Weight-Loss Pill Wegovy Arrives in France
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A pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy has arrived in France. Until now, Wegovy was only available as an injection, which many patients found inconvenient. The new tablet form may make the treatment easier to use.
Wegovy belongs to a class of medicines known as GLP-1 drugs. These drugs work by reducing hunger, which is why they are often called appetite suppressants. Doctors first developed them to treat diabetes, but they are now widely used for weight loss.
The market for these medicines has grown extremely quickly in recent years. Demand has increased not only among people with obesity, a serious health condition linked to excess body weight, but also among people who simply want to lose a few kilograms.
However, as use of these drugs has expanded, reports of side effects have also increased. Side effects are unwanted health problems caused by a medicine, and they can range from mild to more serious.
A recent survey found that nearly one in five French people would be willing to take a GLP-1 drug in order to lose weight. This result has caused concern among health experts, who worry that the drugs are being used too casually by people who may not need them for medical reasons.
Experts are now calling for clearer public information about when these medicines are appropriate, and about the risks involved in taking them without medical supervision.
Vocabulary10 words
- injection
- medicine put into the body with a needle
- GLP-1 drugs
- medicines that reduce hunger and are used for weight loss
- appetite suppressants
- medicines that make people feel less hungry
- market
- the buying and selling of a product, such as a medicine
- obesity
- a serious health condition caused by having too much body weight
- side effects
- unwanted health problems caused by a medicine
- survey
- a study that asks many people questions to learn their opinions
- medical supervision
- control and advice from a doctor during treatment
- diabetes
- a disease involving problems with blood sugar levels
- demand
- the amount that people want to buy of something
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Quiz
Answer key
1. It is now available as a pill 2. They reduce hunger 3. Many people may use the drug without real medical need
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy has arrived in _____.
Until now, Wegovy was only available as an _____.
Wegovy belongs to a class of medicines known as _____ drugs.
These drugs work by reducing _____.
Doctors first developed them to treat _____, but they are now widely used for weight loss.
The _____ for these medicines has grown extremely quickly in recent years.
Demand has increased not only among people with _____, but also among people who simply want to lose a few kilograms.
However, as use of these drugs has expanded, reports of _____ have also increased.
A recent _____ found that nearly one in five French people would be willing to take a GLP-1 drug in order to lose weight.
Experts are now calling for clearer public information about the risks involved in taking them without medical _____.
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