Weight-loss drug approved for heart problems in UK

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

Wegovy contains the drug semaglutide, which is already prescribed on the NHS to help some people with a body-mass index (BMI) above 26 lose weight.

And it now becomes the first anti-obesity drug to be used to control heart attacks and strokes in people with established heart problems and a similar BMI.

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

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Source: BBC News, 23 July 2024