What is Wegovy? ‘Miracle’ weight-loss injection gets green light from NHS

A “miracle” weight-loss injection is set to be made available on the NHS in England soon.

The “game-changer” appetite suppressant semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy, is set to be available on prescription after the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) gave it the green light.

Celebrities such as Twitter boss Elon Musk have claimed to have used the drug.

A Twitter user asked Mr Musk last October how he remained “fit, ripped, and healthy”, to which he replied “fasting” and “Wegovy”.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is an injectable medicine used for adults with obesity or a (body mass index) BMI of 27 or more.

It suppresses appetite by mimicking a hormone named glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that is normally released after eating. This makes people feel full, meaning they eat less and lose weight.

Patients will be required to inject themselves weekly.

Prof Nick Finer, honorary clinical professor at the National Centre for Cardiovascular Prevention and Outcomes at University College London (UCL), said: “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.”

It has been reported that some users have hailed the drug as a miracle given the dramatic weight loss they have enjoyed.

Who can use Wegovy?

Those with a BMI of 30 or more or those with a BMI of 27 or more who also have a weight-related medical problem.

Patients who are prescribed the medication will have the injections as part of a thorough weight-management programme and an increase in exercise.

Nice says that weight-related conditions that will make obese people eligible will include “Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia (unbalanced or unhealthy cholesterol levels), obstructive sleep apnoea and heart disease”.

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

Does Wegovy have any side effects?

Nice has said it will be approving the injectables for a two-year course of treatment at a maximum, with side effects minimal when used correctly.

Mild nausea, diarrhoea and headaches are some of the side effects but they were found to be “mild to moderate in severity and subsided with time”.

When will Wegovy be available?

The injectable is already available privately through pharmacists and costs on average £130 per month. The drug will be available to NHS patients soon when the launch of the drug in England is confirmed by manufacturer Novo Nordisk.

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.”

Sky News reported that in February, it had transpired that some high street chemists in England will prescribe the drug, if suitable, through their online doctor services.