The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), England’s health spending body, has approved the prescription of the weight-loss injection semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy, for an estimated 1.2 million individuals in England living with heart disease. The decision aims to mitigate the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.

Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is administered as a weekly injection. Its mechanism involves slowing down the digestive process, which contributes to weight loss. Clinical trials cited by NICE demonstrated that the treatment also directly benefits the heart and blood vessels, independent of its weight-reducing effects. Participants in a study of 17,604 individuals experienced a 20 percent reduction in the risk of a major heart event.

Experts have lauded the approval, describing it as a significant development. Professor Naveed Sattar, a professor of cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, noted that these new treatments not only reduce cardiovascular incidents but also lead to substantial weight loss, thereby lowering the risk of numerous weight-related conditions. He emphasized the improvement in patients' quality of life, calling the outcome a "genuine win-win," particularly given the prevalence of excess weight among cardiovascular disease patients.

However, medical professionals also advise caution regarding potential side effects. Professor Robert Storey, a professor of cardiology at Sheffield University, highlighted that GLP-1 receptor agonists can reduce muscle mass in addition to fat. He stressed the importance of balancing the benefits against potential risks and recommended that patients undergoing this treatment engage in physical activity, such as resistance training, to counteract any negative impact on muscle strength. Experts also acknowledge that such exercise regimens may not be feasible for all patients, particularly those who are frail.

NICE’s evaluation concluded that the treatment is cost-effective for use within the NHS. Semaglutide is already available on the NHS in England as a treatment option for individuals with obesity and is also prescribed under the brand name Ozempic for the management of type 2 diabetes. This expanded approval marks a new purpose for the drug within the healthcare system.