A skin examination is often performed first by a dermatologist, or primary care physician while a biopsy is conducted by an experienced oncologist and evaluated by a pathologist
Its explanation is that these are potent agents that lower blood glucose, reduce appetite, and slow gastric emptying, and that they carry risks serious enough to require prescriber oversight and baseline screening before anyone begins
It can also be prescribed at a BMI of 27 or above if you have a weight-related condition like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol
Based on the typical UK regulatory pathway, the most realistic timeline is: Late 2026 / early 2027: Eli Lilly expected to submit regulatory filings to the FDA and MHRA following completion of the remaining TRIUMPH Phase 3 readouts Late 2027 to mid-2028: Possible MHRA marketing authorisation, allowing private UK prescribing 2028 to 2029 onwards: Possible NHS availability following a NICE technology appraisal and NHS commissioning decisions Timelines may differ across the four UK nations, as Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland assess medicines separately through the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG), and the Department of Health Northern Ireland respectively
For compounded semaglutide products, remember these are not FDA-approved and should only be obtained from state-licensed pharmacies under prescriber direction