King Charles’ doctor has raised concerns about a growing health risk that could worsen without prompt intervention.
The monarch, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, appointed Dr. Michael Dixon, an NHS GP, as Head of the Royal Medical Household after ascending the throne in 2022.
Dr. Dixon expressed his alarm over the increasing use of weight-loss injections, such as Ozempic, originally intended for diabetic patients, which have become popular among the public. In an interview with The Times, he warned that making these injections widely available without proper oversight could have dangerous consequences.
He also criticized the high prescription rate of antidepressants, noting that one in six UK adults are on them—a situation he partly attributes to the overwhelming pressure faced by general practitioners.
A close associate of King Charles shared that the monarch, who has always favored alternative medicine, believes in a holistic approach to health, which he feels has served him well in recent years. Dr. Dixon, a supporter of alternative medicine, aligns with the king’s health philosophy.
Dr. Dixon further explained that the ultimate goal should be for communities and individuals to take responsibility for their own health. He pointed out that with limited appointment times, prescribing medication like Prozac is often seen as easier than addressing deeper issues like stress and life challenges.
He cautioned that as society becomes more dependent on medications like Ozempic and professional healthcare, individual self-reliance diminishes, which in turn undermines the sustainability of the healthcare system.