New medicines like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are changing how obesity is treated around the world. These drugs were first made to help people with diabetes, but doctors found they also reduce appetite and cause fast weight loss. This has led to major advances in care for people with obesity.
These drugs belong to a group called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They help people feel full sooner and slow digestion. Because of this, patients often lose a lot of weight while on the treatment. Many clinics now include these drugs as part of obesity care, making treatment easier and more effective.
Studies show that these drugs help reduce the risk of more than 40 health problems, such as heart disease, some cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease. They also seem to improve mental health and brain function, which means their benefits go beyond just weight loss.
A challenge with these medicines is that most patients regain weight quickly after stopping the treatment. Experts say that obesity is a long-term condition, so ongoing treatment is usually necessary. This is similar to how people stay on medicines for blood pressure or cholesterol for life.
The cost of these drugs is another issue. In some places, prices can be over £150 per month. Many people stop treatment because they cannot afford it, leading to weight gain again. Without insurance coverage, long-term use is difficult for many patients.
These new treatments are also helping change the way people think about obesity. Instead of seeing it as a personal failure, experts now explain that obesity is a biological and chronic disease. This view helps reduce the stigma and encourages more people to seek help.
Scientists are also studying how these drugs can help with other conditions like liver disease, mental health disorders, and cancer. This could lead to even more medical breakthroughs in the future.
New medicines like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro offer hope for millions struggling with obesity. While cost and ongoing treatment remain challenges, these drugs are a major step forward in health care worldwide.
