England's National Health Service will offer the weight-loss injection Wegovy free of charge to more than one million people at risk of heart attacks and strokes, with the rollout expected to begin this summer. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that overweight people in England who have had a heart attack or stroke, or who have serious circulation problems in their legs, should receive a weekly injection of the drug.

Wegovy is recommended for patients with a body mass index of 27 or greater, classified as overweight or obese. A general practitioner or specialist will assess whether the drug is appropriate for patients already taking other heart medications, such as statins, alongside a healthy diet. Patients prescribed Wegovy will be able to self-administer the drug at home using a special pen injector device.

In clinical trials involving tens of thousands of participants, semaglutide — the active ingredient in Wegovy — alongside existing heart medicines was associated with a 20 percent reduction in the risk of heart attacks and strokes. According to NICE, benefits from semaglutide were observed early in trials, before notable weight loss occurred, indicating the drug acts directly on the heart and blood vessels rather than solely through weight loss.

Helen Knight of NICE said, "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."

Semaglutide acts as an appetite suppressant by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which promotes feelings of fullness and can aid weight loss. The drug also slows the rate of digestion by delaying gastric emptying. Some patients using Wegovy may experience side effects such as bloating, nausea, or discomfort.

Each year in the United Kingdom, there are around 100,000 hospital admissions for heart attacks, approximately 100,000 strokes, and about 350,000 people living with peripheral arterial disease. Individuals who have previously experienced a heart attack, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease face a higher risk of subsequent heart and circulation problems.

Healthcare professionals should also recommend lifestyle changes, including healthy eating and regular exercise, to help maintain weight loss for patients on the drug. Prof. Robert Storey, an expert in heart health at the University of Sheffield, cautioned that GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide could reduce muscle mass as well as fat. Storey noted that physical activity, such as resistance training, is important to counteract potential negative effects on muscle strength.

Wegovy treatment on the NHS through specialist services is currently limited to two years, and its long-term risks are still being studied. NICE stated that the NHS reached an agreement with manufacturer Novo Nordisk to ensure the drug will be cost-effective. Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan said she hoped that Wegovy injections could be made available to everyone who could benefit as soon as possible.