NHS to offer “game-changer” weight loss injection to people living with obesity
(MENAFN) The National health Service (NHS) in England is set to offer a new weight loss injection to eligible patients in a move that has been hailed as a “pivotal moment” for the treatment of obesity. The appetite suppressant drug, known as Wegovy, has been approved for use on the NHS by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The drug, which comes as a weekly injection, has been found to reduce weight by an average of 12% over 68 weeks in people who were given the drug in a previous study.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, is a synthetic version of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is released after eating and helps to regulate appetite. The drug is intended for use by adults with a body mass index (BMI) score of at least 35 and at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea or heart disease. In some cases, people with a BMI of 30 and over may also be able to access the drug.
However, experts warn that the drug is not a “quick fix” for obesity and should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The drug will be prescribed as part of a specialist weight management service that involves input from several professionals, and patients will only be given the drug for a maximum of two years.
The drug’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, is expected to launch the drug in England soon after receiving confirmation from the NHS. Some side effects, including nausea and diarrhoea, have been reported in clinical trials, but these were generally mild and subsided over time.
Overall, the availability of this new weight loss injection is seen as a significant development in the treatment of obesity in England, offering a new option for eligible patients who have struggled to lose weight through other methods.
MENAFN09032023000045012476ID1105738534
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.