A disputed weight-loss technique used in Turkey that has been strongly discouraged by medical professionals and EU authorities has been linked by the EU’s infectious disease health agency to a botulism outbreak that has spread throughout Europe.

Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment for many different types of wrinkles and frown lines, as well as for lifting the eyebrows.

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), better known by its shortened name “Botox,” is used for a variety of cosmetic purposes, including the elimination of wrinkles and frown lines and the elevation of the eyebrows.

But in recent years, botox for weight loss has gained popularity as a previously unknown application.

The procedure entails injecting a massive amount of BoNT into the muscles of the stomach in order to slow down digestive activity and increase satiety for a longer period of time. It has been claimed that the effect lasts for about three months after administration.

Although some clinics advertise gastric botox as a weight loss solution, scientific evidence does not support these claims.

These practices have also been connected to the recent rise in cases of botulism, a condition brought on by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves and results in breathing problems, muscle paralysis, and occasionally even death.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports that as of the end of March 2023, 87 cases of botulism were linked to intragastric injections of BoNT.

The people who traveled to Turkey and underwent weight-loss medical procedures were the subjects of all the cases that have been reported in Europe thus far. Private clinics in Turkey promote the price difference as being as much as 50% cheaper than in other countries.

The use of Botox for slimming down is a relatively new trend that has gained favor in recent years.

A Potentially Hazardous “Off-label” Application

The main reason why Turkey’s BoNT costs so much less than in other countries is that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved it for weight loss.

Botulinum toxin has been approved by the European Union for use in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including pain in the muscles, muscle cramps, underarm sweating, excessive saliva production, and even some cosmetic procedures. Losing weight is not an approved use.

The term “off-label” refers to the practice of administering a drug or therapy for a purpose other than that for which it was approved by the regulatory authorities for marketing purposes.

Medical professionals may prescribe off-label uses, but these are less frequent for cosmetic procedures.

However, drug manufacturers are prohibited from promoting off-label uses, and doctors who prescribe them are also accountable for any side effects that may result.

While BoNT is typically a safe treatment option, it appears that several patients have experienced adverse effects.

Considering how much more secure modern pharmaceutical, surgical, and endoscopic treatments for obesity are, this weight loss method is generally to be avoided.

Latrogenic Botulism

In spite of its rarity, botulism remains a potentially lethal disease.

According to estimates provided by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, there are approximately 200 new cases of botulism diagnosed each year in the European Union. This equates to approximately 0.03 new cases per 100,000 people.

There are five distinct forms of botulism, including those that occur spontaneously, like infant botulism, which develops when spores germinate in the intestines of infants younger than a year old, and food-borne botulism, which develops when contaminated food is consumed.

The type of latrogenic botulism that was linked to the outbreak in Europe is not caused by factors that occur naturally; rather, it is caused by the excessive administration of BoNT toxins during medical or cosmetic procedures.

Even though cases of medically-induced botulism are uncommon, the resulting fatigue, weakness, blurred vision, and trouble swallowing and breathing can be extremely debilitating.

Some cases of botulism necessitate the use of botulinum anti-toxin and the provision of intensive care for the infected individual. Despite the availability of effective treatments, full recovery often takes several weeks or months.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) advises European Union citizens to stay away from weight loss treatments in Turkey due to the risk of contracting botulism. 

As previously stated, the European outbreak of latrogenic botulism was traced back to the excessive administration of BoNT toxins for medical or cosmetic purposes. However, any competently trained medical professional would never inject that much. 

Dentox is a course designed to educate medical professionals and aestheticians on the proper and most efficient methods for administering Botox injections. Dentox was developed by Dr. Howard Katz, a specialist in injections. He is regarded as one of the best injectors in the world by his students and coworkers. In addition, Dr. Katz is a licensed plastic surgeon. For information on both in-person and virtual courses, see https://dentox.com/live-courses/ and https://all-courses.dentox.com/botox-training/.