Mozambican authorities have officially banned the electronic advertising of unauthorized weight-loss medications, specifically targeting popular brands like Mounjaro and Ozempic. The government warned that the illegal promotion of these drugs on digital platforms poses a “significant risk” to public health and will lead to legal prosecution.
The National Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (INTIC) issued the directive following a surge in social media marketing for products containing tirzepatide and semaglutide. According to the health regulator ANARME, these injectable medications—primarily intended for diabetes management—are being widely marketed for aesthetic weight loss despite lacking formal market authorization in Mozambique.
Authorities emphasized that the unregulated sale of these drugs exposes citizens to potential counterfeits or products with unproven safety profiles. Under Mozambican law, all pharmaceutical advertising requires prior approval. Promoting these substances online not only violates consumer protection laws but also undermines the government’s efforts to safeguard the digital ecosystem.
Read more: Ozempic: inspections of diabetes medications lead to 19 complaints against pharmacies
The notice serves as a stern warning to economic operators, health professionals, and digital influencers. INTIC and ANARME stated they will pursue legal action against anyone involved in the unauthorized dissemination of such advertisements until the products are properly registered.
This move aligns with recent warnings from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which cautioned against using such medications for cosmetic weight loss in individuals who do not suffer from obesity or related health conditions.
