Rowlands pharmacy has launched a new weight management service across its UK network, challenging perceptions around weight loss and providing expert support
to those in need.
The launch comprises a pilot roll-out across 100 Rowlands branches to increase consideration of pharmacies for weight management-based advice.
Commenting on the launch, Nigel Swift, managing director of Rowlands, said: "One of the biggest challenges facing many adults looking to address any weight concerns
is knowing where and how to start. Our new weight management service is designed to help all those setting out on a new weight loss journey but also those who have
struggled to find a plan that works for them."
"Our pharmacy teams offer comprehensive healthcare advice and a variety of weight management products with a friendly approach that naturally puts customers at ease,
and we're looking forward to welcoming all those looking to take their first step with us."
Medical professionals often prescribe semaglutide to patients who have type 2 diabetes. Along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, it has also
shown to be an incredibly efficient weight loss aid for patients. As the active ingredient in well-known brand-name drugs such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus,
semaglutide is currently on everybody's lips. But what exactly is semaglutide? Does it really work for weight loss? We'll find an answer for you in this article,
and explain the main benefits of using semaglutide for weight loss.
What Is Semaglutide?
A number of diabetic and weight loss medications, including Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus, have semaglutide as their active ingredient. This substance is a
synthetic form of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), that occurs naturally. Developed by the company Novo Nordisk, semaglutide was first approved by
the FDA in 2017 as an injection for the treatment of adult type 2 diabetes (as part of the approval procedure for Ozempic). In 2019, the Food and Drug
Administration approved a novel semaglutide form known as Rybelsus. Rybelsus was the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes
in the United States.
"Our main concerns are that the use of what they call an asynchronous supply, where the prescriber neither sees nor talks to the patient at the time they
issue the prescription, does lay itself open to perhaps people getting hold of medication that they shouldn't," the Head of Policy, PDA said.
The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) engages in a critical conversation on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, shedding light on the online prescribing of weight
loss drugs and advocating for safer practices.
The PDA's spokesperson, Head of Policy Alima Batchelor, emphasised the importance of adhering to professional guidelines to ensure patient safety and mitigate
regulatory concerns.
During the feature, the PDA highlighted the complexities and risks associated with online supply chains, stressing the necessity for direct clinical consultations
and pharmacist involvement in medication management.
""There are guidelines and advice about verification within the DiCE guidance, but it doesn't go quite far enough for us. We are concerned when patients decline
to allow the online prescriber to advise their GP of what they're taking," Batchelor highlighted.
A diabetes medicine, Mounjaro, has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to treat overweight patients.
The weight loss medication originally developed for Type 2 diabetes is now accessible to individuals aged 18 and over who are dealing with obesity and
weight-related health issues.
The active ingredient, tirzepatide, works by making the patient feel fuller and reducing food cravings.
The injection helps individuals lose 20 per cent of their body weight, and are advised to follow a reduced-calorie diet and increase physical activity
simultaneously.
Although it is not authorised to use on the NHS as yet but future approvals can be predicted.
Living with diabetes can be managed by proper medication. However, you may have questions regarding the medications available to you. Here, we will take a
closer look at two medications, Ozempic and Saxenda, so that you can see how these medications can impact your health.
A CLOSER LOOK AT DIABETES
Diabetes can be divided into two categories, type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and is commonly diagnosed in children. Individuals with T1D require lifelong insulin treatment to manage their diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed later in life due to genetics, lifestyle, and other risk factors. Unlike T1D, there are numerous treatment options other than insulin
therapy to manage type 2 diabetes.
GLP-1 RECEPTOR AGONISTS
A common drug class used to treat type 2 diabetes is glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1 receptor agonists work by lowering blood glucose and
slowing gastric emptying. Benefits of using a GLP-1 receptor agonist include: weight loss, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) benefits, lowering A1C
values, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) benefits with little risk of hypoglycemia. Common GLP-1 receptor agonist side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
weight loss, and injection site reactions. GLP-1 receptor agonists should not be used in patients with a personal or a family history of medullary thyroid cancer.
The opinions of pharmacists on the ketogenic diet can vary greatly. Some believe that it is a potentially effective and safe way to lose weight, while others
are more skeptical about its ability to promote sustainable health benefits over the long term. Ultimately, the success of the ketogenic diet will depend on each
individual's unique circumstances and personal goals, so it is important to consult with a medical professional before making any major changes to your diet or
lifestyle.
