Weight-loss jabs to be offered on NHS for people at risk of further heart attacks

The NHS in England will soon provide the weight-loss medication Wegovy free of charge to over one million individuals who face heightened risks of heart attacks and strokes. This decision follows guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which recommends the weekly injection for people who are not only overweight but also suffering from serious circulatory conditions, including peripheral arterial disease.

Healthcare professionals, including GPs and specialists, will assess whether Wegovy is a suitable addition to the existing treatment plans of patients, particularly those already on heart medications such as statins. The medication is intended to complement a healthy lifestyle, supporting patients in reducing their risk of future cardiovascular problems. Clinical trials have indicated that Wegovy may significantly diminish the likelihood of heart and circulation issues, with benefits manifesting early in treatment — even before considerable weight loss occurs.

Annual statistics underline the importance of this intervention: approximately 100,000 hospital admissions occur due to heart attacks, another 100,000 people suffer strokes, and around 350,000 live with peripheral arterial disease in the UK. Individuals who have experienced such events once are more vulnerable to recurrence, and experts believe that up to 70% of repeat cases could potentially be prevented with effective medication. Helen Knight from NICE highlighted the profound impact this could have, saying, “We know that people who have already had a heart attack or stroke are living with real fear that it could happen again.”

Wegovy, which contains semaglutide, works by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1, which lowers appetite and slows digestion, helping people feel fuller and manage their weight better. Patients will administer the drug themselves via a pen injector at home. The medication is targeted at those with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or above, categorized as overweight or obese. While the drug can cause side effects such as nausea or bloating, it is intended to be part of a broader strategy that includes diet and exercise. Currently, NHS treatment with Wegovy is capped at a two-year duration and monitored through specialist services, though ongoing research will clarify its long-term safety profile. NICE has also negotiated a cost-effective agreement with the drug’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, to facilitate its widespread rollout anticipated to begin this summer.

While many advocate for the treatment to be available indefinitely to prevent relapse, experts caution on certain considerations. For example, Professor Robert Storey from the University of Sheffield warned that GLP-1 drugs might reduce muscle mass alongside fat, emphasizing the importance of physical activity, especially resistance training, to maintain muscle strength. Meanwhile, Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan from the British Heart Foundation expressed hope for rapid and broad access, stating she wished for the injections to reach everyone who might benefit as soon as possible

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