Top doctor alarmed by weight-loss drug misuse
NHS England's medical director says he is alarmed by reports that people are using weight-loss drugs as "a quick fix" to lose a few pounds and get "beach-body ready" this summer.
Professor Stephen Powis said the side-effects of the drugs could be dangerous, and they needed to be used under medical supervision.
Interest in Wegovy, for treating obesity, surged after studies suggested users could lose over 10% of their body weight.
Drug treatments are now seen as an important tool in tackling obesity.
Wegovy, a weight-loss injection, can be prescribed on the NHS in England to people at the top end of the obesity range through specialist weight management clinics. It contains the drug semaglutide, which makes people feel full and reduces their appetite.
Another anti-obesity drug...
