London: The rollout of weight-loss drugs across NHS England has marked a major shift in preventive healthcare, with around 1.2 million people expected to benefit. The treatment, based on semaglutide, has previously been limited mainly to patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes but will now be extended to a broader group.
Under new guidance from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, patients with a body mass index of 27 or above who have already experienced conditions such as heart attacks or strokes will be eligible for the weekly injections. The decision has been driven by evidence showing the drug’s effectiveness in reducing further cardiovascular risks.
Semaglutide, marketed under brands such as Wegovy and Ozempic, has been widely recognised for its role in weight management. However, new findings have highlighted that its benefits extend beyond weight loss, particularly in protecting heart health.
Clinical studies have shown that semaglutide can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, by around 20 percent. Importantly, these benefits have been observed even before significant weight loss occurs, suggesting a direct positive impact on the heart and blood vessels.
The treatment will be offered alongside existing medications such as statins, as well as lifestyle measures including improved diet and increased physical activity. Health authorities have emphasised that the injections are intended to complement, not replace, other preventive approaches.
NHS England has indicated that eligible patients will be able to access the new weight-loss drugs programme within months. The move has been seen as a step towards broader preventive care, aiming to reduce long-term health risks and ease pressure on healthcare services.
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