It was announced in the press today that Wegovy™ (semaglutude) is now available in the UK through a controlled and limited launch. This medication is not currently available as we are awaiting further national information on distribution and what this means for mid and south Essex. We will issue an updated statement once we are able to confirm if and when this will be available to our residents.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, or NICE, is the organisation that decides which treatments are made available on the NHS. NICE has said that Wegovy™ should be used as a treatment for some adults living with overweight or obesity as part of an NHS specialist weight management programme. This would include a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
In mid and south Essex Wegovy™ will be prescribed in our NHS specialist weight management services, and not by GPs, in line with NICE guidance and the details released today in the press.
In the meantime, we would continue to encourage people living with overweight and obesity to access support through our Wellbeing Services: