BBC News
The NHS will now offer the weight-loss jab Wegovy at no cost to over a million individuals in England who are at heightened risk of experiencing heart attacks and strokes.
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), individuals suffering from these health complications or significant circulation issues in their legs, whilst also being classified as overweight, should receive this weekly injection as an additional safeguard.
General practitioners or specialists will assess the appropriateness of this option for patients already using other heart medications, including statins, combined with a healthy dietary regimen.
Clinical trials indicate that Wegovy could significantly lower the likelihood of future heart and vascular complications.
Reducing Heart Risk
In studies involving tens of thousands of participants, the combination of these injections with existing heart medications correlated with a 20% decrease in the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Crucially, these benefits were observed early in the clinical trials, prior to significant weight loss. This suggests that the medication may exert direct effects on the heart and blood vessels, rather than solely facilitating weight loss, as noted by NICE.
Each year in the UK, approximately 100,000 individuals are hospitalized due to heart attacks, while another 100,000 suffer strokes, and around 350,000 live with peripheral arterial disease.
Individuals with a history of these health conditions face an increased risk of subsequent problems and may benefit from therapies that effectively mitigate that risk.
Experts estimate that disease could potentially be prevented in roughly 70% of cases, based on the best available evidence.
Helen Knight from NICE remarked, "We understand that individuals who have previously suffered a heart attack or stroke often live with the genuine apprehension of a recurrence."
"The clinical trial evidence is persuasive. It demonstrated that those taking semaglutide alongside their current heart medications were significantly less likely to experience another heart attack or stroke."
"This decision today provides thousands of individuals in such circumstances with an additional layer of protection, alongside the medications they are already using."
Patients prescribed Wegovy will have the ability to self-administer the medication at home via a specialized pen injector.
This treatment is indicated for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 or higher, categorized as overweight or obese.
The rollout of this initiative is expected to begin this summer.
Wegovy, known scientifically as semaglutide, functions as an appetite suppressant by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which promotes feelings of fullness and can facilitate weight loss.
Additionally, it slows the digestion process, though some patients may experience bloating, nausea, or discomfort as side effects.
Healthcare professionals will also recommend lifestyle modifications that encompass a nutritious diet and adequate physical activity to assist patients in maintaining their weight loss.
Presently, NHS treatment with Wegovy is limited to two years under specialized services, and the long-term risks associated with the medication continue to be evaluated.
There are voices advocating for the consideration of this treatment as a long-term solution, given the potential for weight regain.
NICE has confirmed that the NHS has achieved a cost-effective agreement with the pharmaceutical manufacturer Novo Nordisk regarding this treatment.
Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan from the British Heart Foundation expressed her hope that these injections can be accessible to all who could benefit "as soon as possible."
Professor Robert Storey, a heart health expert at the University of Sheffield, cautioned that GLP-1 medications might reduce muscle mass along with fat.
"Engaging in physical activity, such as resistance training, is essential to counteract any possible adverse effects on muscle strength," he stated.
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