Join the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) for a free, question-time panel exploring the impact of recent GLP-1 drugs, including semaglutide, Ozempic and Wegovy and how they are reshaping both clinical practice and public discourse around people living with obesity, metabolic health and cardiovascular health. Designed to move the conversation beyond traditional lecture-style teaching, this hybrid panel discussion will showcase diverse perspectives and foster an engaging and inclusive environment where participants can respectfully challenge and debate with five distinguished experts from clinical, academic and policy backgrounds.
As of 1 April 2026, the NHS announced a major expansion in access to the GLP-1 drug, Wegovy - a medicine that aids individuals in feeling fuller by mimicking a natural hormone released after eating (GOV.UK, 2026) As a result, up to 1.2 million patients are expected to become eligible to the medication with the aim to reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke. As GLP-1 receptor agonists drive significant developments for people living with obesity, metabolic health and cardiovascular medicine, this debate seeks to examine the clinical, ethical and societal implications of GLP-1 receptor agonists and the real-world challenges surrounding access, sustainability and the long-term impact of these medications on individuals and healthcare systems.
By convening leading voices including Steve Brine, Professor Riyaz Patel and Dr Deborah Cohen, this event offers an opportunity to explore different viewpoints on one of the most rapidly evolving conversations in modern healthcare in a stimulating and meaningful debate setting.
To shape the discussion and provide a platform for a balanced, expert-led debate that is nationally and globally relevant, the RSM has carefully framed debate-style propositions that may be covered by our expert panellists:
- “Ozempic coming off patent will positively transform the health of the nation”
- “The widespread use of GLP-1 therapies lets the fast-food industry off the hook”
- “GLP-1 therapies will reduce existing health inequalities”
- “The long-term risks of semaglutide are worth the potential population health gains”
- “The NHS cannot sustainably support the widespread use of weight-loss medications”
- “Pharmaceutical innovation is outpacing prevention in shaping the future of obesity and cardiovascular health care.”
Key topics:
- GLP-1 drugs and their role in modern healthcare
- Obesity management and treatment
- Metabolic health and disease prevention
- Cardiovascular health and risk reduction
- The future of obesity care
- Patient and NHS access to weight-loss medications
- Integrated cardiometabolic care.
Who should attend?
This event is particularly relevant to:
- Allied healthcare professionals working in cardiology, metabolic medicine, obesity care and pharmaceuticals
- Pharmacists
- Consultants and GPs
- Dietitians
- Anyone professionally or personally interested in obesity care and GLP-1 medication.
The in-person audience will be recorded for this meeting. If the participant is registering for in-person participation, they are consenting to be recorded. If an audience member would like to ask the panel a question, they should submit it to the team at [email protected] by Wednesday 26 August.
We would like to thank the Alan and Sheila Diamond Charitable Trust for its generous support enabling free access to this event.
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