Weight loss injections like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are gaining popularity in the UK due to their convenience, accessibility and effectiveness in aiding weight loss.
As a new NHS hot topic, medical school applicants must understand these weight loss treatments and their role in combating the UK Obesity Crisis.
This article provides insights for UK medical school interview preparation and offers clear information for those interested in the NHS approach to weight loss management which will be useful during ethical discussions at your medicine interview.
Weight Loss Injections Summary - What You Need To Know
Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro are weight loss injections designed to help manage obesity by mimicking hormones that suppress appetite.
Wegovy is available on the NHS for patients with a high BMI and related health conditions, following strict eligibility criteria.
Weight loss injections are effective for weight loss but raise ethical concerns about access, long-term safety, and potential dependency.
Understanding the role of weight loss jabs in obesity management is essential for medical school interviews, as they are a key NHS hot topic.
👉🏻 Read more: Everything You Need To Know About Your UK Medical School Interview
Weight Loss Treatment: What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a brand name for semaglutide, a prescription medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes.
It works at a hormonal receptor, known as the GLP-1 receptor, which signals our body and brain to feel full, or satiated.
It also triggers insulin release from the pancreas, which allows glucose to enter the body’s cells, reducing blood glucose levels.
These mechanisms aid weight loss.
Though Ozempic was originally intended for diabetes management, Ozempic has gained attention for its effectiveness in supporting weight loss, with many celebrities using this medication.
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Semaglutide: Is Ozempic Available In The UK?
Semaglutide branded under Ozempic is not licensed for use as a weight loss drug in the UK.
It is only licensed for use in diabetic patients.
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Weight Loss Medication: What Is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, which is specifically approved for weight management in the UK.
It is a once-weekly weight loss injection, which when combined with a healthy diet and exercise can increase weight loss.
It can be used for a maximum of 2 years.
Wegovy was launched for weight loss in the UK in September 2023 and is available via prescription for those meeting specific criteria set by the National Insitute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
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Is Wegovy Available In The UK?
Wegovy is available in the UK.
It was launched in the UK in September 2023 and is now available on the NHS for patients who meet the eligibility criteria set by NICE.
Wegovy is licensed for adults struggling with obesity and weight-related health conditions.
To be prescribed Wegovy on the NHS, patients must meet the following criteria:
Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or above, with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.
BMI of 30 or above (in certain cases), if referred to specialist weight management services.
Individuals from some ethnic minority backgrounds may qualify with a lower BMI due to differing health risks associated with weight.
It must be prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet, exercise, and behavioural support.
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Weight Loss Injection: How Does Wegovy Work?
Like Ozempic, Wegovy works by mimicking the action of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate appetite and increases feelings of fullness.
Reducing hunger and slowing down stomach emptying help patients consume fewer calories and support weight loss.
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What Is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a prescription primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes, and more recently, to aid weight loss in obesity.
Like other weight loss injections, it has also shown potential for significant weight loss when used alongside diet and exercise.
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Is Mounjaro Available In The UK?
Mounjaro is currently licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for weight loss in adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or for those with a BMI of 27+ who have weight-related health problems.
While it is already available for type 2 diabetes management, its use for weight loss on the NHS is still under review by NICE.
This means that it can be bought privately for obesity, but will not yet be given by the NHS.
An official decision from NICE is expected by December 2024, which will determine its availability for weight management. It requires a specialist assessment, prescription, and ongoing support and cannot be purchased over the counter.
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Weight Loss Jab: How Does Mounjaro Work?
Like Ozempic and Wegovy, Mounjaro works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that suppresses appetite and slows digestion.
However, Mounjaro also targets a second hormone, GIP, which helps to regulate energy balance and further enhances weight loss.
This dual action makes Mounjaro more effective in promoting weight loss than drugs targeting GLP-1 alone.
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NHS Weight Loss Injections: Ozempic Vs Mounjaro Comparison
Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are popular weight loss injections, but there are key differences between the two that are important to understand:
Active Ingredients: Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, while Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which targets both GLP-1 and GIP, giving it a dual mechanism of action.
Effectiveness: Studies suggest that Mounjaro may be more effective for weight loss due to its dual hormonal action, whereas Wegovy is still highly effective but works solely on GLP-1 receptors.
Licensing: Wegovy is fully licensed and available for weight loss on the NHS in the UK, whereas Mounjaro is licensed by the MHRA but awaits a final decision from NICE, expected in December 2024.
Availability: Wegovy is available through specialist weight management services for those meeting NICE criteria. Mounjaro may soon follow suit but is currently only available for treating type 2 diabetes.
Both drugs offer significant weight loss potential, but Mounjaro’s dual action could make it more powerful for some individuals. However, its full availability on the NHS is still pending.
Who Can Get Weight Loss Drugs On The NHS?
Weight loss drugs are only available on the NHS for patients who meet specific criteria relating to weight and health risk factors.
These drugs are prescribed through specialist weight management services and are not available for general weight loss purposes.
To qualify for weight loss drugs on the NHS, you must meet the following criteria:
Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or more and at least one weight-related health condition, such as hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
In exceptional cases, individuals with a BMI between 30 and 34.9 and a weight-related comorbidity can also qualify.
People from certain ethnic backgrounds may qualify at a lower BMI threshold due to increased health risks associated with obesity.
Weight loss drugs are prescribed alongside a programme of diet, exercise, and behavioural support, and are generally only prescribed for up to two years.
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Wegovy and Moujaro Effectiveness: How Effective Are Weight Loss Injections?
Both Wegovy and Mounjaro have been shown to be effective in aiding weight loss when used alongside a healthy diet and exercise plan.
Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy users can achieve up to a 15% reduction in body weight after a year of treatment.
Mounjaro has demonstrated even higher weight loss potential in some studies, with users experiencing up to 20% body weight reduction in clinical trials.
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Are Weight Loss Drugs Available Privately And What Do They Cost?
Weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro are available privately in the UK.
It's important to note that these medications should only be purchased from regulated sources to ensure safety and proper medical guidance. Buying from unregulated sellers can pose serious health risks.
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Weight Loss Injections: Side Effects Of Wegovy & Mounjaro
Weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can cause several side effects, which vary in severity.
Common side effects include:
Nausea and vomiting
Bloating and indigestion
Constipation or diarrhoea
Fatigue
Mild hair loss
For many, these side effects are manageable and often improve with time.
However, in rare cases, more serious side effects such as gallbladder issues, pancreatitis, or kidney problems may occur.
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Weight Loss Injections: What Happens When You Stop Taking Weight Loss Drugs?
When weight loss injections like Wegovy or Mounjaro are stopped, there is a risk that patients may regain the weight they lost.
Once the treatment is discontinued, normal hunger signals and cravings can return, and some individuals might find it challenging to maintain reduced calorie intake.
To help prevent weight regain, it is essential to maintain the healthy eating habits, exercise routines, and lifestyle changes developed while on the treatment.
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Weight Loss Drugs: Ethical Considerations of Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro
There are a number of ethical considerations associated with the use of weight loss drugs. You should be able to discuss these in your UK medical school interview:
1) Access and Equality:
These treatments are often only accessible through specialist weight management services, creating a disparity between those who can access the NHS and those who can afford private prescriptions.
Not everyone who could benefit from these treatments may have access, especially if they can't afford private prescriptions.
Arguably this could encourage people to try and purchase weight loss medications online through unregulated suppliers, putting them at risk.
This raises concerns about equality and justice in healthcare, as not everyone who could benefit from these medications may have access to them, particularly patients from lower-income backgrounds.
The availability of private options may further widen health disparities, especially among ethnic minorities, who may already face increased health risks associated with obesity but are less likely to have access to private care.
Addressing these inequalities is crucial to ensuring that advances in weight loss treatments do not exacerbate existing social and economic divides in healthcare.
2) Medicalisation of Obesity:
There are concerns that relying on weight loss drugs could lead to the over-medicalisation of obesity, shifting the focus away from tackling the root causes like unhealthy diets, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors.
It is arguable that lifestyle changes should still be prioritised over viewing medications as a “quick fix.”
3) Long-Term Safety and Dependency:
While effective, there are concerns about the long-term safety of these drugs and the risk of developing a dependency.
It is known that patients may regain weight after stopping the medication, particularly if lifestyle changes are not upheld.
This raises questions about whether these drugs could create a reliance on lifelong treatment.
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Weight Loss Medications - Potential Medicine Interview Questions
What are the ethical considerations of offering weight loss injections such as Wegovy on the NHS?
How do weight loss injections fit into the wider strategy to combat the UK's obesity crisis?
Do you think the NHS should prioritise medication like Wegovy over lifestyle changes for obesity management? Why or why not?
Weight loss injections have side effects like nausea and vomiting. How should doctors balance the benefits and risks when prescribing these medications?
What role should doctors play in preventing the misuse of weight loss medications such as Wegovy or Mounjaro in non-eligible patients?
How could the introduction of weight loss injections on the NHS impact health inequalities in the UK?
Do you think weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy will help address the root causes of obesity, or do they only treat the symptoms?
Weight loss injections have been shown to cause weight regain once stopped. How should this be managed in clinical practice?
Some argue that weight loss injections could encourage a culture of reliance on medication. How would you address these concerns in a patient consultation?
With obesity being a growing issue, do you think the NHS should expand access to private weight loss treatments like Mounjaro?
Weight Loss Jabs - Frequently Asked Questions
What are weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro?
Weight loss injections, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, are medications used to help patients lose weight, often prescribed alongside diet and exercise plans.
How does Wegovy help with weight loss?
Wegovy works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which helps suppress appetite and makes individuals feel full, reducing their calorie intake.
Is Ozempic used for weight loss in the UK?
Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss in the UK; it is primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes, though it has shown potential for weight reduction. There are hopes that this may be licensed for obese or overweight patients in the UK.
Who is eligible for weight loss injections on the NHS?
Individuals with a BMI of 35 or more and a weight-related condition like hypertension, or those with a BMI of 30-34.9 referred to specialist weight management services, are eligible for NHS weight loss drugs like Wegovy.
What is the difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro?
Wegovy targets the GLP-1 hormone, while Mounjaro targets both GLP-1 and GIP hormones, making Mounjaro potentially more effective for weight loss.
Are weight loss injections available privately in the UK?
Yes, weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro, Liraglutide, are available privately in the UK, with prices typically ranging from £200 to £300 per dose.
How much weight can you lose with Wegovy?
Clinical trials show that Wegovy users can lose up to 15% of their body weight when used alongside a healthy diet and physical activity plan.
What are the common side effects of Wegovy and Mounjaro?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, and mild hair loss, though more serious side effects like pancreatitis and gallbladder issues can occur.
What happens if you stop taking weight loss injections like Wegovy?
When weight loss injections are stopped, many individuals regain the weight they lost, making it important to maintain lifestyle changes developed during treatment.
Is Mounjaro available for weight loss in the UK?
Mounjaro is licensed for weight loss by the MHRA in the UK but is still under review by NICE for NHS availability, with an update expected in December 2024.
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