GPs in England may offer weight-loss injections to some patients in an effort to reduce obesity-related maladies and hospital pressure. Wegovy was approved for use by the NHS after research indicated that users could lose more than 10 percent of their body weight.
The drug suppresses hunger, causing users to feel full and consume less. As Rishi Sunak unveiled a £40 million pilot program to enhance access to specialized weight management services, he used the phrase "game-changer" to describe the potential impact of the initiative.
But specialists warn that "skinny jabs," which are popular in the United States and are sponsored by a large number of celebrities, are not a quick fix and are not a replacement for a good diet and regular exercise. In clinical studies, participants typically gained weight again after treatment was discontinued.
Other injections, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, which operate in a manner very comparable to that of Wegovy but are intended to treat diabetes, have not yet been licensed for use on the NHS solely for the purpose of weight loss.
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which is the pharmaceuticals inspector for the NHS, patients can get access to Wegovy for a maximum of two years if they go through specialist weight-management treatments.
These are mostly hospital-based, which means that only approximately 35,000 people have access to them. However, the government argues that tens of thousands more people could be qualified for them, despite the fact that the United Kingdom does not yet have a supply of the drug.
The new program will investigate how general practitioners (GPs) could properly prescribe such drugs and how the National Health Service (NHS) could provide support in the community or digitally. This will contribute to the larger goal of the government, which is to relieve burden on hospitals and allow patients access to the treatment they require at a location that is most convenient for them.
According to Mr. Sunak, obesity places a significant burden on the NHS. It will be a game-changer when people start using the newest pharmaceuticals to help people lose weight since it will contribute to the fight against hazardous obesity-related health disorders like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer.
According to estimates, there are more than 12 million obese adults living in England. Other pharmacies on the high street are getting ready to start selling Wegovy to clients. These pharmacies will prescribe and provide a weekly injection that customers can self-administer by utilizing pre-filled pen devices.
There is always a possibility of adverse effects and hazards when taking any drug. The most typical ones are feeling sick or having an upset stomach, as well as having gas and bloating.
According to NHS Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis, pharmaceutical remedies provide a novel means of assisting obese individuals in achieving a healthier weight. And this new pilot will assist in determining whether these medications can be used safely and effectively in non-hospital settings, in addition to a variety of other interventions currently in place. He stated that negotiations were taking place between NHS England and the manufacturer to secure long-term supplies at pricing that provided taxpayers with value for their money.
