For decades, people have been searching for a silver bullet when it comes to weight loss, with numerous fad diets and exercise regimes being hailed as the ‘next big thing’.
In recent months, injectables Ozempic and Wegovy have received a lot of attention, as claims are made that patients using them are able to shed up to 10% of body weight. Results have been shown to be more effective than previously tested treatments, with some suggesting these products could save the NHS from the ‘tidal wave’ of ill health that has the potential to overwhelm services.
Both products share a lot of similarities, such as the same active ingredient- semaglutide, but they are branded differently and are to be used by separate groups of people.
What is semaglutide?
It belongs to a group of drugs known as GLP-1s, which are synthetic versions of a hormone which is released by the body when we eat. The hormone makes the body release insulin, which controls blood sugar levels.
Semaglutide does the following:
It helps the body make insulin, but only when needed
Reduces the amount of unnecessary sugar (glucose) being released by the liver
Slows the rate at which the stomach digests and empties food
Reduces appetite resulting in reduced food intake.
By causing people to feel fuller for longer and potentially more satisfied after eating, semaglutide helps people lose weight.
Ozempic is licensed for people with type 2 diabetes to use and has been available since 2017. It lowers blood sugar levels alongside a calorie controlled diet and exercise. Although not licensed for weight loss, using Ozempic can result in weight loss so can be used for those both with type 2 diabetes and who are overweight. The NHS will only prescribe it for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy on the other hand, is marketed as a weight loss drug and was approved by the USA in 2021. It launched in the UK in September and unlike Ozempic, is not a diabetes medication. When used alongside a calorie controlled diet and lifestyle changes, it can help people to lose weight. It is available on the NHS, but only prescribed if the patient meets certain NICE eligibility criteria, although each case is assessed individually.
What are the other similarities?
Both are injected once a week
Can cause serious side effects such as pancreatitis and dehydration
In studies they both cause weight loss
They both lower blood sugar levels
Other side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and constipation
Only available via a prescription
Both are made by Novo Nordisk
While these injectables are being hailed as an important tool in tackling obesity, their popularity is not without concern. They are not a quick fix, as diet and lifestyle changes, such as exercise, are an equally important part of the mix.
As the recent Panorama investigation highlighted, although the drugs are available free on the NHS, those that don’t meet the criteria are able to buy them via online pharmacies once they’ve passed certain checks. However, these checks can be circumnavigated, with people of a healthy weight being able to order them online. The programme showed that there can be a worrying lack of checks and minimal clinical management for patients getting hold of the drug this way.
The drugs include an array of side effects from nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, an inability to enjoy food, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue and increased heart rate. It’s unsurprising that the rate of discontinuation is high, even for patients who are supported and prepared for these outcomes. In addition, not all patients respond well to them.
The risk is that these drugs fuel a cycle of overeating and purging, which is harmful to both physical and mental health.
