Latest news with #Saxenda
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
NHS weight loss jabs might 'not be suitable' for these 5 groups
GPs will be prescribing Mounjaro to a select few people as the rollout begins, but others may need to avoid the jabs completely GPs can now prescribe Mounjaro, but only to a select group of patients who meet stringent criteria, such as having a BMI over 40 and being diagnosed with four out of five qualifying conditions. But people with other pre-existing conditions may not be able to access this weight loss drug at all. Dr Crystal Willie from ZAVA clarified that weight loss drugs "may be unsafe depending on medications you are taking or pre-existing medical conditions". This includes three specific conditions: Pancreatic disorders like pancreatitis History of thyroid cancer History of gallbladder disease Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to do either might also be advised to avoid the medication. The same goes for people on certain medications like insulin or immunosuppressants. Dr Willie told the Mirror: "You should speak to your doctor about any conditions or medications before taking any weight loss injection. Mounjaro weight loss injections can lower your blood sugar levels too much if taken in combination with sulfonylurea or insulin (other diabetes treatments). "You shouldn't take Mounjaro alongside other weight loss injections, such as Saxenda or Wegovy. This could increase the risk of serious health risks and side effects." The doctor also revealed that weight loss medication might actually not do what people think, as research from ZAVA found up to 20% of people using the GLP-1 drugs don't see the expected results or hit a weight loss plateau. There are a variety of reasons for this, including: Incorrect dosage Missing doses Not improving your diet and an inactive lifestyle Not keeping hydrated Excessive alcohol consumption Persistent stress Having a poor sleep routine Other health conditions may interfere with the effectiveness of weight loss drugs, like diabetes, hypothyroidism, insulin resistance and PCOS. Medications like antidepressants or steroids may also cause weight gain or hinder fat loss. Dr Wyllie added: "While Mounjaro is an effective medication for weight loss, it's normal to encounter a plateau at some point. To enhance your results, it's important to follow the prescribed dosing schedule and aim to reach the appropriate maintenance dose, as higher doses are generally associated with greater benefits. "Beyond medication, factors like maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, managing stress, and getting enough sleep play a crucial role in supporting your weight loss journey. If progress stalls despite these efforts, consulting your healthcare provider is essential to evaluate your plan and make necessary adjustments."
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Weight-loss injections could be made cheaper by end of the year, Minister says
Some drugs used for weight loss could be free or have their cost capped as early this year, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has confirmed. She also vowed a crackdown on vapes and to 'eradicate' tobacco pouches. Weight loss jab Mounjaro, which is also used to treat type two diabetics, became available in the UK this week under the NHS. In response to questions on whether Ireland would support the free rollout of the drug for Irish weight-loss patients, Minister Carroll MacNeill confirmed that it would be available through the HSE's reimbursement schemes as soon as the last quarter of 2025. Saxenda, another injection that can be used for weight loss, has been on the scheme since January 2023. This includes the Medical Card Scheme, where patients receive their prescription for free and the Drugs Payment Scheme, where the cost of prescriptions are capped at €80 per month. Ms Carroll MacNeill said: 'Saxenda is available under the reimbursement scheme already. 'Mountjaro is going through the reimbursement process so I'd expect an outcome of that maybe quarter four of this year, quarter one of next year. 'But it's already the case that one of those drugs is available under the reimbursement scheme and therefore is available to medical card patients.' Ms Carroll MacNeill, who was speaking at the World Conference on Tobacco Control, also vowed that Ireland will crack down on coloured and flavoured vapes and attempt to 'eradicate' tobacco pouches. Despite Cabinet approving plans in September 2024 to ban disposable vapes and flavours, there is still no date for the implementation of the plans. However, the Fine Gael Minister for Dun Laoghaire said that the Government will prioritise the new rule as part of Ireland's EU Presidency from July 2026. She said: 'The nicotine companies find different ways of trying to - now that the tobacco has been so stamped down - get children addicted to nicotine. 'Why there needs to be, like a coconut pineapple flavour [vape] is absolutely beyond me. Why it needs to match a young girl's handbag or any of those different attractive things to socialise and normalise what is essentially an addiction to a drug. 'The nicotine pouches are particularly invidious and have the capacity to get very high doses of nicotine to children in very subtle ways, but very, very quickly. We're working to try to eradicate them. 'We're trying to reopen the tobacco directive and have a focus of that as our of our EU presidency to reopen the tobacco directive to recognise that actually the world has moved on since that was agreed, that it's not just about tobacco, it's about the other nicotine projects. 'The Taoiseach will be helping me to make sure that that's a priority for Ireland for the presidency. 'One of the issues there is where one country takes lots of steps to ban different products. It comes so easily across the border from another EU member states that we have to take a harmonised approach on it from a public health perspective.' Elsewhere, Minister Carroll MacNeill defended naming the new National Children's Hospital 'The National Children's Hospital'. She said it followed 'engagement with the youth advisory groups, with parents, with patients, and that is the name that they chose'. She confirmed that there was a 'pretty nominal' cost to coming up with the name but could not confirm what it was. The Irish Mirror submitted queries to the Department of Health on the cost.
New York Post
3 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
This weight loss drug can reduce your migraine days by half — it's not Ozempic
Next-generation weight loss drugs may do more than shrink your waistline. A new study suggests that a medication in the same family as Ozempic could cut the number of days people suffer from migraines by more than half. 'Most patients felt better within the first two weeks and reported quality of life improved significantly,' said Dr. Simone Braca, a neurologist at the University of Naples Federico II and lead author of the study. Advertisement 4 Migraines affect roughly 12% of the US population aged 12 and up. astrosystem – Researchers tested liraglutide, a medication that mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar, suppress appetite and aid digestion. The drug is currently marketed as Victoza for Type 2 diabetes and as Saxenda for long-term weight management in people with obesity. Advertisement The researchers gave liraglutide to 31 adults with obesity and chronic migraines, defined as 15 or more headache days per month. Before joining the study, each participant had tried at least two other migraine-prevention drugs without success. 4 Liraglutide belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. luchschenF – After taking a daily 1.8 milligram dose of liraglutide for three months, their average headache days dropped from 20 to about nine per month. Advertisement Participants also saw a 35-point drop on the Migraine Disability Assessment Test, which signals a meaningful improvement in their work, school and social life. 'The benefit lasted for the full three-month observation period, even though weight loss was modest and statistically non-significant,' Braca said. Rather than weight loss easing migraines, researchers believe the drug works by lowering the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid — the liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Advertisement 'An increased pressure of the spinal fluid in the brain may be one of the mechanisms underlying migraine,' Braca told ABC News. 'If we target this mechanism, this preliminary evidence suggests it may help migraine sufferers.' 4 Some participants experienced mild gastrointestinal side effects while taking liraglutide. Choi_ Nikolai – The drug was generally well-tolerated, with about 38% of participants reporting mild side effects like nausea and constipation, but none stopped treatment because of them. 'Our findings show liraglutide may be effective for treating stubborn, high-frequency migraines in patients with obesity, and that this effect is independent of weight loss,' the researchers concluded in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain. The team is planning a larger follow-up study to measure brain pressure more directly. 'We also want to see if other GLP-1 drugs can provide similar relief, possibly with fewer gastrointestinal side effects,' Braca noted. More than just a bad headache At least 39 million Americans suffer from migraines, but the American Migraine Foundation estimates the true number is likely higher since many go undiagnosed. Advertisement The debilitating neurological condition causes throbbing head pain that can last hours or even days, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, vision changes and sensitivity to light and sound. 4 Studies show that women are two to three times more likely to experience migraines than men. Studio Romantic – Migraines can take a serious toll on daily life, often leading to missed work or school, reduced productivity, strained relationships and even withdrawal from social events and hobbies. Advertisement On top of that, migraines are strongly linked to depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges — and they're associated with a higher risk of stroke, heart disease and other chronic illnesses. Scientists don't yet know exactly what causes migraines, but genetics play a big role: up to 80% of sufferers have a close family member who also has the condition, according to the Cleveland Clinic. There's still no cure for migraines. While some medications can ease symptoms, they don't work for everyone. That's why this new study has experts buzzing. Advertisement 'These patients were dealing with at least 15 headache days a month, and on average, they had 11 fewer days after taking the medication for just three months,' Dr. Luis Felipe Tornes, a neurologist, told Medical News Today. 'That's life-changing for someone living with near-constant pain,' he added, noting that the drug's possible role in reducing brain pressure 'opens up a whole new way to think about treating migraines.'
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Health
- Leader Live
Mass rollout of weight loss jabs begins on NHS
Around 220,000 people with 'greatest need' are expected to receive Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide and made by Lilly through the NHS over the next three years. The drug is an antidiabetic drug which lowers blood sugar levels and and slows down how quickly food is digested. From Monday, GPs in England will be allowed to prescribe Mounjaro to severely obese people who also suffer from a range of other health problems. Patients previously needed to access the drugs through a special weight loss service. But leading family doctors said some GPs have expressed concern about the additional workload linked to the rollout. And pharmacy experts also said there could be pressure on supplies of the drug. In the first year of the programme, the drug will be offered to people with a body mass index (BMI) score of over 40 who have at least four other health problems linked to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes; high blood pressure; heart disease; and obstructive sleep apnoea. Estimates suggest around 1.5 million people in the UK are already taking weight loss drugs, which may have been prescribed through specialist weight loss services or via private prescription. Dr Claire Fuller, from NHS England, said: 'This is an important next step in the rollout of weight loss drugs, with community-based services now able to offer this treatment from today. 'We urgently need to address rising levels of obesity and prioritise support for those who are experiencing severe ill health – and greater access to weight loss drugs will make a significant difference to the lives of those people. 'These drugs are an important tool alongside the range of wraparound NHS support and advice on good nutrition and increasing physical activity, which will be vital in helping some people lose weight and reduce their risk of serious long-term conditions. 'While not everyone will be eligible for weight loss drugs, it's important that anyone who is worried about the impact of their weight on their health discusses the range of NHS support available with their healthcare professional.' Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'While we recognise the potential benefits of weight loss drugs, we know many GPs are concerned about the implications of the rollout of weight loss drugs into general practice, both in terms of workload and training to appropriately initiate and manage these treatments. 'The college shares these concerns, which is why we were pleased NHS England suggested a phased roll-out of Mounjaro as a treatment for weight loss. As and when this is escalated, appropriate resourcing for general practice – including access to 'wraparound' services – and training for GPs must follow. GLP-1s like #Ozempic, #Saxenda, #Wegovy, or #Mounjaro are not an easy #weightloss hack. Find out more about:🔵what they are ❓🔵how they're used 💊🔵who they help 💪 🔗Learn more: — EU Medicines Agency (@EMA_News) January 4, 2025 She added: 'GPs and our teams are already working under intense workload and workforce pressures, and this must be factored into this rollout in order to guarantee it can be delivered safely. 'More widely, whilst weight loss medications have a lot of potential benefits for patients who are struggling to lose weight and who meet all the clinical criteria for a prescription, they mustn't be seen as a 'silver bullet' to aid weight loss. 'We also need to see a focus on prevention, stopping people becoming overweight in the first place so they don't require a medical intervention later.' Dr Hawthorne said there is no 'one size fits all approach' and that the rollout of the jabs should not 'come at the expense of other weight loss service'. She continued: 'The roll-out of weight loss medications in the NHS will need to be consistently evaluated to ensure that there is evidence that these prescriptions are of long-term benefit to patients.' Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association, said: 'The demand for weight loss jabs continues to rise sharply, and more GPs have been directing patients back to pharmacies after initial inquiries, to access these treatments privately. 'As the NHS is now moving to implement National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) guidance, and tirzepatide becomes prescribable to more patients, we expect to see prescription volumes increase rapidly. 'However, NHS provision won't meet demand straight away, so we fully expect that many people will continue seeking it privately from a pharmacy. 'Pharmacists are experts in medication and many of us have lots of experience delivering weight loss injections as part of a package of care including lifestyle advice. 'We are well placed to help roll out weight loss treatment on the NHS, with the right funding to support it. 'The biggest concern we have is that prescribing these medications alone misses the point. 'They should be part of a comprehensive weight management strategy – combining lifestyle coaching, exercise, and nutritional guidance. In reality, many GPs lack the bandwidth to deliver the level of support needed to ensure proper understanding and follow-up. 'As a result, we could end up in a situation where patients are prescribed the medication, lose weight, and then experience rebound weight gain once the course ends – simply because the foundational lifestyle changes weren't addressed.' Around 29% of the adult population in the UK is obese. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'Obesity is now one of the leading causes of ill health, costing the NHS billions. Yet we now have the science, technology, and knowledge to end the obesity epidemic, if we seize this opportunity. 'Obesity jabs are used by 1.5 million people in the UK, mainly through private prescriptions. The NHS was founded on a promise to 'universalise the best', and this Government is determined to bring revolutionary modern treatments to everyone who needs them, not just those who can afford to pay. 'This rollout is an important step in making these medicines more widely available, and beginning to shift the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention, which our forthcoming 10-year plan will deliver.'
North Wales Chronicle
5 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Mass rollout of weight loss jabs begins on NHS
Around 220,000 people with 'greatest need' are expected to receive Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide and made by Lilly through the NHS over the next three years. The drug is an antidiabetic drug which lowers blood sugar levels and and slows down how quickly food is digested. From Monday, GPs in England will be allowed to prescribe Mounjaro to severely obese people who also suffer from a range of other health problems. Patients previously needed to access the drugs through a special weight loss service. But leading family doctors said some GPs have expressed concern about the additional workload linked to the rollout. And pharmacy experts also said there could be pressure on supplies of the drug. In the first year of the programme, the drug will be offered to people with a body mass index (BMI) score of over 40 who have at least four other health problems linked to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes; high blood pressure; heart disease; and obstructive sleep apnoea. Estimates suggest around 1.5 million people in the UK are already taking weight loss drugs, which may have been prescribed through specialist weight loss services or via private prescription. Dr Claire Fuller, from NHS England, said: 'This is an important next step in the rollout of weight loss drugs, with community-based services now able to offer this treatment from today. 'We urgently need to address rising levels of obesity and prioritise support for those who are experiencing severe ill health – and greater access to weight loss drugs will make a significant difference to the lives of those people. 'These drugs are an important tool alongside the range of wraparound NHS support and advice on good nutrition and increasing physical activity, which will be vital in helping some people lose weight and reduce their risk of serious long-term conditions. 'While not everyone will be eligible for weight loss drugs, it's important that anyone who is worried about the impact of their weight on their health discusses the range of NHS support available with their healthcare professional.' Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'While we recognise the potential benefits of weight loss drugs, we know many GPs are concerned about the implications of the rollout of weight loss drugs into general practice, both in terms of workload and training to appropriately initiate and manage these treatments. 'The college shares these concerns, which is why we were pleased NHS England suggested a phased roll-out of Mounjaro as a treatment for weight loss. As and when this is escalated, appropriate resourcing for general practice – including access to 'wraparound' services – and training for GPs must follow. GLP-1s like #Ozempic, #Saxenda, #Wegovy, or #Mounjaro are not an easy #weightloss hack. Find out more about:🔵what they are ❓🔵how they're used 💊🔵who they help 💪 🔗Learn more: — EU Medicines Agency (@EMA_News) January 4, 2025 She added: 'GPs and our teams are already working under intense workload and workforce pressures, and this must be factored into this rollout in order to guarantee it can be delivered safely. 'More widely, whilst weight loss medications have a lot of potential benefits for patients who are struggling to lose weight and who meet all the clinical criteria for a prescription, they mustn't be seen as a 'silver bullet' to aid weight loss. 'We also need to see a focus on prevention, stopping people becoming overweight in the first place so they don't require a medical intervention later.' Dr Hawthorne said there is no 'one size fits all approach' and that the rollout of the jabs should not 'come at the expense of other weight loss service'. She continued: 'The roll-out of weight loss medications in the NHS will need to be consistently evaluated to ensure that there is evidence that these prescriptions are of long-term benefit to patients.' Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association, said: 'The demand for weight loss jabs continues to rise sharply, and more GPs have been directing patients back to pharmacies after initial inquiries, to access these treatments privately. 'As the NHS is now moving to implement National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) guidance, and tirzepatide becomes prescribable to more patients, we expect to see prescription volumes increase rapidly. 'However, NHS provision won't meet demand straight away, so we fully expect that many people will continue seeking it privately from a pharmacy. 'Pharmacists are experts in medication and many of us have lots of experience delivering weight loss injections as part of a package of care including lifestyle advice. 'We are well placed to help roll out weight loss treatment on the NHS, with the right funding to support it. 'The biggest concern we have is that prescribing these medications alone misses the point. 'They should be part of a comprehensive weight management strategy – combining lifestyle coaching, exercise, and nutritional guidance. In reality, many GPs lack the bandwidth to deliver the level of support needed to ensure proper understanding and follow-up. 'As a result, we could end up in a situation where patients are prescribed the medication, lose weight, and then experience rebound weight gain once the course ends – simply because the foundational lifestyle changes weren't addressed.' Around 29% of the adult population in the UK is obese. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'Obesity is now one of the leading causes of ill health, costing the NHS billions. Yet we now have the science, technology, and knowledge to end the obesity epidemic, if we seize this opportunity. 'Obesity jabs are used by 1.5 million people in the UK, mainly through private prescriptions. The NHS was founded on a promise to 'universalise the best', and this Government is determined to bring revolutionary modern treatments to everyone who needs them, not just those who can afford to pay. 'This rollout is an important step in making these medicines more widely available, and beginning to shift the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention, which our forthcoming 10-year plan will deliver.'
