NHS To Offer Weight-loss Jab Wegovy To Over A Million People At Risk Of Heart Attacks And Strokes

NHS to offer weight-loss jab Wegovy to over a million people at risk of heart attacks and strokes More than a million people in England are set to be offered the weight-loss injection Wegovy on the NHS, in a major move aimed at reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The decision follows new guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which approved the use of the drug also known as semaglutide for people who are overweight and have existing cardiovascular disease. Under the plan, around 1.2 million patients could become eligible for the weekly injection, marking a significant expansion of access beyond its previous use for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Previously, Wegovy was primarily prescribed to people with severe obesity. However, the updated guidance allows its use in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or above who have already experienced conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, or other circulation problems. Clinical trials involving more than 17,000 participants found the drug can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events including heart attacks and strokes by around 20%, even before significant weight loss occurs. Health officials say the treatment will be used alongside existing therapies such as statins, as well as lifestyle changes including improved diet and increased physical activity.

Experts have welcomed the move, describing it as a potentially “life-changing” development that could prevent thousands of serious health events and ease pressure on the NHS. However, questions remain about how quickly the health service can roll out the treatment on such a large scale, with some raising concerns about capacity and long-term costs. The rollout is expected to begin within months, offering new hope to patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease one of the leading causes of death in the UK.