Tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Mounjaro, is an anti-diabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is administered through subcutaneous injections (under the skin).
Semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, is an antidiabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and an anti-obesity medication used for long-term weight management.
A study into weight loss among people with type 2 diabetes and obesity who took Tirzepatide found that they lost an Average of 15 percent of their body weight.
The drugs have become embroiled in controversy with shortages reported in many countries believed to be down to people purchasing it who neither have diabetes, or are at risk, but use it as a shortcut to weight loss.
Several studies have been commissioned into the side effects of the drugs, some of which have been linked to depression.
At the same time the London reported in August that the weight loss drugs could hold the key to a heart failure cure following a trial that found that weight loss injections are three times more effective than any previous drug at treating heart failure.
Advocacy Action: How available are these treatments in your country? Are they reaching the people for whom they were developed? Are there any measures your government could take to ensure they are restricted to those with a medical need? Has your regulatory body investigated the drug or considered putting its use on hold until studies have been completed?