A new weight loss medication, Wegovy, will be available in the Czech Republic soon. The drug is highly effective in clinical trials, with patients losing an average of 15% of their body weight. However, insurance companies will not cover the cost of the medication, which is expected to be around CZK 1,300 per injection.
Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, miming the effects of a hormone called GLP-1 in the body. GLP-1 is produced naturally by the body in response to food and helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.
Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy can help people lose weight more effectively than other weight loss medications currently on the market. Patients who took Wegovy lost an average of 15% of their body weight, compared to just 2% for those who took a placebo.
However, insurance companies have refused to cover the cost of Wegovy, saying that it is too expensive and that cheaper alternatives are available. Patients who want to take the medication must pay for it out of their pocket.
The drug will be available in the Czech Republic in the coming months. Doctors warn that it is not a magic bullet and that patients must still make lifestyle changes to achieve long-term weight loss.