Weightloss drug Ozempic to be available in New Zealand

The much hyped weightloss drug Wegovy, also marketed as Ozempic, is expected to be in high demand when it becomes available in New Zealand from tomorrow. But the drug is unfunded so users hoping to shed weight could be paying up to $500 a month. In 2023 Pharmac approved Wegovy, Ozempic to treat type two diabetes. In June this year it was approved for weight loss use. The once a week injection, which suppresses apetite mirrors natural hormones which regulate appetite. Weight loss specialist Doctor Gerard McQuinlan spoke to Lisa Owen.