Weight Loss Jabs Shouldn’t Be Handed Out Like Smarties, Experts Warn
Experts have warned against the mass prescription of weight loss jabs like Ozempic, citing concerns over over-medicalization of obesity and the long-term side effects of the medication.
The warning comes after landmark research found that semaglutide, branded as Ozempic and Wegovy, can cut the risk of heart attacks or death by a fifth. The study, presented at a medical conference in Venice, showed that the drug’s benefits were seen even in patients who did not lose weight.
Experts’ Concerns
Professor Rameen Shakur, an expert in genomics and precision cardiovascular medicine at the University of Brighton, expressed concerns over the lack of understanding of the biological process by which semaglutide reduces cardiac mortality. He warned that the "potent" drugs were not without risk and that scientists were still at an "early stage" in learning about their long-term use.
"We are unclear on the mechanism and biological process by which semaglutide might reduce cardiac mortality per se," Professor Shakur said. "I don’t think it is commercially realistic to put whole populations on a medical therapy until you know how the biological system works."
Over-Reliance on Medication
Professor Shakur also warned that an overreliance on medication risked over-medicalizing obesity. "The potential for medicalisation has now been greatly increased," he said. "There are definite means to reduce obesity through exercise and weight loss management that don’t require medication."
Private Clinics and Equity
Professor Shakur predicted that the latest study would only add to global demand for the drugs, and that private clinics offering prescriptions for the likes of Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro would see a boon in business. "My biggest worry is equity and I don’t know how we’re going to manage it," he said. "The phones will be buzzing in a lot of private clinics."
Government Commitment
Despite the concerns, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has committed to rolling out weight-loss jabs to help fix the nation’s health problems. He believes that the drug could help boost the economy by reducing the number of people out of work due to illness.
Conclusion
While the results of the study are promising, experts warn that the mass prescription of weight loss jabs like Ozempic could have unintended consequences. The long-term side effects of the medication are still unknown, and the overreliance on medication could lead to over-medicalization of obesity.
FAQs
Q: What is semaglutide?
A: Semaglutide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Q: What are the benefits of semaglutide?
A: Semaglutide has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks or death by a fifth, and can also help with weight loss.
Q: What are the concerns about semaglutide?
A: Experts are concerned about the lack of understanding of the biological process by which semaglutide reduces cardiac mortality, and the potential for over-medicalization of obesity.
Q: Will semaglutide be prescribed to millions of Brits?
A: The government has committed to rolling out weight-loss jabs like Ozempic, but experts warn that this could lead to over-medicalization of obesity and unknown long-term side effects.
