Health Check Weight loss gold rush
Oct 30, 2024
Claire Wilson, a science writer, discusses the global implications of egg donation, shedding light on diverse regulations and practices worldwide. Katie Palmer, a health technology correspondent, investigates the telehealth boom and its role in online prescriptions for weight-loss drugs, raising concerns about patient safety. Miranda Walpert, Director of Mental Health at the Wellcome Trust, reveals the promising outcomes of avatar therapy for psychosis, highlighting how personalized avatars help patients confront intrusive voices and improve their mental health.
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Weight Loss Drug Concerns
- Online weight-loss drug prescriptions are rising, leading to shortages of branded drugs and a rise in compounded drugs.
- An investigation reveals a small network of medical groups fueling this trend, raising concerns about patient safety.
Claire's Avatar Therapy Journey
- Claire, a former patient, struggled with persecutory voices for ten years despite medication and psychotherapy.
- Avatar therapy helped her confront these voices, leading to improved self-esteem, reduced self-harm, and increased socialization.
Avatar Therapy Trial Results
- A larger trial confirms avatar therapy's effectiveness in reducing distress and frequency of auditory hallucinations in psychosis.
- The therapy shows improvements in distressing beliefs and overall well-being, exceeding typical talking therapy outcomes.