New drug for obese could cut stones
Wednesday March 8th 2023
NHS specialist weight loss services are to have access to a drug which can reduce body weight by about 12%, it was announced today.
The drug should be used for patients with a BMI of 35 or greater – the equivalent of 18 stone for a six foot patient, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
NICE guidance, published today, says the drug, semaglutide, should be used alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Treatment requires patient to inject themselves weekly with a pen. The drug then suppresses the appetite by mimicking the “feeling full” hormone glucagon-like peptide-1.
The guidance says the drug can also be offered to patients with a BMI of more than 30. NICE says trials have shown it reduces the weight of obese patients by 12% compared with placebo.
Helen Knight, NICE director of medicines evaluation, 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.”
Tags: Diet & Food | Fitness | NHS | Pharmaceuticals | UK News
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