Dublin Today on Dublin’s Q102 – Interview with Dr Harriet Tracy
Dublin Today on Dublin’s Q102 – Interview with Dr. Harriet Tracy
Q: The number of weight loss injections available in Ireland is set to grow in the coming weeks, with two new drugs coming on stream. One of them is called Monjaro, and it’s been dubbed the "King Kong" of these types of injections. Dr. Harriet Tracy, as the co-founder and CEO of Beyond BMI, could you explain what is currently available for Irish patients?
A: There are a number of medications available on the market. The easiest way to break them down is into GLP-1 medications and non-GLP-1 medications.
The GLP-1 medications include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Monjaro. These medications contain glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which acts primarily in the brain to make people feel fuller for longer, rather than working in the stomach, as some might think.
The non-GLP-1 medications, which people might be less familiar with but have been around longer, include Mysimba and Orlistat. Mysimba, for example, contains two components: naltrexone and bupropion. This medication reduces the pleasure people get from eating, which discourages them from overeating.
Q: What are some of the common side effects people report when using these weight loss medications?
A: Like any medication, these drugs do have side effects. The most commonly reported one is nausea, affecting about two out of ten people. However, it is generally mild to moderate and is often linked to the titration—or ramping up—of the dose.
A good way to manage nausea is to slow down the rate at which the medication dose is increased. A supportive clinical team is crucial in guiding patients through the process, ensuring they do not increase the dose too quickly, which can worsen side effects.
Q: You mentioned some of the existing weight loss medications, but we have also been hearing a lot about Monjaro, which is being called the "King Kong" of weight loss injections. When will it be available in Ireland, and how does it compare to Ozempic?
A: Elizabeth, I have news for you—Monjaro is already here! It has started arriving in Irish pharmacies as of today, so people should be able to access it immediately.
Compared to Ozempic, Monjaro is similar in that it contains a GLP-1 component, but it also includes a second component called GIP. GIP is another satiety hormone, meaning it helps suppress appetite even further. This dual-action mechanism makes it more effective in some cases, but ultimately, both drugs work by stimulating the brain to reduce food cravings and increase feelings of fullness.
Q: Do you think the arrival of Monjaro and Wegovy in Ireland will help alleviate some of the pressure caused by shortages of these medications?
A: Yes, absolutely. Supply issues have been a major problem, and when supply is inadequate, it is the patients who suffer. Many have been left without access to an effective treatment for their disease.
Supply shortages also lead to problematic market behaviours, such as people sourcing medications through unregulated means, including across borders. Having better control of supply ensures patients have safe and legal access to these treatments.
Q: You mentioned concerns about nefarious activity. There have been reports of people obtaining weight loss medications through unofficial sources, including social media. Do you think people are getting the correct clinical advice?
A: That’s a really important question. There is a big difference between getting access to a prescription and getting access to care. A prescription alone is not a long-term treatment plan.
Unfortunately, there is a growing trend of people believing that getting the "next best" drug will solve their weight issues, much like how fad diets used to dominate the conversation. This is a dangerous misconception. What we really need is a shift in focus towards a multidisciplinary, long-term treatment approach that addresses all aspects of a person's health, not just their weight.
Q: In the UK, there has been a crackdown on online pharmacies that distribute weight loss medications without proper medical oversight. Is this an issue in Ireland?
A: Not in the same way. In the UK, it is legal to have medication shipped directly to your door, which has led to unsafe prescribing practices. Some online pharmacies were offering prescriptions based on simple questionnaires, even allowing patients to choose their own dosage.
Thankfully, in Ireland, this is not permitted. However, the recent UK ruling should serve as a warning against such practices and reinforce the importance of patient safety when prescribing high-risk medications.
Q: Tell us about Beyond BMI. What approach does your organisation take when treating patients?
A: Beyond BMI was created based on my experience in emergency medicine, where I saw many patients struggling to find safe and effective weight management options. They were often told to "eat less and move more" or to join weight loss groups, but there was no structured medical support.
Beyond BMI provides an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach to obesity treatment. Our online model makes care accessible across Ireland, ensuring that someone in Cork has the same quality of care as someone in Dublin.
Our team includes doctors, dietitians, health coaches, clinical nurse specialists, and psychologists. We take a holistic approach, looking beyond the number on the scale to consider emotional well-being, psychological support, and functional health.
Q: Finally, what message would you like to send to people considering weight loss medication?
A: We need to shift the conversation away from "weight loss" and towards "health gain." If we only focus on the number on the scale, we will always be chasing the next quick fix.
Instead, we need to help people build long-term, sustainable habits that benefit their overall health—physically, emotionally, and psychologically. When patients adopt this mindset, they are more likely to see lasting, meaningful results that go beyond just losing weight.
Q: Thank you very much. That was Dr. Harriet Tracy from Beyond BMI.
