Semaglutide and tirzepatide were first used to help type 2 diabetes patients regulate their blood-sugar levels.
But in the past three to four years, they started being prescribed as a weight-loss aide, leading to global shortages and counterfeit products.
Both are given as weekly injections via pre-filled pens self-administered into the upper arm, thigh or stomach.
And patients generally start on a low dose, which is gradually increased.
The drugs mimic the intestinal hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is released after eating and typically makes people feel fuller.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) also affects the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) hormone, which controls metabolism and helps regulate energy balance.
The first study into weight-loss drugs has found they can significantly improve heart health, with lower levels of heart attacks, stroke, heart failure and high blood pressure.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has recently declared a national outbreak of salmonella food…
Kate Morgan explains why some Welsh women are travelling to London for abortions. Source link
Team GB rower Heidi Long takes BBC Sport through her vitamin and supplement routine. Source…
The United States’ decision to restore the historic name of its oldest combatant command from…
Australia's foreign minister has said she is "outraged" over an Israeli military decision not to…
For six decades, Nissan Motor’s Oppama plant south of Tokyo has been a symbol of…