NHS receives limited stock of weight-loss drug

A number of NHS patients could be prescribed the Wegovy weight-loss jab following the recent arrival of limited stock into the UK.

The injection will be offered by some specialist NHS weight-loss management services, as well as some private clinics, and the NHS have said that as doses become available, it could help tens of thousands of patients in England.

Research has suggested the treatment can help people shed over 10 per cent of their body weight by making users feel they are already full so they eat less.

Experts have however warned that the drug is not a quick fix or a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.

It is not currently clear how much stock the NHS will be able to access or what the financial cost will be, but the health service often negotiates a confidential discount with drug manufacturers.

NHS guidelines say patients are only able to access Wegovy if they are significantly overweight and have weight-related health problems.

An NHS spokesperson said “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.

“Around 50,000 eligible patients in England could be prescribed Wegovy through NHS specialist weight management services, that are able to provide appropriate multidisciplinary care.”

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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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