Pharmacies Targeted by Increased Thefts of Weight Loss Injections in Brazil

In Brazil, pharmacies are facing a troubling rise in thefts as criminal gangs target valuable weight loss injections. The growing obsession with beauty and aesthetics in the country has led to a significant demand for weight-loss medications, particularly the expensive prescriptions like Ozempic® and Wegovy®, which are becoming increasingly popular among the population.

With a long-standing cultural emphasis on physical appearance, Brazil holds the highest per capita consumption of cosmetics globally and ranks second in the number of cosmetic surgeries, following the United States. However, alongside this beauty culture, the country is grappling with an alarming increase in obesity rates, largely attributed to fast food and sugary beverages. Approximately one-third of the Brazilian population is classified as obese.

As more individuals seek effective solutions for weight loss, the market for prescription medications has surged. Unfortunately, these medications are often prohibitively expensive for many Brazilians, making them attractive targets for thieves. Reports indicate that pharmacies are being specifically targeted for these products, with numerous incidents occurring in urban areas like São Paulo.

Recent statistics reveal that the São Paulo police recorded an average of nearly one pharmacy robbery per day in the first two months of the year. In response, pharmacy owners are increasingly investing in security measures, including surveillance cameras and security personnel. Some establishments have even opted to remove weight loss injections entirely from their inventory due to safety concerns.

Incidents of brazen thefts underscore the growing audacity of criminals. For instance, in April 2025, law enforcement apprehended suspects in São Paulo who had stolen Ozempic worth 60,000 Brazilian Reais (approximately 9,380 Euros) from a pharmacy. Additionally, a violent confrontation occurred in March 2025 between a military police officer and armed thieves in southern São Paulo, highlighting the dangerous nature of these thefts.

Despite the escalating crime, the police appear to be struggling to contain the situation. Experts point to the socio-economic issues driving these criminal activities, suggesting that as long as the demand for expensive weight loss medications remains high, pharmacies will continue to be at risk.

There is, however, a potential silver lining on the horizon. The patent protection for one of the main ingredients in Ozempic is set to expire in a few years, which could pave the way for the introduction of more affordable generic alternatives. Pharmaceutical companies in Brazil are reportedly already working to develop these generics, which could significantly lower the prices of weight-loss medications and potentially reduce the incentive for criminal activity surrounding them.