Danish authorities mandate video consultations for Wegovy prescriptions amid concerns over misinformation

Danish citizens have previously been able to obtain prescriptions for the popular weight loss medication Wegovy through online clinics with minimal effort, often via a simple phone call. However, recent changes by the Danish Patient Safety Authority now require video consultations for patients seeking Wegovy prescriptions. This move is aimed at preventing misinformation regarding patients’ actual weight and height.

To qualify for a Wegovy prescription, patients must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 30, or a BMI between 27 and 30 if they have at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease. Under the updated regulations, the authority emphasized that mere phone consultations are no longer sufficient.

There have been concerns about individuals providing false information to meet the criteria for obtaining a prescription. The authority acknowledged that some have attempted to misrepresent their weight and height to qualify for treatment contrary to medical guidelines.

Reports have highlighted how individuals of normal weight or those underweight have been able to secure prescriptions for Wegovy despite not meeting the established criteria. A recent investigation revealed a case where a woman, who was healthy and normal weight, manipulated her reported weight to meet the requirements during a brief consultation with an online clinic.

Health experts have raised alarms about the dangers of prescribing such medications without proper assessment, particularly for patients with eating disorders. The potential risks associated with misusing Wegovy underscore the necessity for thorough evaluation by healthcare providers before any prescription is issued.