1. KETO DIET IS CONSIDERED A GOOD WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT
Some people find that the ketogenic diet can boost their energy levels and help them lose weight quickly, while others feel that they are more easily able to stick
to this diet as it allows them to eat a wider variety of foods. Many people find that the ketogenic way of eating prevents cravings and helps them avoid unhealthy
food choices, which can be an important factor in weight loss success. So if you are starting your ketogenic diet journey, it is important to seek out the advice of
a medical professional who can help you create an individualized plan that will support your specific goals. It's also important to track your progress regularly
and monitor how you are feeling so that you can make any necessary adjustments along the way.
Obesity and Weight Loss Surgery are very hot topics nowadays. Check your obesity through online BMI calculators or consult your doctor. Obesity is a medical term. It means too much body fat. If your BMI (body mass index) is 25 to 29.9, you're overweight but of it is 30 or more then you are obese
People are advised to be mindful of medications that may cause sun reactions, and to watch out for dodgy hay fever treatments and fake weight loss pens.
For those traveling abroad, the MHRA advises considering the suitability of medicines available to reduce the risk of contracting tropical diseases.
Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: "The summer is an exciting time for many of us, as we take time off to travel and enjoy the warmer weather.
"But it is important to understand what this time of year means for our medicines and medical devices, and take the precautions necessary to use products safely
and protect ourselves."
Watch out for dodgy hay fever treatments
Millions of Britons suffer from hay fever symptoms in the summer. The MHRA advises consulting a healthcare professional to find the best treatment for your symptoms.
People are also warned to be cautious of medicines advertised as hay fever treatments but not approved for use in the UK, such as Kenalog. This is a
prescription-only steroid injection licensed as a medicine for other conditions, but not for the treatment of hay fever.
Eli Lilly's weight-loss medicine Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, will be available in the UK within weeks as a four-dose pre-filled injection pen.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the drug to treat adults with type 2 diabetes and for weight management in obese patients.
Branded as Mounjaro KwikPen, the injection is to be used together with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, the regulator said.
"The public health importance of safe and effective treatments to help manage diabetes and obesity, which can have a significant impact on people's health, is clear.
"This approval enables access to the approved Mounjaro pen in a more convenient presentation of a month's treatment, of one dose per week," said Julian Beach,
MHRA Interim Executive Director, Healthcare Quality and Access.
Novo Nordisk, the Danish drug manufacturer, has launched Wegovy, a weight-loss drug, in the UK market. This semaglutide injection will be available
through specialist NHS weight management services for those who meet the National Institute for Care and Excellence (NICE) criteria or privately through
registered healthcare professionals.
Novo Nordisk allocated a portion of the available supply of Wegovy for NHS services, while confirming the existing shortage of semaglutide and projecting
continued constraints in the foreseeable future. The drug can be obtained through the NHS and is additionally accessible for private purchase at pharmacies in the UK.
The pricing for a one-month supply varies, ranging from £73.25 to £175.80, depending on the dosage.
"We are committed to expanding treatment options for individuals with obesity and share the Government's goal of improving access to obesity care in areas of high
unmet medical need," the company said in a statement. "We are closely monitoring Wegovy demand and collaborating with regulators and providers to ensure access
to and continuity of treatment for people living with obesity."
The Department of Health (DoH) is inviting the public to share their views on a new Regional Obesity Management Service and a new Obesity Strategic Framework.
A public consultation has been launched on the Healthy Futures strategic framework, which aims to prevent the harm caused by obesity, and improve diets and levels
of physical activity of people.
The Department is also seeking views on its plans to introduce a new service that would focus on the introduction of specialist support, weight loss medication,
and bariatric surgery to help people living with obesity.
Northern Ireland is seeing an increase in obesity rates, with the latest Health Survey NI data showing that 65 per cent of adults and 26 per cent of children in
the country are either obese or overweight.
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It has been reported that several Austrians have been taken to the hospital after injecting fake Ozempic, as confirmed by health regulator.
Austria's Federal Office for Safety in Health Care (BASG) confirmed that the patients have suffered hypoglycaemia and seizures.
It is believed that the injections contained insulin instead of the weight loss drug, semaglutide.
The health regulator has urged doctors and patients to verify their medication stocks.