Weight-loss treatment approved in UK for heart problems

Weight-loss drug Wegovy has been approved by the UK’s medicines regulator, for reducing the risk of serious heart problems in obese and overweight people.

Wegovy contains the drug semaglutide, which is already currently prescribed on the NHS to help some people with a BMI above 26 to lose weight, and it will now become the first anti-obesity drug to be used to control strokes and heart attacks in people with established heart problems and a similar BMI.

A recent trial of 17,600 people suggested that weekly semaglutide injections for up to five years reduced major cardiovascular events by 20 per cent.

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency innovative-medicines deputy director Shirley Hopper said “This treatment option that prevents heart disease and strokes is an important step forward in tackling the serious health consequences of obesity.

“As with all medicines, we will keep its safety under close review.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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