TGA approves new drug effective for obesity treatment amid rising demand
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As we age, managing our weight can become more challenging, and for some, it's a battle that requires more than diet and exercise.
Recognising this struggle, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recently approved a new medication that could be a game-changer for Australians battling obesity.
This comes at a time when the demand for weight loss medications is surging, and many are looking for effective solutions to improve their health and well-being.
The drug in question, Mounjaro, contained the active ingredient tirzepatide and was initially approved for treating diabetes.
Following its success in managing blood sugar levels, the treatment has now been approved for chronic weight management. It is now authorised for use in individuals with obesity or those who are overweight and have related health conditions.
These conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, prediabetes, and sleep apnea.
Mounjaro's journey to approval for obesity treatment mirrors that of other countries, including the UK and the USA.
It's important to note that this medication is not intended for cosmetic weight loss but is aimed at those who need medical assistance to achieve a healthier weight.
Since its introduction in Australia for diabetes treatment in September last year, Mounjaro has seen a demand that quickly outpaced supply, much like the weight loss drug Ozempic.
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly had to issue an alert about shortages due to 'unexpected demand.'
Despite this, they have assured that there is adequate stock of the KwikPen, a drug delivery method, to meet current needs.
‘There is adequate stock to meet current demand,’ the spokesperson said.
The cost of Mounjaro starts at $395 per month.
Clinical trials sponsored by Eli Lilly have shown that obese patients lost up to 20 per cent of their body weight when taking the highest doses of the drug.
This is a substantial figure, especially when considering the health implications of obesity.
Of course, as with any medication, there are potential side effects to be aware of.
Common ones include diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting, while more serious risks involve acute pancreatitis and gall bladder disease.
These factors must be carefully weighed against the benefits, and a healthcare professional should always be consulted before starting any new medication.
Associate Professor Samantha Hocking from the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney emphasises the importance of medication for some individuals living with obesity.
‘Eating less and moving more is simply not enough to help many people achieve a healthier weight long term.’ she explained.
‘By challenging over-simplified and outdated views, we can remove the unnecessary blame that is often assigned to excess weight.’
‘We know that excess weight increases a person's risk of at least 30 diseases, including cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.’
‘Even a five per cent reduction in weight can lower a person's risk of obesity-related complications, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.’
In other news, Tirzepatide, a diabetes medication, has proven effective in promoting weight loss across various BMI categories.
The study, awaiting peer review, showed significant weight loss with Tirzepatide when combined with diet and exercise, regardless of the duration of obesity or overweight. You can read more about it here.
Have you or someone you know faced challenges with weight management? What strategies have you found helpful? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Recognising this struggle, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recently approved a new medication that could be a game-changer for Australians battling obesity.
This comes at a time when the demand for weight loss medications is surging, and many are looking for effective solutions to improve their health and well-being.
The drug in question, Mounjaro, contained the active ingredient tirzepatide and was initially approved for treating diabetes.
Following its success in managing blood sugar levels, the treatment has now been approved for chronic weight management. It is now authorised for use in individuals with obesity or those who are overweight and have related health conditions.
The TGA has approved Mounjaro for treating obesity. Credit: Shutterstock
These conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, prediabetes, and sleep apnea.
Mounjaro's journey to approval for obesity treatment mirrors that of other countries, including the UK and the USA.
It's important to note that this medication is not intended for cosmetic weight loss but is aimed at those who need medical assistance to achieve a healthier weight.
Since its introduction in Australia for diabetes treatment in September last year, Mounjaro has seen a demand that quickly outpaced supply, much like the weight loss drug Ozempic.
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly had to issue an alert about shortages due to 'unexpected demand.'
Despite this, they have assured that there is adequate stock of the KwikPen, a drug delivery method, to meet current needs.
‘There is adequate stock to meet current demand,’ the spokesperson said.
The cost of Mounjaro starts at $395 per month.
Clinical trials sponsored by Eli Lilly have shown that obese patients lost up to 20 per cent of their body weight when taking the highest doses of the drug.
This is a substantial figure, especially when considering the health implications of obesity.
Of course, as with any medication, there are potential side effects to be aware of.
Common ones include diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting, while more serious risks involve acute pancreatitis and gall bladder disease.
These factors must be carefully weighed against the benefits, and a healthcare professional should always be consulted before starting any new medication.
Associate Professor Samantha Hocking from the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney emphasises the importance of medication for some individuals living with obesity.
‘Eating less and moving more is simply not enough to help many people achieve a healthier weight long term.’ she explained.
‘By challenging over-simplified and outdated views, we can remove the unnecessary blame that is often assigned to excess weight.’
‘We know that excess weight increases a person's risk of at least 30 diseases, including cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.’
‘Even a five per cent reduction in weight can lower a person's risk of obesity-related complications, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.’
In other news, Tirzepatide, a diabetes medication, has proven effective in promoting weight loss across various BMI categories.
The study, awaiting peer review, showed significant weight loss with Tirzepatide when combined with diet and exercise, regardless of the duration of obesity or overweight. You can read more about it here.
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