Ozempic has skyrocketed in popularity within the past two years, causing Weight Watchers to file for bankruptcy.
But the popular injection is seeing new competition with Mounjaro, and now a daily pill which could help patients lose 16 pounds in just nine months.
The pill Orforglipron is used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity, and trials have shown participants had lower blood sugar and weight loss.
If approved as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes and obesity, it could help tackle Britain’s weight problem.
Last year, it was estimated that in the UK, 16.8 million people were obese.
Trials found that those who used the pill lost a maximum of 16 pounds in nine months, and their weight loss hadn’t stopped when the trial period ended, meaning even more weight could likely be lost after a period of nine months.
The drug is still going through trials, but the medical company Lilly, behind it, is hopeful it can be rolled out soon.
In recent years, people have turned to weight loss jabs instead to help them lose weight after they were approved for use by UK and US health bodies.
Ozempic first blew up in 2022 on social media when it was first reportedly used by Hollywood A-listers to lose weight.
Weight loss drug Wegovy uses the same drug as Ozempic, called semaglutide, and has been licensed for use in the UK.
Wegovy has a slightly higher dosage than Ozempic and is specifically for weight loss, whereas Ozempic was first used to treat diabetes.
This is because the weekly injections lowered blood sugar by increasing insulin production, helping to prevent the liver from making and releasing too much sugar.
The drugs mimic the hormone GLP-1 to suppress hunger and slow down digestion.
While studies have shown up to 20% body weight loss on the injectable, research also shows the jabs can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
There are side effects to the medication. These include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
The drugs also carry serious risks, including kidney failure, pancreatitis and thyroid cancer.
Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy are all available in the UK for different reasons.
Ozempic can be taken by type 2 diabetes patients with a prescription.
Mounjaro is licensed for both diabetes and weight control, whereas Wegovy is available to patients through specialist weight management services.
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