NHS England pauses new prescriptions of cross-sex hormones for under-18s

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What Happened

NHS England has paused new prescriptions of cross-sex hormones for 16 and 17-year-olds who question their gender, citing "really weak" previous research into the effects of the drugs. The move affects a small number of teenagers and has sparked consideration of legal action from a trans advocacy group. Meanwhile, England's chief medical officer, Prof Sir Chris Whitty, has expressed concerns about relying on weight-loss drugs to tackle obesity, calling it a "societal failure."

Why It Matters

The decisions and statements from healthcare leaders and experts highlight the complexities and challenges in addressing various health conditions. The pause on hormone prescriptions for under-18s raises questions about the long-term effects of these treatments, while the concerns about obesity highlight the need for a multifaceted approach to addressing this pressing health issue.

What Experts Say

> "Relying on weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro to tackle obesity would be a societal and medical failure." — Prof Sir Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer

> "The UK should learn from other countries, including France, which are doing a much better job of eating healthily and preventing obesity." — Prof Sir Chris Whitty

Key Numbers

• 42%: The percentage of adults in the UK who are overweight or obese
• $2.5 billion: The value of the deal for Servier to acquire Day One Biopharmaceuticals, maker of a pediatric cancer drug
• 16 and 17: The age range affected by the pause on new prescriptions of cross-sex hormones in NHS England

Background

The NHS England decision to pause hormone prescriptions for under-18s follows a review of previous research, which found that the evidence was "really weak." The health service has launched a consultation on longer-term guidance for the use of these treatments. Meanwhile, the concerns about obesity come as the UK struggles to address this pressing health issue, with around two-thirds of adults overweight or obese.

What Comes Next

The decisions and statements from healthcare leaders and experts will likely have significant implications for the development of treatments and strategies for various health conditions. As the NHS England consultation on hormone prescriptions for under-18s gets underway, experts will be watching closely to see how the guidance evolves. Similarly, the concerns about obesity will likely lead to increased scrutiny of the UK's approach to addressing this issue, with a focus on prevention and multifaceted solutions.

Key Facts

• Who: NHS England, Prof Sir Chris Whitty, Servier, Day One Biopharmaceuticals
• What: Pause on new prescriptions of cross-sex hormones for under-18s, concerns about obesity, acquisition of Day One Biopharmaceuticals
• When: Recent developments
• Where: UK, France
• Impact: Significant implications for healthcare treatments and strategies