A TV doctor has given a stern warning about a weight loss drug which is coming to the UK - but has serious side effects. In the USA people, including reportedly Tesla and Twitter owner Elon Musk, have been using semaglutide, also known as wegovy, to lose weight.
It basically works by suppressing appetite, but on Lorraine, TV Dr Amir Khan said there were potentially serious side effects and people on it should really be monitored. The drug is said to be popular with Hollywood stars - and is set to be sold via Boots shops for around £180 per month of doses.
It has been so popular in America that there have reportedly been shortages of the diabetes treatment due to people stockpiling it. On Lorraine today (Feb 13), presenter Christine Lampard said: “This controversial weight loss drug. There’s lots of talk of it over in America, but it’s now making its way to the UK. Tell us about what it is and what effects it has on us.”
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Dr Amir Khan said that in his practice it’s used to treat diabetic patients: “Okay, so this is the drugs semaglutide. It is given as an injection into the tummy area normally. The way it works I use it in my patients who are living with Type two diabetes and it was initially for that purpose. It stimulates people to produce their own insulin, thereby bringing down blood sugars.
“But one of its side effects is that it slows down the movement of food in the gut and reduces your appetite. People lose weight because they eat less. It’s now available online about £180 a month, which is quite a lot.”
The TV doctor had a big warning for anyone wanting to take it: “But I’ve got to warn people, you know, when I prescribe it, I warn my patients about the side effects. Bloatedness, diarrhoea. Vomiting is one extreme, and then the other extreme is liver and kidney problems as well.
"And I monitor my patients, you know, phone calls, blood tests, all of that. I’m not sure that will be available if people are buying online, so just be really careful. The best way to lose weight - it’s never easy to lose weight - but it’s about eating nutritious food, moving more and sleeping better.
"And the real problem with way to obesity in this country is that big food companies have got us all addicted to processed foods. We are now paying the price health-wise. We’ve got to address all of that more than fast, kind of weight loss drugs.”
Boots will soon be offering an online service once the drug, made by Novo Nordisk, becomes available in the UK. It mimics the action of a hormone, called GLP-1, that makes people feel fuller and less hungry, so they eat less.
A spokesperson at Boots said: “It can be an effective medicine to achieve sustained weight loss when used alongside a reduced calorie diet, increased physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices. It will be available from Boots Online Doctor, with an anticipated launch of spring 2023.
“The Boots Online Doctor Weight Loss Treatment service is for customers who are worried that their weight is impacting their health. Customers will have access to treatment following their completion of an online consultation form, which will be assessed by a clinician.
“Those who are offered treatment will receive follow-up touchpoints and support from the Boots Online Doctor service throughout their weight loss journey, and can access advice and support from our pharmacy teams in stores.”
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