More than a million people in England who are at risk of heart attacks and strokes could soon be offered weight-loss injections on the NHS, following new guidance.
Weight-loss drug Wegovy has been recommended by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for patients who are overweight and have existing cardiovascular conditions, including previous heart attacks, strokes or serious circulation problems in the legs.
Officials said the weekly jab could act “as an extra layer of protection” when used alongside standard treatments.
Under the plans, GPs or specialists will assess whether the treatment is suitable, particularly for patients already taking medicines such as statins, and it will be prescribed alongside advice on diet and lifestyle.
Evidence from large-scale clinical trials suggests the drug can significantly reduce the risk of further cardiovascular events. In studies involving tens of thousands of participants, those given the injections in addition to usual care saw around a 20 per cent drop in the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
The benefits were observed early on, before participants had lost substantial weight.
According to NICE, this indicates the medication may have a direct effect on the heart and blood vessels, rather than working solely through weight loss.
Each year in the UK, about 100,000 people are admitted to hospital following a heart attack, with a similar number experiencing strokes.
Around 350,000 people are living with peripheral arterial disease, and those who have already had one of these conditions face a heightened risk of further complications.
Experts believe many cases of cardiovascular disease could be prevented, highlighting the importance of early intervention and effective treatment options.
Helen Knight, from NICE, said: “We know that people who have already had a heart attack or stroke are living with real fear that it could happen again.
“The evidence from the clinical trial is compelling. It showed that people taking semaglutide alongside their existing heart medicines were significantly less likely to have another heart attack or stroke.
“Today's decision gives thousands of people in that situation an extra layer of protection, on top of the medicines they are already taking.”
Patients prescribed Wegovy will be able to administer the injection themselves at home using a pen-like device. The treatment is intended for people with a Body Mass Index of 27 or above, classed as overweight or obese.
The rollout is expected to begin this summer. The drug, also known as semaglutide, works by mimicking a hormone that helps people feel full, reducing appetite and slowing digestion. However, some users may experience side effects such as nausea, bloating or discomfort.
Doctors are expected to combine the treatment with guidance on healthy eating and exercise to help maintain weight loss.
Currently, Wegovy is available on the NHS for a limited period of up to two years through specialist services, and its long-term effects are still being studied. Some experts argue it may need to be used for longer to prevent weight regain.
NICE said the NHS has secured a deal with Novo Nordisk, which manufactures the drug, to ensure it represents value for money.
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, from the British Heart Foundation, said she hoped the injections could be made available to everyone who could benefit “as soon as possible”.
Meanwhile, Prof Robert Storey, a cardiovascular specialist at the University of Sheffield, cautioned that drugs in this class may lead to a reduction in muscle mass as well as fat. “Physical activity, such as resistance training, is important to counteract potential negative effects on muscle strength,” he added.
