Wegovy: Slimming Drug Pilot Scheme Given Green Light By UK Govt
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy, a trade name for semaglutide, belongs to the class of glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists, specifically a GLP-1 analogue. Manufactured by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, Wegovy is a weight loss medication.
Who Could Benefit From Wegovy?
In 2023, the National institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued guidelines recommending the prescription of Wegovy for individuals with a specific BMI, typically 30kg/m2 and above, and at least one weight-related health condition.
NICE suggests that Wegovy may be prescribed for individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes as an option for weight management within specialized weight management services. The decision to prescribe Wegovy depends on factors such as the individual’s personal circumstances, current treatment plan, and the risk of potential side effects.
How will it be rolled out?
The revolutionary weight loss medication has been introduced as part of a new £40 million NHS pilot program. This drug, commonly referred to as semaglutide and available under brand names Wegovy and Ozempic, will be prescribed through specialized NHS weight management services starting this Monday. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) granted approval for the use of semaglutide earlier this year, emphasizing its inclusion alongside a reduced calorie diet and exercise regimen.
By making weight loss treatments available through general practitioners (GPs), the government aims to reduce health problems stemming from obesity, which currently costs the NHS £6.5 billion. According to official clinical trials, when combined with diet, physical activity, and behavioral support, individuals using a weight-loss drug can experience a remarkable 15% reduction in body weight within one year, with noticeable results within the first month.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) guidelines specify that the drug will be NHS-prescribed solely for adults with a BMI of at least 35 and at least one weight-related condition. Although approximately 35,000 individuals will have access to Wegovy, according to government estimates, many more meet the eligibility criteria outlined by Nice.
A £40 million two-year pilot program is set to investigate ways to extend access to approved drugs to a larger population by expanding specialist weight management services beyond hospitals. This initiative will explore the safe prescription of drugs by GPs and consider how the NHS can offer support in the community or through online platforms.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the significant impact of obesity on the NHS, stating, “Obesity puts immense pressure on the NHS. Utilizing the latest drugs to aid weight loss will be a transformative approach, addressing perilous obesity-related health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. This will alleviate the strain on hospitals, empower individuals to lead healthier and longer lives, and contribute to my priority of reducing NHS waiting lists.”
In the 2019/2020 period, there were over one million hospital admissions to NHS hospitals where obesity played a role, making it a major factor in conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
NHS medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis expressed that the new pilot program will assess the safe and effective use of these medicines outside of hospital settings, along with evaluating other existing interventions.
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, emphasized that any plans to extend the availability of semaglutide in primary care should be grounded in evidence demonstrating long-term benefits for patients. She also stressed the importance of ensuring an adequate drug supply before any expansion to manage patient expectations.
On the other hand, eating disorder charity Beat has raised concerns about semaglutide. Tom Quinn, Beat’s director of external affairs, noted that weight-loss medications like semaglutide may be appealing to individuals with eating disorders due to their perceived quick results. However, Quinn highlighted the potential dangers, as these medications can worsen harmful thoughts and behaviors in those already unwell or contribute to the development of an eating disorder in vulnerable individuals.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their weight you can find a comprehensive list of English-speaking healthcare professionals in the ESHA Spain business directory
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