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.

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