Technology and Science31 March, 20261 min read
NICE Approves Wegovy for 1.2M Britons to Cut Heart Attack Stroke Risk
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NHS to offer Wegovy to 1.2 million overweight patients at risk of cardiovascular events. Eligible individuals include those with heart or circulatory conditions.
Wegovy Goes Beyond Weight Loss
NICE approved Wegovy for about 1.2 million people in England at high risk of heart attack or stroke. The drug will be offered to people who have had a heart attack, stroke, or serious circulation problem in their legs and have a BMI of 27 or above. Drug trials showed the jabs could reduce cardiovascular risk even before significant weight loss occurred.
NHS Rollout to Start Soon
NHS England will offer the drug alongside existing heart medicines and a healthy diet. Health Minister Sharon Hodgson called the drugs a game changer and life saver. The move represents a rapid expansion from Wegovy's previous NHS use.
Trial Found 20% Risk Reduction
The approval followed a major clinical trial involving 17,604 people. Semaglutide reduced the risk of death from heart problems by 20% regardless of weight loss. Experts described the decision as a major turning point in the battle against obesity.