Sir, – Outlining the potential for an emerging class of drugs, glucagon-like peptide analogues, to offset demographic trends in obesity, Paul Cullen reasonably observes that “whether or not the State can afford it is causing concern” (Health, Analysis, April 15th).
This also amounts to a rather practical political dilemma since the large outlay that would be incurred in the short term must be weighed against potential longer-term savings over forthcoming decades, with less heart disease or diabetes, for example.
To Ministers serving currently though, that political dividend will probably never be evident or enjoyed. And the costs will clearly have to be paid while they are in office, of course.
It is, though, quite possible even from such a cynical perspective that a shorter-term benefit will accrue to the healthcare system.
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Several lines of evidence, ranging from laboratory animal studies, to clinical experience and patient anecdote, suggest that the same drugs, GLP agonists, reduce desires and cravings to drink alcohol. Problem drinking can be reduced without the need for so much willpower and discipline.
Given that the costs attributable to alcohol for our healthcare system run into the billions annually, with a still greater societal burden, there may be a significant financial benefit from the use of these drugs even in the near term. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN O’BRIEN,
Kinsale,
Co Cork.