This week The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued draft guidance recommending the use of a new drug (semaglutide 2.4mg) to help thousands of people living with obesity. The drug, which can be issued via injection, has already helped those using it to reduce their weight by more than 10 per cent.
The recommendation is based on research led by Professor John Wilding, who leads clinical research into obesity, diabetes and endocrinology at the University of Liverpool. Of the announcement he stated:
“It is encouraging to hear that the NICE draft appraisal document should allow use of semaglutide 2.4mg in people with severe obesity attending specialist services such as those that we run in Liverpool and other parts of North West England.
“It is important to remember that this is not a quick fix, and that it will likely only be available for those people with significant complications of their obesity, who are attending specialist services that can also provide appropriate support with diet and physical activity.”