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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Nicola Davis Science correspondent

Weight loss pills could help tackle obesity in poorer countries, experts say

Louis Aronne Obesity Weight Loss Naveed Sattar diabetes
A semaglutide pen surrounded by pills
Semaglutide is already available in pill form, which must be taken on an empty stomach. Photograph: Eggy Sayoga/Alamy

Newly developed weight loss pills could have a big impact on tackling obesity and diabetes in low- and middle-income countries, experts have said.

Weight loss jabs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, that contain the drugs semaglutide and tirzepatide respectively, have become popular in countries including the UK after trials showed they can help people lose more than 10% of their body weight. Medications containing semaglutide and tirzepatide can also be used to help control diabetes.

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