The article discusses the new anti-obesity drug ‘Wegovy’, prescribed in France for eligible patients like Imane. It explores its effects on appetite and quality of life, with insights from American patients who have seen significant weight loss. The drug works by targeting brain receptors to reduce hunger. Despite its success, the treatment comes with concerns about side effects and potential misuse, as demand rises and alternative, unregulated versions appear in the market.
“Are you looking to shed some pounds?” the doctor asks with a grin in the report. “That’s exactly what I’m after!” responds Imane, one of the first French patients prescribed the new anti-obesity medication, ‘Wegovy’. Weighing 91 kilos at a height of 1.59 meters, Imane has a body mass index over 27, making her suitable for the treatment. “This medication slows down your stomach’s function, reduces appetite, and enhances feelings of fullness,” explains Professor Chouillard, who has been treating her at the American Hospital for four years. Curious about her potential weight loss, Imane inquires: “How much do you think I can lose?” The professor carefully responds that she will “lose what’s necessary” to “enhance her quality of life.”
In France, only specialists in obesity are permitted to prescribe this treatment, which costs 310 euros per month. Currently, it’s not covered by Social Security, yet factory worker Imane is hopeful. “I’ve made numerous attempts to lose weight through other methods, so I see this as my last option,” she shares. The introduction of this drug has sparked significant interest, coinciding with groundbreaking discussions in the scientific community about its effectiveness. But what do we really know about this so-called miracle drug?
I never thought I’d see this number on the scale. I used to get an error message because I weighed too much.
I never thought I’d see this number on the scale. I used to get an error message because I weighed too much.
Nick, an American patient
To explore further, Sept à Huit magazine traveled to the United States, where this treatment has been available for three years. In this country, 40% of the population faces obesity. The journalists interviewed a couple, Jake and Nick, who have been supporting each other’s journey for a year and a half. “We’ve finally managed to overcome what we thought was unavoidable. We believed we were destined to be obese,” they reveal. Though they haven’t reached their ultimate goals, they have already lost 58 and 75 kilos, respectively. Both Jake, a graphic designer, and Nick, a kindergarten teacher, had previously struggled with severe obesity.
Now, at 33 years old, Nick weighs 131 kilos. “I never thought I’d see that number on the scale. I used to get error messages because my weight was too high. For a long time, I had no idea how much I weighed, but it was over 200 kilos,” he recalls. He adds, “Daily life was increasingly challenging—simple tasks like tying my shoelaces, getting out of bed, or even doing the dishes became arduous. As a kindergarten teacher, I struggled to keep pace with my students on the floor. I knew I had to make a change.”
Two companies dominate the market for this medication: one American and one Danish. Both appetite regulators function similarly, administered via injection and derived from diabetes treatments. In the United States, these treatments cost around 1,300 euros monthly; however, Jake and Nick benefit from a health insurance plan that covers their costs. They now focus on a balanced diet rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables, eliminating snacking. Unfortunately, they’ve also experienced side effects like headaches, nausea, and constipation. “The worst side effect could be stomach paralysis, though that’s extremely rare. I’d rather risk that than potentially face a heart attack at 35,” Jake admits.
Rapid Weight Loss
In the U.S., one in eight adults has tried this new drug, amounting to about 30 million individuals. The Sept à Huit team then visited the Cleveland Clinic, recognized for its obesity department that serves over 20,000 patients annually. The introduction of these treatments has transformed the approach of Dr. Gribler, the department head, over the last six years. One of his patients, 68-year-old Debbie, who weighed 95 kilos two years ago, has already lost nearly 30 kilos. Typically, patients can expect to lose between 15-20% of their body weight within a year. “We believed the issue originated in the stomach, but it actually stems from the brain. Our brain instructs us to eat, even when our stomach isn’t hungry. These medications communicate with the brain to suppress the hunger signal,” Dr. Gribler explains.
He cautions, “We won’t prescribe this medication for just a few months for cosmetic reasons, like fitting into a dress for a wedding