{"id":234652,"date":"2023-09-04T07:01:40","date_gmt":"2023-09-04T07:01:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lovemainstream.com\/?p=234652"},"modified":"2023-09-04T07:01:40","modified_gmt":"2023-09-04T07:01:40","slug":"nhs-gets-fat-jab-supply-boost-as-game-changing-wegovy-is-available-in-the-uk-for-first-time-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lovemainstream.com\/lifestyle\/nhs-gets-fat-jab-supply-boost-as-game-changing-wegovy-is-available-in-the-uk-for-first-time-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"NHS gets fat jab supply boost as 'game-changing' Wegovy is available in the UK for first time | The Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"
MORE fat jabs will be available on the NHS from today as the makers of Wegovy launch it in the UK.<\/p>\n
The game-changing injections can help people lose more than 10 per cent of their body weight.<\/p>\n
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It is based on the drug semaglutide, the same ingredient as trendy Ozempic jabs which are in short supply because of massive demand.<\/p>\n
Pharma company Novo Nordisk said it will today launch a \u201ccontrolled and limited\u201d supply of Wegovy.<\/p>\n
It was expected to be available in Britain earlier this year but was pushed back.<\/p>\n
Ministers want to roll the jabs out much more widely to tackle the UK\u2019s soaring weight problem, with three in 10 adults obese in England.<\/p>\n
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Up to a massive four million people are thought to be eligible but the plans are on ice because of supply problems.<\/p>\n
Novo Nordisk said: \u201cWe believe the launch of Wegovy will help provide an additional option to support people living with obesity in the UK.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be available in specialist NHS weight management services for people who meet the criteria or privately through a registered healthcare professional.\u201d<\/p>\n
The firm admitted supplies will be \u201cconstrained for the foreseeable future\u201d.<\/p>\n
<\/picture>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/picture>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/picture>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/picture>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Experts say private patients wanting to lose weight and black market sellers are making it hard for the NHS to get hold of the medication.<\/p>\n Sun columnist Jeremy Clarkson and tech mogul Elon Musk have both admitted taking semaglutide in a bid to slim down.<\/p>\n It is only meant to be used for people who are obese and have a weight-linked illness like type 2 diabetes or heart disease.<\/p>\n To get it through the health service patients must also exercise and eat a healthy diet as a combined effort to lose weight.<\/p>\n Scientists say it is important for people to take it long-term \u2013 for years \u2013 so they don\u2019t pile the pounds back on.<\/p>\n Semaglutide only needs to be injected once a week and it mimics a hormone that makes you feel full, preventing overeating.<\/p>\n Studies have found it can also slash the risk of heart attacks, stroke and even dementia.<\/p>\n The drug regulator NICE approved Wegovy for NHS patients in March.<\/p>\n Director of medicines evaluation, Helen Knight, said: \u201cFor some people losing weight is a real challenge which is why a medicine like semaglutide is a welcome option.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt won\u2019t be available to everyone.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOur committee has made specific recommendations to ensure it remains value for money for the taxpayer, and it can only be used for a maximum of two years.\u201d<\/p>\nMy little boy has had leukaemia 3 times – I'm terrified he could die any day<\/h3>\n<\/section>\n
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