Weight-loss drug approved for heart issues in UK

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

Wegovy, which contains the drug semaglutide is already prescribed on the NHS to help some people with a body-mass index (BMI) above 26 lose weight. However it is now the first anti-obesity drug to be used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with heart issues and a similar BMI.

A new study, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, studied 17,600 people and found weekly semaglutide injections for up to five years reduced major cardiovascular events by 20%.

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency innovative-medicines deputy director Shirley Hopper said: "This treatment option that prevents heart disease and strokes is an important step forward in tackling the serious health consequences of obesity.

“As with all medicines, we will keep its safety under close review.’’

The medication acts as an appetite suppressant by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This intestinal hormone is released after eating and typically makes people feel fuller.

However, semaglutide comes with side-effects and risks, including nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.

British Heart Foundation chief scientific and medical officer Prof Bryan Williams said: “Nearly-two thirds of adults in England are living with excess weight or obesity.

"Those that also have an established cardiovascular disease live with a very high risk that a serious event like a heart attack or stroke could happen.

“Several recent studies have shown us that semaglutide is an effective tool that can improve the quality of life for those with cardiovascular disease, including by lowering the risk of serious cardiac events."