weight-loss

India's Growing Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Expenses: Weight-Loss Drugs, Cosmetic Procedures Excluded from Insurance

Demand for weight-loss drugs, cosmetic procedures, and wellness treatments is driving out-of-pocket healthcare spending in India. Most of these interventions, like Botox and anti-obesity drugs, are not covered by standard health insurance unless medically necessary. Experts advise reviewing policy exclusions and avoiding EMIs for elective treatments.

India's Growing Out-of-Pocket Healthcare: Weight-Loss Drugs, Cosmetic Procedures Excluded from Insurance

Demand for weight-loss drugs, cosmetic procedures, and wellness treatments is driving out-of-pocket healthcare expenses in India. Most of these, like Botox and anti-obesity drugs, are not covered by standard health insurance unless medically necessary, experts advise understanding policy exclusions and avoiding EMIs for elective treatments.

Woman Diagnosed with Acute Pancreatitis After Extreme Weight-Loss Regime

A 25-year-old Chinese woman, Qingqing, developed acute pancreatitis after following an extreme diet of eating once a week, leading to severe health complications.

UK Approves Wegovy Weight-Loss Pill, Expanding Obesity Treatment Options

The UK's MHRA has approved Wegovy, the first GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet for weight loss, making the UK the third country to authorize the pills. This expands treatment options for adults with obesity or overweight with related health conditions.

Wegovy weight-loss drug pill approved in UK

A pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy has been approved in the UK by the MHRA. Manufacturer Novo Nordisk states the once-daily tablet offers convenience over weekly injections and doesn't require refrigeration. Its availability on the NHS is pending expert assessment.

Wegovy weight-loss pill approved in UK, with prescription needed

The UK has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, manufactured by Novo Nordisk. This once-daily tablet, containing semaglutide, mimics a natural hormone to suppress appetite and slow digestion. While available via prescription from pharmacies soon, its NHS availability is pending expert assessment.

Weight-loss drugs cut UK household grocery bills by £418 annually

GLP-1 weight-loss drug users in Great Britain are saving an average of £418 annually on groceries, with household use nearly tripling in two years to 1.9 million adults. The drugs are impacting food consumption and forcing retailers to adapt.

Hong Kong customs arrest driver, seize HK$10 million in smuggled goods

Hong Kong customs arrested a 39-year-old truck driver and seized HK$10 million (US$1.27 million) in smuggled goods, including weight-loss injections and fish maw, at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge crossing.

Canada Approves Generic GLP-1 Injections, Lowering Costs

Canada has become the first G7 nation to approve generic semaglutide injections, making GLP-1 drugs more accessible and affordable. This move by Novo Nordisk follows similar approvals in India and has already led to price reductions for brand-name medications.

Canada Approves Generic GLP-1 Injections, Lowering Costs for Patients

Canada has become the first G7 nation to approve generic semaglutide injections, making GLP-1 drugs more accessible and affordable. This move by Novo Nordisk follows similar approvals in India and may pressure US prices, though generics are not expected there until 2032.

Weight-loss drugs could prevent thousands of knee replacements annually, study suggests

Research indicates that using weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic for at least three years could significantly reduce the need for knee replacement surgeries, potentially preventing thousands of procedures annually in the US and UK.

Weight-loss drugs may cut cancer risk by 30%, studies suggest

New studies presented at a major oncology conference suggest GLP-1 weight-loss drugs could reduce cancer risk by 30%. Research indicates they may lower the likelihood of developing breast cancer, decrease mortality risk in breast cancer patients, and reduce the spread of various cancers.

Food companies market 'GLP-1 friendly' meals to cash in on weight-loss drug trend

Food manufacturers are labeling products as 'GLP-1 friendly,' highlighting protein and fiber, to capitalize on the popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. Experts are skeptical, calling the label unregulated marketing and a 'money-grab.'

GLP-1 Face: Will Weight-Loss Drugs Redefine Artistic Beauty?

Experts suggest the rise of weight-loss drugs like Wegovy could influence future art, potentially popularizing a "GLP-1 face" characterized by rapid fat loss, similar to past aesthetic trends. This shift contrasts with historical art that often celebrated fuller figures.

Trash-Pop's Rise: Hedonism, Rebellion, and Reclaiming Femininity

A new wave of female pop stars, including Slayyyter, Kesha, and Tove Lo, are embracing a "trash-pop" aesthetic characterized by hedonistic lyrics, anarchic sexuality, and a "white trash" sensibility. This trend, influenced by early 00s electroclash and reality TV culture, represents a rejection of feminine respectability and a cathartic expression of anger and frustration.

Yellow Bean Alkaloid, an Antidiarrheal, Should Not Be Used as a Weight-Loss Drug

A common antidiarrheal drug, berberine hydrochloride (yellow bean alkaloid), is being falsely promoted as a natural weight-loss remedy on social media. Experts warn that its weight-loss effects in humans are minimal and long-term misuse can harm health, particularly the liver and kidneys, and poses risks to patients with G6PD deficiency.

Novo Nordisk to go 'all in' on global Wegovy launch as weight-loss battle heats up

Novo Nordisk plans a major global push for its Wegovy weight-loss pill, aiming to expand beyond the U.S. market. The company's EVP, Emil Kongshøj Larsen, stated they will go "all in" on launches pending approvals, citing potential in patient interest and telehealth partnerships. This comes as Novo faces increasing competition from Eli Lilly's rival pill, Foundayo.

More than 6,000 children treated at obesity clinics in England, figures show

Hundreds of four-year-olds among ‘extremely overweight’ patients at 39 specialist centres since 2021More than 6,000 children living with obesity, including hundreds as young as four, have required treatment at specialist NHS weight-loss clinics, new figures reveal.NHS England data, published for the first time, underlines the scale of the growing childhood obesity crisis. Continue reading...

'Easy to get influenced': What cheaper weight-loss drugs means for millions

India has become one of the first countries to introduce cheaper, generic brands of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, but health professionals warn a lack of regulation and oversight is causing problems.

People go private for weight-loss jabs amid 10-year Welsh NHS waiting lists

Patients in Wales are turning to private online pharmacies for weight-loss injections as NHS waiting lists for weight management services reach up to 10 years in some regions, creating a significant disparity with access in England.

People go private for weight-loss jabs amid 10-year Welsh NHS waiting lists

Patients in Wales are turning to private healthcare for weight-loss injections as NHS waiting lists for weight management services reach up to 10 years. In some health boards, waiting lists have doubled or quadrupled, with Cwm Taf Morgannwg seeing a rise from 1,604 to 3,146 in one year. The Welsh government is considering expanding prescribing options, while patients like Hannah Long and Rachel Bevan have paid £1,000+ for private treatment, highlighting a disparity with England where Mounjaro is available at GP surgeries.

GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Trigger Surge in Demand for Hair-Loss Treatments

The rising popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is driving a surge in demand for hair-care products as users report temporary hair loss. Beauty companies are now innovating and marketing specific treatments to address this growing side effect.

New AI-powered tool 'Obscore' aims to improve obesity-related risk assessment

Researchers have developed 'Obscore,' an AI-driven tool that uses 20 health and lifestyle markers to predict the risk of obesity-related complications, potentially helping the NHS better allocate weight-loss treatments.

Weight-loss drugs may also help cut alcohol intake