Wegovy (semaglutide): Weight loss drug to be available from GPs in pilot scheme

NICE guidance stipulates semaglutide be available only within the NHS’s specialist weight management services. A 2-year government pilot, not yet finalised, will aim to widen access by testing whether GPs can safely prescribe it, and how the NHS can provide support.

SPS commentary:

NICE recommends semaglutide as an option for weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults, only if:

  • it is used for a maximum of 2 years, and within a specialist weight management service providing multidisciplinary management of overweight or obesity (including but not limited to tiers 3 and 4), and
  • they have at least 1 weight-related comorbidity and:
  • - a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35.0 kg/m2, or
  • - a BMI of 30.0 kg/m2 to 34.9 kg/m2 and meet the criteria for referral to specialist weight management services in NICE's guideline on obesity: identification, assessment and management.

Lower BMI thresholds (usually reduced by 2.5 kg/m2) should be used for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean family backgrounds.

Cessation of treatment should be considered if less than 5% of the initial weight has been lost after 6 months of treatment.

The BMJ article notes that the drug is yet to officially launch in the UK, with supplies still being negotiated by the NHS.

British Medical Journal

Resource links:

NICE guidance (TA875)