New Zealand is facing a significant challenge in accessing weight loss drugs, as international demand for these medications continues to surge. Self-injecting drugs like Ozempic, popularized by high-profile celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, are forecast to be worth a staggering $165 billion by the 2030s. However, New Zealand's position on the global stage means that the supply of these drugs is often limited, leaving many Kiwis without the opportunity to access them.

"New Zealand tends to be at the bottom of the list for pharmaceutical companies when it comes to supplying them," says Niki Bezzant, a health writer who has followed the weight loss drug boom. As pharmaceutical giants struggle to keep up with global demand, New Zealand patients are feeling the squeeze, and those seeking an affordable weight loss solution are left in the lurch.

Limited Access to Weight Loss Medications

One of the key drugs that has garnered attention globally is Saxenda, a Pharmac-funded medication available in New Zealand for patients with type 2 diabetes. While similar to Ozempic, Saxenda is less effective for weight loss and costs a hefty $500 per month. For most New Zealanders, this price tag makes long-term use unattainable.

Dr. Luke Bradford, Medical Director of the New Zealand College of General Practitioners, points out that the situation may improve over the next decade, as more versions of Ozempic and cheaper generics become available. He predicts that as prices drop, more New Zealanders will be able to access these medications.

"We're going to see a real shift in their use and outcomes for patients over the next decade or so," Bradford explains. However, he warns that these medications are not suitable for everyone, as a significant proportion of patients experience adverse side effects, ranging from nausea and constipation to more severe issues like gastroparesis or even pancreatic cancer.

The Role of Gastric Surgery in Weight Loss Solutions

While weight loss drugs are becoming increasingly popular, they come with the caveat that patients need to continue taking them for life to maintain their effects. Bezzant notes that "you can't just go on it and then go off it," making the lifetime cost of these medications a burden for many.

For patients who are struggling with severe obesity, alternatives like gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass surgery may offer more permanent solutions. Dr. Daniel Mafi, a New Zealand-trained General, Laparoscopic, and Endoscopic Surgeon at Bay Surgery in Tauranga, specializes in these surgical options. With a particular interest in weight loss surgery, Dr. Mafi’s procedures aim to provide a long-lasting solution to patients seeking effective ways to manage obesity.

Unlike weight loss medications, gastric bypass surgery offers a more permanent approach to significant weight loss. Although surgery is not without its risks and potential for failure, it is often viewed as a more sustainable option compared to lifelong dependence on weight loss drugs.

The Broader Impact of Weight Loss Drugs

The implications of the global weight loss drug boom extend beyond just the medical community. The growing popularity of these medications is causing ripples throughout industries like food and nutrition. As the appetites of millions of people taking these medications shrink, food companies are adapting by creating products tailored to smaller portion sizes.

In the United States, fast food chains are already shifting their menus to include meals that pack maximum nutritional value in smaller portions. "They're developing products that have maximum amounts of protein and fibre in them to keep their nutrition up while portion size has to be small because your appetite is small," says Bezzant. However, it remains unclear whether these changes will have a positive or negative long-term impact on global eating habits.

Conclusion

As the demand for weight loss drugs skyrockets worldwide, New Zealanders face an uphill battle in accessing these life-changing medications. While cheaper alternatives and generics may eventually ease the burden, the current landscape is one where many patients are left without viable solutions. For those unable to afford long-term drug therapies, weight loss surgery, like the procedures offered by Dr. Daniel Mafi at Bay Surgery, may be a more permanent and accessible option. However, with industries across the globe adapting to the shifting demands of weight loss patients, the true impact of these drugs remains to be seen.

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