POLL: Should the NHS offer medicine for weight reduction?

Sep 06, 2023 at 7:51 PM
POLL: Should the NHS offer medicine for weight reduction?

A weight-loss drug is being made out there to Britons on the NHS as a part of a “controlled and limited launch” from September 4.

The weekly jab Wegovy, also referred to as semaglutide, will help sufferers lose 15 % of their physique weight and will likely be prescribed by specialist NHS weight administration companies.

It will likely be made out there to people with a physique mass index (BMI) of greater than 30 and at the least one weight-related co-morbidity alongside a managed calorie and train weight loss plan plan. Some personal pharmacies have the drug listed on the market for as much as £300 per dose.

Once absolutely rolled out, estimates recommend as much as 50,000 individuals may very well be prescribed the drug yearly by 2027/28. 

Writing in the Daily Express earlier this week, Health Secretary Steve Barclay stated the “game-changer” jab will assist ease strain on the ailing well being service.

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He wrote: “Thousands of people who want to make a real change to their health stand to benefit,” he says. “That is thousands of patients who could avoid potentially life-threatening illnesses linked to obesity and thousands more of families and friends able to enjoy more quality time with a loved one.

“As well as helping people lead longer and healthier lives, tackling obesity will also aid us to continue cutting waiting lists, which is one of the Prime Minister’s five priorities for this Government.”

Manufacturer Novo Nordisk stated that the launch of the drug within the UK “will help provide an additional option to support people living with obesity” however confirmed that the drug is in brief provide and is anticipated “to be constrained for the foreseeable future”.

An NHS spokesperson stated: “Despite global supply constraints, NHS England is taking action to begin implementing Nice guidance for weight management, while at the same time working to restore supplies of this class of drug for people with type 2 diabetes.”

So what do YOU suppose? Should the NHS offer medicine for weight reduction? Vote in our poll and be a part of the talk within the remark part under.