The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is concerned about a new treatment involving botox. In it, people have botox injected into their stomachs in order to lose weight. Does it really work? And what are the possible risks? We asked toxicologist Jan Tytgat (KU Leuven).
The ECDC is very concerned about a new waste hype in Europe. This involves doctors injecting the substance botox directly into patients’ stomachs. Since the end of February, nearly 70 people have already become seriously ill as a result of the treatment. Some of them are even in intensive care. The vast majority of cases were reported in Turkey (53) and Germany (12). The ECDC strongly advises all European citizens not to have botox injected into their stomachs to lose weight.
What exactly do doctors do?
“In this treatment, doctors introduce the substance botox into the stomach with a probe or syringe,” says toxicologist Jan Tytgat. “As a result, the muscle cells in the stomach go into a kind of paralysis state, and won’t knead your food as well. The nutrients are then less well absorbed into your body, so some of your food will also come out faster through your bowel movements. In addition, the botox will make you feel satiated faster. So you will have less of a tendency to eat a lot. Something that helps you lose weight.”
Is it really that dangerous?
“I completely understand the ECDC’s concern. This treatment can have really big dangers. By injecting the botox into the stomach, you risk disrupting the functioning of your other muscles as well. We then speak of a botulism. This is a disease that has a great impact on your nerves. With such botulism, you will experience swallowing problems, loss of strength and breathing problems, among other things. Even with successful treatment, recovery can take weeks or even months. According to recent figures, it is a condition from which 5 to 10 percent of patients die. Not a figure to underestimate, then.”
So is botox treatment for wrinkles risky?
“No, people really shouldn’t be afraid of that. In such a treatment, doctors use botox that is approved by recognized authorities. Moreover, it is used in such limited doses that the risk of serious complications is very small. You can compare it somewhat to lidocaine. That’s the substance your dentist uses to numb you with. If it is used locally and in limited doses, there is no problem. If you start administering it close to other organs, though, it can become dangerous.”
[1] Haex, G. (2023, March 23). Losing weight with botox? Experts warn of new trend: “You may well die from it”. HLN.
