Can you get Wegovy on the NHS?

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, is a weight loss drug that has gained popularity in the US and has been approved for use by the National Health Service (NHS) in England. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued draft guidance recommending Wegovy for adults with at least one weight-related condition and a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35 kg/m². In exceptional cases, NICE also recommended Wegovy to people with a BMI between 30.0 kg/m² and 34.9 kg/m². Wegovy is set to be sold, with a prescription, at select high street chemists both in person and via online consultations.

Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue, manufactured by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. The drug works by blunting appetite and reducing cravings. It contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, a diabetes medication that has been popularly referred to as Hollywood's "skinny shot" of choice, however it is not prescribed for weight loss in the UK.

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Can you get Wegovy on the NHS?

Yes, the NHS is set to offer Wegovy to thousands of people living with obesity in England. NICE determined that semaglutide, sold under the brand name Wegovy, is safe, effective, and affordable. However, it is essential to note that the drug has only recently been licensed for weight loss, and as such, it may not yet be available on the NHS. This means that individuals seeking it for weight loss purposes may have to pay for the medication themselves until it becomes available on the NHS. The cost of the medication from private prescribers can be upwards of £200 per month.

When Wegovy becomes available on the NHS, it will be prescribed to individuals who have a specific BMI (usually 30kg/m² and over) and at least one weight-related health condition. For individuals from an Asian, black, or ethnic minority background, the eligibility criteria may be different due to an increased likelihood of developing weight-related health conditions. People from these backgrounds may be eligible to join the scheme with a BMI of 27.5.

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How does Wegovy work?

Wegovy is administered through self-administered weekly injections. In clinical trials, patients using the drug experienced an average weight loss of 12% of their body weight. As a weight loss medicine, Wegovy can help regulate appetite and reduce cravings, making it an effective treatment for achieving sustained weight loss when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity, and healthy lifestyle choices.

Wegovy is similar to Saxenda, another prescription medication that can aid weight loss as part of a calorie-controlled diet. Both drugs are given by injection just under the skin and target the area of the brain responsible for regulating appetite. The active ingredients in Wegovy and Saxenda are semaglutide and liraglutide, respectively. Both drugs help with weight loss by making users feel fuller for longer, but there are differences in the dosing regimen: Saxenda must be taken every day, while Wegovy is taken once a week.

How is Wegovy issued?

Wegovy is licensed for people with a BMI greater than 35kg/m² and at least one weight-related condition. The drug is considered safe, effective, and affordable by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Once available on the NHS, eligible patients will be able to access the weight loss treatment at select high street chemists in person or through online consultations with a prescription.

In conclusion, Wegovy is a promising weight loss drug that has been approved for use by the NHS in England, with NICE recommending it for adults with at least one weight-related condition and a BMI of 35 kg/m² or higher, and in exceptional cases, for those with a BMI between 30.0 kg/m² and 34.9 kg/m². Although the drug has only recently been licensed for weight loss, and may not be available on the NHS yet, it is expected to be offered to thousands of eligible individuals in the near future. Once available on the NHS, Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, will provide a safe, effective, and affordable option for individuals seeking to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of medication, diet, physical activity, and lifestyle changes.

Related topics and further reading:

• Buy Wegovy Online
• Wegovy Comprehensive Guide
• What is Wegovy?
• Is Wegovy the Same as Semaglutide?
• Wegovy vs Orlistat - What’s the difference?
• Wegovy Before and After Photos
• Wegovy vs. Saxenda
• When will Wegovy be Available in the UK?
• Wegovy vs Ozempic: Whats the difference?
• Where to buy WeGovy in the UK?
• 7 Side Effects of Wegovy