It’s being touted as the new Ozempic.
A drug called Munjaro, once reserved for diabetics only, is now approved in Australia as a weight loss treatment.
However, the use of injections to lose weight continues to be debated.
Medical expert Nick Coatsworth said the “revolutionary” drug had huge potential for application in many areas of medicine.
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“We know it’s incredibly effective for people with diabetes, we know it’s a very powerful weight loss drug, but it could also be an addiction treatment,” Coatsworth said.
“If it really does change how the pleasure centers in the brain work, then we can start talking about alcoholism and a whole range of diseases.”
“People are looking at polycystic ovary syndrome and Alzheimer’s, and over the next five years, there will be a lot of research into what drugs such as GLP agonists like Munjaro might be used for.”
Coatsworth said he hoped the distribution of the drugs would stop “tension and competition between two patient groups who are equally in need of help.”
“People with type 2 diabetes, people suffering from extreme obesity, [are] “People who are overweight need this medicine,” he said.
“We need to look at pharmaceutical companies and say they should bring supply into the country and make sure Munjaro and similar medicines are actually available to Australians who need them.”
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Please note that the information in this story is of a general nature – always consult your doctor or health professional for advice tailored to your health concerns.
National Alcohol and Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 or Lifeline 13 11 14.
