We're going to explore if drugs work for putting type 2 diabetes into remission.
What are weight loss drugs?
In recent times there has been a lot of talk about weight loss drugs and the role they can play in helping people with type 2 diabetes lose weight.
There are currently three weight loss medications that are licenced in the UK and are available on the NHS as an option for weight management.
Wegovy
Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 medication that is injected once a week.
It works by slowing down the movement of food in your gut so you can stay full for longer and have less of an appetite. This can mean you eat less.
Wegovy can only be prescribed by a specialist weight management service. Your GP usually refers you to this service. This medication should be taken alongside a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
Xenical
Xenical (generic name Orlistat) is a capsule that is taken orally. It works by limiting the amount of fat your body absorbs from the food you eat. This means you take in less calories.
Xenical can be prescribed by your GP and should be taken alongside a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
Saxenda
Saxenda is a brand name for liraglutide, a type of GLP-1 analogue and it is injected.
It works by reducing your appetite, which can lead to eating fewer calories and losing weight. Saxenda can only be prescribed by a specialist weight management service. Your GP usually refers you to this service. This medication should be taken alongside a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
Ozempic
Ozempic is another brand name for semaglutide and is only licenced as a medicine for type 2 diabetes to manage blood sugar levels. But sometimes Ozempic is prescribed off-label as a weight loss treatment. “Off-label” use means that the medicine is being used in a way that is different to that described in the licence.
Weight loss drugs and specialist weight management services
Currently not all areas of the UK have specialist weight management services. You should speak with your GP or diabetes team to ask what is available in your area and whether it is suitable and available to you.
Do these drugs work for type 2 remission?
We know these medications can help with weight loss, and weight loss is key to remission. But we’re still learning about the role these medications can play in supporting people with type 2 diabetes to lose weight and go into remission.
There is some evidence that people can put weight back on when they stop using weight loss drugs. This means that it’s important to get support with making changes to your diet and physical activity levels to keep off the weight you’ve lost. Maintaining weight loss is especially important for staying in remission.
Are these drugs or supplements right for me?
It’s important to speak to your GP, diabetes nurse or dietitian to discuss whether weight loss drugs might be right for you.
They will be able to discuss your options and help you manage any side effects if you do start taking weight loss medication.
Where can I go for more information?
- Your healthcare team is the best place to go to discuss if weight loss drugs could be right for you.
- Our Helpline can help you with any questions you have: 0345 123 2399.
