The Latest Breaking News from Novo Nordisk

Thousands of people living with obesity to be offered drug that acts as appetite suppressant

Wegovy makes people feel full so they eat less and lose weight

The cost of 14-year-old Freya Goldston's diabetes medication will soar next month when it's taken off the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and her family don't know if they'll be able to afford it.

The French drug safety agency on Wednesday announced it was stepping up monitoring of Ozempic, a diabetes drug promoted by influencers on social networks who flaunt its weight-loss properties. As well as health concerns, the authorities say the increased demand could jeopardise access for legitimate diabetic patients.

Ozempic has been catapulted into the public eye in recent months as celebrities and wellness influencers started taking it for weight loss. But Ozempic is a diabetes drug — and the craze has led to a shortage, leaving those who need it for Type 2 diabetes at a loss.

Under NICE guidelines, Ozempic can only be prescribed to people with Type 2 diabetes who meet certain criteria, such as having a BMI of 30 or more. But the Sunday Mirror discovered the drug can easily be bought online and in beauty salons by people without diabetes.

The 'skinny jab' is usually used as a diabetes drug for weight loss and can be bought online without an NHS prescription but charities are warning it is a loaded gun

Appetite suppressant Wegovy, popular with celebrities, seen as breakthrough treatment but not permanent remedy

The drug is used by Hollywood A-listers to help them slim quickly