How to navigate the NHS rules on weight loss drugs

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By Emma Wilkinson

As NICE approves GLP-1s for more patients, keeping track of who is eligible for the drugs, when and for what conditions is becoming even more complicated. Here's what to know.

NICE have recommended that patients with existing cardiovascular disease who are also overweight are eligible for weight loss drug semaglutide. It adds to a complex picture for clinicians who are working to multiple different guidelines on who can and cannot access GLP-1 medications on the NHS. Emma Wilkinson looks at the advice.

What is the latest recommendation?

NICE have recommended that semaglutide (WeGovy) can be used alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity “as an option” for people with established cardiovascular disease who are also overweight.

To be eligible patients must have already had a heart attack or stroke or have symptomatic peripheral arterial disease and a body mass index (BMI) of at least 27 kg/m². A maintenance dose of up to 2.4mg weekly is advised.