Obe­si­ty the­ra­py with me­di­ca­ti­on

Body weight is regulated on many levels. Medication usually only works on one level - which is why its effect is limited. Unfortunately, they usually have an effect on more than just weight, so side effects are common.

Drugs are designed to reduce energy intake and increase energy consumption without side effects. It therefore makes sense to develop drugs that act as "appetite suppressants" to improve the feeling of satiety. The drugs Saxenda® and Wegovy were developed from a human satiety hormone. Other promising drugs are in development. Research in the field of weight reduction is a major topic at Claraspital and internationally.

• Saxenda® is in a persistent supply shortage and is no longer produced; we no longer issue prescriptions. A switch to Wegovy® is possible for patients of the Nutrition Centre under ongoing therapy, but requires a cost approval. Wegovy is not covered by health insurance for patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. The costs for self-payment are CHF 195 sFr per month.
• Expect waiting times of 3 – 6 months for the obesity consultation for Wegovy®.
• Clarifications regarding obesity surgery are still possible, a referral from the family doctor is required.
• Ozempic® is only authorised for diabetics; no prescriptions are issued for people with obesity. There is a supply shortage of Ozempic®: in the case of diabetes, a switch is made to Rybelsus® (prescription available from us for patients of the Nutrition Centre).
• Mounjaro® is only approved for diabetes, is currently not covered by health insurance and its availability is unclear.