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WHO Recommends Obesity Drugs: P.E.I. Access Lags
7 Dec
Summary
- WHO conditionally recommends GLP-1 drugs for obesity treatment.
- P.E.I.'s drug programs do not cover GLP-1s for weight loss.
- Access to obesity care and bariatric surgery is limited on P.E.I.
The World Health Organization has issued its first conditional recommendation for GLP-1 agonists, including drugs like Ozempic, as a long-term treatment for obesity. This move highlights the growing recognition of obesity as a chronic disease, with projections indicating a significant increase in affected populations. Experts emphasize the need for appropriate prescription and follow-up for these medications to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Despite the WHO's recommendation, access to these crucial medications remains a substantial barrier for many, including residents of Prince Edward Island. Provincial drug programs, including P.E.I.'s, largely do not cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, citing a lack of completion of national review processes. This leaves many Islanders without coverage, despite the medication's proven efficacy.
Beyond medication access, P.E.I. faces challenges in providing comprehensive obesity care, including limited access to bariatric surgery. This lack of specialized services compounds the difficulties for individuals seeking effective weight management. Advocates are pushing for broader coverage and recognition of obesity as a chronic condition, hoping the WHO's global voice will drive national and provincial policy changes.
