NHS Scotland has approved semaglutide, a drug that can help people lose up to 10% of their body weight. The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) gave the green light for patients to receive the drug via an injection into the skin as part of a specialist weight loss management service. The drug, marketed as Wegovy, makes individuals feel fuller, curbing their appetite. It has already been approved for NHS use in England since March and has been administered under the brand name Ozempic to treat Type 2 diabetes since 2019.
The SMC promotes emerging drugs and their efficacy in patient treatment. It recently disclosed its latest update, providing guidance on qualified drugs for NHS Scotland. Record numbers of medications have been approved for use this month alone. Dr Scott Muir, Chairman of SMC, believes semaglutide could aid a successful weight loss journey when combined with a weight management programme incorporating diet and exercise.
According to the 2021 Scottish Health Survey, released in November last year, 30% of Scottish adults live with obesity, with 4% classified as morbidly obese. Semaglutide, also known as the ‘skinny jab,’ is endorsed by several A-list celebrities but is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and exercise regime, as experts warn that users often regain weight post-treatment. Supplies of the drug have been limited due to its high private demand.
Semaglutide has been available for weight loss in pharmacies under different brand names since last year, highlighting the drug’s potential in fighting obesity. NHS Scotland recommends the drug be administered under acute supervision to effectively aid patients in curbing their appetite and promoting healthy weight loss
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