The weight-loss drug Wegovy, developed by Novo Nordisk, will be available to patients in Canada starting on Monday. This weekly injection is approved for weight loss in patients diagnosed with obesity, as well as for those who are significantly overweight and have related medical conditions such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam of Obesity Canada emphasizes that obesity is a serious medical condition and Wegovy is an important treatment option, not intended for cosmetic use. Wegovy contains the same medication, semaglutide, as the diabetes drug Ozempic but at a higher dose, providing clinicians with another tool in treating obesity. It is recommended to be used in conjunction with physical activity and nutrition.
Obesity Canada plans to update its medication guidelines to include Wegovy, recognizing its significance in treating obesity. Novo Nordisk, the parent company of Wegovy, has raised its 2024 outlook and reported better-than-expected first-quarter profits, attributing much of its success to the popularity of Wegovy. Health Canada approved Wegovy in November 2021 based on studies showing a statistically significant amount of weight loss in patients treated with semaglutide compared to those given a placebo. Doctors can prescribe it for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, as well as for those with a BMI of 27 or greater who have at least one weight-related medical condition.
Wegovy’s approval comes after extensive marketing of Ozempic and a rise in demand for off-label use of the drug for weight loss. It is critical for prescribers, including family doctors, to ensure that Wegovy is only given to patients who meet specific criteria and medical need. Dr. Ehud Ur, an endocrinologist in Vancouver, emphasizes the importance of responsible prescribing practices for medications like Wegovy. Sockalingam stresses the medical nature of Wegovy, highlighting that it is a treatment for a medical condition, not for cosmetic or physical appearance enhancements.
Novo Nordisk has seen significant success with Wegovy, making it the most valuable company in Europe by market capitalization. Since its launch in the United States in June 2021, Wegovy has contributed to a 260% rise in Novo’s shares. Health Canada’s approval of Wegovy was based on studies showing its effectiveness in promoting weight loss in patients treated with semaglutide. The drug is recommended for patients with a BMI of 30 or greater, as well as those with a BMI of 27 or greater who have weight-related medical conditions such as hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or obstructive sleep apnea.
The availability of Wegovy in Canada provides patients with another option for treating obesity, a serious medical condition that requires medical intervention. The drug is intended to be used alongside physical activity and nutrition to support weight loss efforts. Doctors and prescribers play a key role in ensuring that Wegovy is only given to patients who meet specific criteria and medical need, avoiding its off-label use for cosmetic purposes. As Novo Nordisk continues to see success with Wegovy, the drug provides an important tool in the treatment of obesity and related medical conditions, offering hope for patients seeking effective weight loss solutions.
