Bryan Betty: Wegovy, weightloss drugs, and obesity

A new weightloss medication is now available in New Zealand – accessible on a private, nonsubsidised script.  Dr Bryan Betty joined Jack Tame to discuss Wegovy – what it is, how you use it, the side effects, and why people are seeking medical treatment for their weight.    What is Wegovy?   A once-weekly injection for weight loss known as a ‘GP-1 agonist’.   It mimics a hormone in the gut that reduces our desire to eat and controls sugar in the blood.   Developed originally for diabetes but found to help with weight loss, especially at higher doses.   The same drug at lower does is known as Ozempic, which is used for diabetes.     Is obesity a problem in New Zealand? Why medication? Shouldn’t we just eat better and move more?   We do have problem in New Zealand with obesity – it's a major heath issue.   Over a third population is classified as obese, and it costs the economy $2 billion a year in healthcare costs.  A good diet and exercise are critically important for weight loss.   However once above BMI 30, it can be very hard to lose weight despite a person’s lifestyle, so medication can be a useful adjunct for some people in weight loss.     How do we use it and are there side-effects?   Once-weekly injection. You adjust the dose every month until you reach the maximum dose.   Side effects can include nausea, bloating, loose bowel motions, burping.   More serious ones can occur but are very rare: pancreas inflammation, bowel obstruction.   Most people have few issues.     Is there a cost and how long do you take it for?   It is not funded by Pharmac and costs about $500 a month or $6000 a year.   Many studies now show that when you stop, the weight can go back on.   There is a shift to thinking these medications may need to be used long-term, much like a blood pressure or diabetes medication.   It is safe for long term use.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.