• Weight Loss Buzz
  • Posts
  • Slim Pickings: Weight Loss Drugs Encounter Global Supply Shortages

Slim Pickings: Weight Loss Drugs Encounter Global Supply Shortages

Weight Loss Medication shortages are global

Welcome to Weight Loss Buzz, your fix of weight loss news. Weight Loss Buzz is for patients and health-conscious consumers wanting weight loss products, treatment and medication. We bring you the news on the latest weight loss trends, breakthrough medications, buying advice, and tips for losing weight well.

This week’s edition is sponsored by Eatiful: revolutionising weight loss without a diet. Learn mindful eating for enjoyable, sustainable weight loss at weareeatiful.com.

Image: Eatiful

WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATION NEWS

Slim Pickings: Weight Loss Drugs Encounter Global Supply Shortages

In the face of a staggering 93 million Americans deemed eligible for the revolutionary weight loss drug Wegovy, it's no surprise that supply challenges have emerged. The phenomenon of "skinny jabs" burst into the limelight, gaining unprecedented traction among individuals striving to shed excess weight. Platforms like TikTok witnessed a surge of "skinny jab" transformation stories, while YouTube offered guidance on navigating supply hurdles through strategic "click counting."

Amidst the social media frenzy, empirical evidence stands resolute: Wegovy, Ozempic, Saxenda, Mounjaro, and other weight loss medications yield substantial results for countless individuals. While some encounter unwelcome side effects or struggle with tolerance, and others harbor concerns about long-term ramifications, the consensus underscores the efficacy of these drugs in supporting weight loss journeys across the globe.

However, herein is the issue. These drugs helped people, they aren't helping them any more as countless people simply can't get hold of them. The flow has dwindled, and the supply has become scarce; globally.

Novo Nordisk, the driving force behind Semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy) and Liraglutide (sold under the names Saxenda and Victoza). The company discusses its strategy for meeting the growing demand for these medications.

A recent supply update on their website states:

"Novo Nordisk is currently serving a substantial number of Wegovy® patients in the United States. We're actively engaged in producing and dispatching all dose variations. Regrettably, the demand continues to surpass our escalating Wegovy® production. Consequently, we anticipate persistent disruptions in supply and are mindful that certain patients may encounter challenges in procuring Wegovy® prescriptions. Our efforts aim to ensure consistent care for current patients, and as such, we're allocating limited quantities of lower dose strengths (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg) to wholesalers for distribution to retail pharmacies."

Novo Nordisk

Continuing their statement, Novo Nordisk adds:

"We acknowledge the exasperation this situation has stirred within the communities we serve. We value the patience exhibited by all parties involved as we navigate the substantial Wegovy® demand.

Rest assured, our commitment to the obesity community is steadfast and far-reaching. Our commitment is substantiated by substantial investments directed at bolstering our capacity to meet the surging demand. A second contract manufacturing organization (CMO) commenced production in April 2023, aimed at augmenting Wegovy® supply. Furthermore, a third production site within one of our existing CMOs is imminent. We've laid out comprehensive plans to progressively enhance Wegovy® capacity in the forthcoming years."

Novo Nordisk

For those already under a physician's prescription for weight loss medications, supply may not be affected. However, individuals procuring "skinny jabs" unofficially—through online weight management services or virtual pharmacies—find the drugs very hard, if not impossible to come by.

Novo Nordisk's strategy involves constraining the distribution of starter doses to facilitate greater production of higher doses. This paves the way for smoother supply to existing patients, though prospective users must await the availability of starter doses. Nevertheless, those familiar with the previously "click counting" approach may circumvent this, provided they acquire higher doses.

In recent weeks, the growing scarcity has been apparent in the UK, and as of now, no online vendors we can find are offering availability.

However, the issue transcends geographical boundaries. Japan, Canada, and other countries are grappling with similar supply constraints. Indeed the situation us global.

Although online weight management services might sporadically receive supplies, users will have to vigilantly search or subscribe to email alerts from their providers and be ready to make purchases the moment supply resurfaces.

Alternatively, they can explore alternative ways to lose weight which many will be doing.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB

WEIGHT LOSS TIPS

Whether you are using weight loss medication to lose weight or you’re using a more traditional strategy, you may benefit from a little help and guidance and so we share a WLB (Weight Loss Buzz) weight loss tip each week.

Weight Loss Buzz Tip:
The Power of Weekly Weigh-Ins for Effective Weight Management

When tracking your progress during a weight loss journey, it's natural to feel eager to see results daily. However, choosing a weekly weigh-in over daily measurements can be a more practical and beneficial approach to managing your weight effectively. Click here to read why.

STUFF WE LOVE

At Weight Loss Buzz we bring you a selection of useful products each week to help accelerate your weight loss journey. Whether you are using weight loss injections or not, you may find the following useful. This week we're loving…

Fitbit Luxe

Shine a light on your mind, body & health with a wellness tracker that doubles as jewellery. With all the essentials, you'll be unstoppable.

Image: Fitbit

Green Coffee Plus Supplement

Green coffee bean extract has established itself as a very popular health supplement. Green coffee bean extract contains Green Coffee Antioxidant (GCA, also known as chlorogenic acid) which has a variety of health benefits, including supporting weight loss.

Feature your weight loss service in Weight Loss Buzz. Weight Loss Buzz is the only newsletter dedicated to the new world of weight loss. We cover news and trends on established and emerging weight loss treatments, medications, and methods.

Weight Loss Buzz includes:

  • A weekly weight loss news roundup

  • In-depth articles on current weight loss topics

  • A weekly weight loss tip

  • Product and service reviews

  • Interviews with weight loss service providers

  • Weight Loss Inspiration and Success Stories

  • Plus we carry ads for weight loss products

We reach a broad audience of patients, health-conscious consumers, healthcare professionals and industry experts.

Advertising in Weight Loss Buzz means your product, platform or service gets to those who can benefit from it most. Our ad spots are booking up fast, book yours today.

Note: Advertising prescription-only drugs is not permitted. We are however taking ad bookings for providers who want to promote their medication-supported holistic healthcare services.

Seeking Inspirational Stories

Did you lose weight and want to share your story with the world? What better way to celebrate your weight loss than to share it with the Weight Loss Buzz community? If you are interested in being featured in Weight Loss Buzz, fill out this form and our editorial team will be in touch shortly.

We hope you’ve enjoyed Weight Loss Buzz this week. If you have, please share this newsletter with your friends. We wish you every success on your healthy weight loss journey.

Until next time,

The Weight Loss Buzz Team