6 Nov 2026
Every second Friday
Where public funding actually stands in New Zealand
Wegovy is Medsafe-approved and on Pharmac's Options for Investment list, but it isn't funded. Approved, listed and funded are three separate steps. Here's the latest position, what each decision means, and how it fits with the other medicines in the pipeline.
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The muscle question is becoming drug design
A phase 2 trial in 507 adults paired semaglutide with an antibody meant to protect muscle. It's early, company-funded and not a phase 3 result.
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Is the weight you're losing fat? What the trials actually measured
Weight lost on GLP-1 medicines includes lean mass as well as fat. What the trials measured, why the split matters, and how to see yours.
Read the guide →Eating well when your appetite is smaller
Food quality, fibre, fluids, and the signs that mean it's time to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.
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Mediterranean chicken bowl
A simple, flavour-packed meal idea with chicken, vegetables and Mediterranean flavours.
The deadlift
A foundational lift that trains the posterior chain and grip, and comes up often in research on keeping lean mass during weight loss.
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Creatine: one of the most-studied supplements in sport
One of the most-studied supplements in sport, and why it can change a blood test.
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Coming up next
Next issue, Friday 20 November: our wrap of the obesity-medicine results from ObesityWeek, checked against the actual presentations.
The Recomp Health app
Track your body composition, weight and protein in one place. Learn about the app
The NZ GLP-1 Brief
GLP-1 news for New Zealand, every second Friday
Medsafe and Pharmac decisions, new trial results, and what each one means here. Checked against primary sources. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
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