Weight loss injection cleared for NHS use

A "game changing" weight loss injection is to be made available through the NHS for certain people living with obesity.

Thousands are expected to be offered the appetite suppressant Wegovy on prescription after the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) gave it the green light for NHS use.

A study found that people who are given the drug, which comes as a weekly injection, saw their weight drop by 12% on average after 68 weeks.

Nice has issued final guidance recommending semaglutide – also known as Wegovy and made by Novo Nordisk – for people with at least one weight-related condition, including type 2 diabetes, pre diabetes, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterollevels and heart disease.

People will only be given Wegovy on prescription as part of a specialist weight management service and for a maximum of two years.

Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said: "It won't be available to everyone. Our committee has made specific recommendations to ensure it remains value for money for the taxpayer, and it can only be used for a maximum of two years.”

ProfNickFiner, honorary clinical professor at the National Centre for Cardiovascular Prevention and Outcomes at UCL, added: "This is a true game changer for the medical treatment of obesity.”

Dr Stephen Lawrence, associate clinical professor at the University of Warwick, added: "It is important to note, however, that this medication is not a quick fix or a replacement for following a healthy lifestyle.”