not used properly, which is why they are regulated by the state to ensure they are prescribed after thorough consultation with a doctor."

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Regarding the controversial 'Butterfly Drug,' she stated, "The issue is that these drugs are psychoactive substances. When they act on the brain, they can cause severe side effects and pose a high risk of drug addiction. Therefore, there are many contraindications, and caution is needed in prescribing them. They are prescription drugs that must be prescribed and taken with care."

Previously, pharmacist Park Ji-in mentioned the 'Butterfly Drug' on her YouTube channel. Park Ji-in stated, "I recognized the drug mentioned in the 'Short-mouthed Sun' article immediately. I've prepared this combination often in the past." According to Park Ji-in, the drug combination includes green tea extract, phentermine (Butterfly Drug), diuretics, caffeine and analgesic compounds, and antidepressants.

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She also recalled a case where a patient who was prescribed this drug combination died, leading to a police investigation. "The police came to our pharmacy and said she had passed away. They took all the medical records, indicating a close connection to this drug," she explained.

Meanwhile, according to a media outlet, a person known as 'Injection Aunt' allegedly told Park Na-rae's former manager, "Na-rae should take the diet pills twice a day. Sun takes them three times a day, and on heavy days, even four times. That's how you don't gain weight." Consequently, a complaint has been filed against Park Na-rae and 'Short-mouthed Sun' for allegedly violating medical and narcotics control laws, with the Gangnam and Mapo police stations assigned to investigate the case.

Reporter Na-yeon Cho, Ten Asia nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr