Wegovy takes off: weight loss injection available in Austria from September!

Wegovy takes off: weight loss injection available in Austria from September!

There is currently a lot of talk in the healthcare landscape about a new drug that could revolutionize the treatment of obesity. Wegovy, a pure obesity medication from Novo Nordisk, is attracting great interest and will also be available in Austria from September 1, 2023. This much-discussed medical device offers an innovative approach to weight loss and is based on mimicking the body's own hormones that regulate blood sugar and create a longer-lasting feeling of fullness. Again courier reports, Wegovy is approved for people who are overweight (BMI of 27 or more) and have weight-related comorbidities.

The active ingredient semaglutide, also known by the brand name Ozempic, was originally approved in the EU in 2018 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. As part of obesity therapy, semaglutide can achieve weight reductions of up to 15 percent when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. However, the strong demand for semaglutide and the associated Wegovy has also led to repeated supply bottlenecks in the past.

A new chapter in obesity treatment

Wegovy isn't the only drug hitting the market for weight loss. Manufacturer Eli Lilly is bringing Mounjaro into play, another promising product that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, also approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Mounjaro is also prescribed in combination with diet and exercise and enjoys a stable supply situation with no supply bottlenecks. The race between manufacturers to find an effective weight loss product has begun, and several more companies are expected to be working on similar active ingredients in pill form.

Doctors see this development as a paradigm shift. The treatment of obesity is getting louder Medical Journal increasingly understood as a chronic disease that requires holistic therapy. Based on current research, pharmacotherapies could soon play a crucial role in combating obesity, and the possibilities for weight loss through new drugs could go far beyond those of current therapeutic approaches.

Health risks and new approaches

Obesity has become an epidemic worldwide, causing numerous complications, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is estimated that the prevalence of obesity has almost tripled in the last few decades. Against this background, it is crucial that modern therapies are implemented effectively. Studies like this SELECT study, show that semaglutide can also significantly reduce cardiovascular events.

Despite the positive developments, the challenges also need to be addressed: The treatment costs for the new medications are generally not covered by health insurance companies. This must be taken into account when deciding on therapy with Wegovy or similar preparations.

The launches of Wegovy and Mounjaro could be the start of a new era in obesity treatment and potentially represent real progress for many people suffering from excess weight. It will be exciting to see how the situation on the medication market will develop and what further innovations will be introduced in the coming years.