On Thursday, Pharmac announced it has added semaglutide, better known by its brand name Wegovy, to its list of medicines suitable for future funding. It’s on the Options For Investment list which is for medications that Pharmac would like to fund if it has the budget to do so.  

Hopefully this will come about sooner than later. I’m not talking about funding it for every Tom, Dick and Harry who wants to lose a few kgs, but for the seriously obese who are dealing with all the risks and diseases that come with it - such as diabetes, renal failure, cardiovascular disease and impacts on joints.  

At this stage the criteria for funding the drug states it would be available for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 50 and also to those with a BMI of more than 35 and at least two co-morbidities. 

Last week, an article in the NZ Herald caught my attention and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. The title of the article was: Leading causes of death by age in New Zealand. I know, it’s a cheery number. 

Now, while the when and where of our deaths is largely unknown to many of us, the data explains how we’re likely to die depending on how old we are. 

In our 20s, external injuries are the leading cause of death. These are classified as intentional - suicide, self-harm or assault - or unintentional, including falls, burns, vehicle crashes, dog bites and drownings.  

As we move into our 30s ‘all cancers’ become the leading cause of death, but in our 40s a trend emergences that stays with us until our 80s and beyond. The ‘all cancer’ group remains the leading cause of death but heart disease moves into second. As we age, suicide reduces, and the chance of dying from respiratory diseases, diabetes, or strokes also increases.  

Not hugely surprising, right? But when clearly defined by the data and in graphs, it’s a little confronting. It’s a simple way to look at how to prioritise health care, and as I found an effective motivator to encourage people to do what they can to beat the odds. 

So yes, let's fund Wegovy. Think of the impact it could have on our over-burdened health care system, and the country’s productivity. This drug could be a game changer for young people and their mental health, for those unable to work due to weight related issues, and those who could potentially end up needed a heart transplant.  

But it’s also worth starting slow. When it comes to criteria for funding the drug, we need to start with those most at risk, and who will benefit the most from it. With one in three New Zealand adults regarded as obese - being labelled obese shouldn’t be enough to qualify. Like all drugs, there are side effects and risks and more research is needed to determine long term effects.  

But hey, when you’re got a tool as powerful as this, we should be making the most of it in the most equitable manner possible.  

In the meantime, I shall be doing what I can to look after myself.  

LISTEN ABOVE