‘Game-changing’ weight loss injection to be offered on NHS

WEIGHT loss jabs will be offered to tens of thousands of people a year on the NHS as part of efforts to combat obesity.

Researchers described the drug semaglutide as “game changing” after studies found that one third of those put on the treatment lost a fifth of their body weight.

The drug, also known as Wegovy, works by taking over the body’s appetite regulating system, leading to reduced hunger and calorie intake, with experts saying it is able to achieve what was previously only possible through weight-loss surgery.

The recommendation from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (Nice), means the weekly jabs can be prescribed to about 35,000 people a year.

The drug will be available to those with a BMI of at least 35 and an obesityrelated health problem, and some with a BMI of at least 30, where they meet criteria for specialist treatment.

The guidance says the drug should be prescribed for a maximum of two years alongside lifestyle changes.

Experts welcomed the recommendation, but said it did not go far enough. More than a quarter of adults in England are obese, while more than a third are overweight.

Obesity is estimated to cost the NHS around £6billion a year, with £27billion costs to wider society.

Under the plans, eligibility for the drugs depends not just on weight, but is also restricted to those with a “weightrelated co-morbidity” such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said: “For some people losing weight is a real challenge which is why a medicine like semaglu- tide is a welcome option. 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.”

Dr Simon Cork, senior lecturer in physiology at Anglia Ruskin University, said: “The news ... will be welcome to the millions who struggle to lose weight and maintain that lower body weight.

“However, many will be disappointed by the strict rules dictating who will be eligible for this drug.”

Dr Cork said many would miss out, as specialist obesity services have long waits and are not available in every part of the UK. He questioned the decision to limit use to two years, with trials showing that weight is likely to be regained after stopping the drug, describing it as “a treatment rather than a cure”.