United Kingdom is investing €46.5 millions of dollars Health program to handle obesity by wise utilization of weight loss drugs, including Wegovy too.
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United kingdom’s(€46.5 million) Plan to Deal Obesity
The United Kingdom has initiated a pioneering program with a substantial budget of £40 million (€46.5 million) aimed at combating obesity through the utilization of cutting-edge weight loss medications.
Spanning a span of two years, the government will examine the feasibility of expanding the accessibility of approved drugs to a larger demographic, encompassing the realm of general practitioner prescriptions and alternative avenues outside of hospital settings.
This initiative seeks to alleviate the burden on the National Health Service (NHS), which currently expends a staggering £6.5 billion (€7.55 billion) annually on obesity-related concerns.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak asserts that the incorporation of state-of-the-art medications to facilitate weight loss represents a paradigm shift, as it can effectively address perilous health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer that are intertwined with obesity.
Consequently, this endeavor will alleviate strain on hospitals, empower individuals to lead healthier and lengthier lives, and align with Sunak’s primary objective of reducing NHS waiting lists.
Among the medications involved in this pilot program is Wegovy, which has recently received a commendation from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK.
Marketed as a groundbreaking injection for weight loss, Wegovy stands as just one example of various diabetes medications that have demonstrated efficacy in promoting weight reduction.
Originally designed to aid individuals with type 2 diabetes in managing their blood sugar levels, the demand for Wegovy and other similar drugs has soared following accounts from celebrities and social media influencers who reported off-label prescriptions for weight loss purposes.
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What this Wegovy is?
Alongside Ozempic and Rybelsus, Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, which is both an antidiabetic medication and a weight loss medication.
Developed by the Danish multinational pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, semaglutide functions similarly to a natural hormone in the body that regulates appetite, leading to an increased sensation of fullness in individuals.
This medication is available in pre-filled pens for weekly self-injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Users have the convenience of administering it themselves.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved the use of semaglutide for diabetes treatment in 2018 and subsequently, in 2022, for the treatment of obesity in adults.
The medication may present certain potential side effects, which encompass headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has assessed that the benefits of the drug outweigh the associated risks, considering the grave health complications that can arise from obesity, while deeming the side effects as “manageable.“
Similarly, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for Wegovy as a weight loss medication.
However, the US marketing stipulates specific warnings, including the risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallbladder issues (including gallstones), Potential complications include hypoglycemia, acute renal injury, diabetic retinopathy (eye damage), hypertension, and suicidal ideation or action.”
New way of Dealing With obesity
Wegovy has been suggested by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for persons with a BMI of at least 35 who are struggling with a weight-related health issue such diabetes or high blood pressure.
According to NICE, clinical trial evidence supports the effectiveness of Wegovy in helping individuals lose up to 15 percent of their body weight within one year when combined with a prescribed regimen of diet, physical activity, and behavioral support.
Currently, Wegovy is accessible to approximately 35,000 individuals in the UK, limited to specialist weight management services provided within hospitals.
However, the pilot program aims to broaden access to tens of thousands more people by exploring avenues for expansion.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, the NHS medical director, emphasized that addressing obesity holds great significance in the NHS Long Term Plan, as it can have severe consequences for the nation’s health, leading to the development of serious health conditions, common cancers, and placing significant strain on NHS services.
Pharmaceutical treatments provide a fresh approach to support individuals with obesity in achieving a healthier weight, and this new pilot program aims to assess the safe and effective use of these medications outside of hospital settings, alongside a variety of other interventions already in practice.
Everything Comes with Side Effects
Follow are the List of 10 Possible Side Effects of Wegovy (Semaglutide):
- Nausea: Wegovy can make you feel light to moderately sick, especially in the first few weeks of treatment. It’s important to keep track of this possible side effect and see a doctor if it keeps happening.
- Vomiting: Some people who take Wegovy, especially in the early stages of medication, may have episodes of vomiting. If this side effect keeps happening, you should talk to a doctor.
- Diarrhoea: Wegovy may cause some people to have more bowel movements, which can lead to diarrhoea. Even though this side effect generally goes away over time, it is important to stay hydrated if it happens often.
- Constipation: On the other hand, Wegovy can also make some people have trouble going to the toilet. It is suggested that you eat well and drink enough water to help ease this side effect.
- Pain or discomfort in the abdomen: Some people who use Wegovy may feel pain or discomfort in the abdomen. If the pain is serious or lasts for a long time, it is important to see a doctor.
- Headaches: can happen as a side effect of taking Wegovy. This condition might be easier to deal with if you drink enough water and get enough rest.
- Dizziness: Wegovy can make you feel dizzy or faint, especially in the first few weeks of treatment. It is best to stay away from things that require mental focus until these symptoms go away.
- tiredness: Another possible side effect of Wegovy is feeling tired or having tiredness. Getting enough rest and living a healthy life can help you deal with this condition.
- Problems with the gallbladder: Some people may get liver problems like gallstones while using Wegovy. It is very important to tell a doctor or nurse right away if you have abdominal pain or soreness.
- Hypoglycemia: Like other drugs in its class, Wegovy may lower blood sugar levels and cause signs of hypoglycemia, such as sweating, shakiness, and confusion. If these signs happen, it’s important to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels and talk to a doctor or nurse.
Disclaimer: This list shows some of the possible side effects of Wegovy (semaglutide), but it is not all of them. Before taking any medication, it is important to talk to a doctor or nurse to get full information and advice.
Final Words Wegovy The Weight Loss Drug
uk is recomending Wegovy to treat Obesity, due to its impact on both health and healthcare services, remains a prominent concern for governments throughout Europe.
Surpassing half the population, over 50 percent of Europeans are classified as overweight, with nearly 20 percent falling into the category of obesity
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