Britons are expecting a drop in the number of obese people thanks to a new drug.
A new injectable drug is being used by patients in the UK to help them lose weight due to obesity. The drug, ‘Wegovy’, is expected to reduce the proportion of obesity in the population.
Many of the patients also suffer from diabetes, but the new drug is not part of the free healthcare and 4 doses per month cost £300.
Wegovy (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved prescription medication used for chronic weight management in adults and certain adolescents who have obesity or are overweight with weight-related medical conditions. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that helps regulate appetite and food intake.
Key Facts About Wegovy:
How It Works: Wegovy reduces hunger, increases feelings of fullness, and helps control blood sugar levels, leading to weight loss.
Approval & Manufacturer: Approved by the FDA in June 2021; manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
Who Can Use It: Adults with a BMI of 30+ (obese) or BMI of 27+ (overweight with at least one weight-related condition like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol).
Dosage: Given as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection (under the skin) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Effectiveness: In clinical trials, patients lost about 15% of their body weight on average when combined with diet and exercise.
Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, and fatigue. Serious but rare risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney issues, and thyroid tumors.
Difference From Ozempic: Both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic is mainly for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is specifically for weight loss and has a higher dosage.
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