The NHS has begun offering the weight-loss drug Wegovy to patients, but strict eligibility criteria mean many are being turned away. The weekly injection, which contains semaglutide, became available on September 4 through specialist NHS weight management services. Around 50,000 people in England could be eligible, but the drug is in short supply globally.
To qualify, patients must have a body mass index (BMI) over 30 and at least one obesity-related health condition. The drug is prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. Research suggests users can lose up to 15% of their body weight after one year, and it may reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, and heart disease.
However, the manufacturer Novo Nordisk has confirmed supply constraints and said a 'proportion of available supply' has been allocated to NHS services. The company warned that semaglutide is expected to be constrained for the foreseeable future. An NHS spokesperson said they are working to restore supplies for people with type 2 diabetes.
Private costs for Wegovy range from £199 to £299 per month in the UK, while in the US it can cost over $1,000 monthly. The National Institute for Care and Excellence (Nice) has recommended the drug be used for a maximum of two years.
