British chemists will soon be able to sell a controversial weight loss jab used by numerous celebrities, including Elon Musk, and which contains the same ingredient as the popular diabetes drug Ozempic, known as Hollywood’s “skinny shot” of choice.
The prescription drug Wegovy, or semaglutide, blunts the appetite, but experts warn it is is not a quick fix or replacement for eating well and exercising, and should only be offered under medical supervision, reports the BBC.
Some High Street chemists will start offering an online service once the drug, made by Novo Nordisk, becomes available in the UK, while well known chain Boots says it will offer the full service of both prescribing and dispensing the drug. Two other big pharmacies have online pages where people can register their interest in the medication.
Like any drug, there can be side-effects and risks, the most common ones being nausea or an upset stomach, bloating and gas. Users might also get a gaunt “Ozempic face” if rapid weight loss leads to volume loss in the cheeks.
It is recommended that the medication, injected once a week with pre-filled pens, is used for a maximum of two years only.
Wegovy mimics the action of a hormone called GLP-1, making users feel fuller and less hungry, so they eat less.
In trials, used alongside a healthy diet and exercise, semaglutide helped obese people lose a tenth of their body weight – about 12.7kg, on average.
But researchers have also found that once users come off it they might regain most of the weight.
A Boots spokesperson said: “It can be an effective medicine to achieve sustained weight loss when used alongside a reduced calorie diet, increased physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices. It will be available from Boots Online Doctor, with an anticipated launch of spring 2023.
“Those who are offered treatment will receive follow-up touchpoints and support from the Boots Online Doctor service throughout their weight loss journey, and can access advice and support from our pharmacy teams in stores.”
BBC article – Wegovy weight loss jab to be sold by UK chemist shops (Open access)
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