in canada, semaglutide for treatment of type 2 diabetes and semaglutide for treatment of obesity are provided under different names and varying doses. produced by novo nordisk, these medications are approved by health canada under three brand names, all of which must be prescribed by a doctor: ozempic and rybelsus, which are approved to be part of a treatment plan for management of type 2 diabetes, and wegovy, for weight management in adults who a.) have a bmi classified as obese or b.) have a bmi classified as overweight with at least one other weight-related diagnosis such as sleep apnea, hypertension or type 2 diabetes.
wegovy is expected to be available on the canadian market this fall, although it is currently unclear if the shortages seen in other areas of the world will impact its release. that being said, health governing bodies are able to approve the use of these medications for off-label use, so a patient diagnosed with obesity may be prescribed ozempic.
dr. akshay jain, md, clinical and research endocrinologist, explains that it is important regional health bodies continue to recognize the need for obesity treatments and develop responses specifically to support these patients.
“given that well over a third of canadian adults are living with overweight/obesity, i am hoping that [wegovy] will be commercially available in canada soon,” jain communicates over email. “provincial health authorities will not realize the burden of obesity/overweight if diabetes medications are being prescribed to treat obesity.
“on paper, it will just seem that the number of patients with diabetes is going up and that will take away from the focus that we need to put on the growing rates of obesity.”
how are ozempic and wegovy part of a larger treatment plan?
semaglutide is classified as a “
glp-1 receptor agonist
,” which mimics the hormone glp-1. in the body, glp-1 helps increase the release of insulin and lowers glucagon, which is an important tool for keeping blood sugar levels in check. it also helps the stomach slow down on how quickly it empties, which can help patients feel fuller longer.
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