Miracle weight loss jab used by celebrities now available on the NHS
A new weight loss jab set to be available on the NHS
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Health officials have announced a “game changer” weight loss injection used by celebrities is going to be made available through the NHS in England for certain people living with obesity.
The appetite suppressant known as Wegovy will soon be available on prescription to thousands of people after the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved it for NHS use.
It’s been described by experts as a “pivotal moment” to assist people who suffer with obesity, but others are warning that the weekly jab is not a “quick fix”.
Data from a clinical trial found people who had used the drug saw their weight drop by 12 per cent on average after 68 weeks in comparison to those who received a placebo.
The weight loss jab is set to be made available on the NHS
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The drug’s use will be limited to adults being treated at a specialist NHS weight management service who have at least one weight-related condition, such as heart disease, and body mass index (BMI) - a measure of body fat based on height and weight - of 35 indicating obesity, alongside diet and exercise adjustments, NICE said.
It could also be prescribed to people with a slightly lower BMI than the limit it set in certain cases.
The injection would be taken once a week, but the drug will only be used for a maximum of two years, NICE said.
They added that it is to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Exercising and a reduced-calorie diet are recommended
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Its regulatory endorsement was based on clinical data tracking the drug’s safety and effectiveness for about two years.
Longer-term data is expected to be published this year and will be shared with health authorities, including the NHS, a Novo spokesperson said.
The drug suppresses the appetite through mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) which is released after eating, which causes you to feel full.
Th NHS in England is required to implement the NICE recommendations within three months of the product becoming commercially available.
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Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: “For some people losing weight is a real challenge which is why a medicine like semaglutide 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.
“We are pleased to finally publish our final guidance on semaglutide which will mean some people will be able to access this much talked about drug on the NHS.”
Prof Nick Finer, honorary clinical professor at the National Centre for Cardiovascular Prevention and Outcomes at UCL, added: “The efficacy of semaglutide is a true game changer for the medical treatment of obesity, a chronic disease that shortens life through its many complications.”
There are worries the injections could cause further problems for people with eating disorders
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Charity Beat raised concerns about the impact of the drug on people with eating disorders.
Tom Quinn, Beat’s director of external affairs, said: “Weight-loss medications like semaglutide can be extremely attractive to people with eating disorders as they appear to provide quick results.
“However, these medications can be very dangerous as they can worsen harmful thoughts and behaviours for those unwell, or contribute to an eating disorder developing for someone who is already vulnerable.”