NHS to offer weight-loss jabs to 1.2 million to cut heart risk

England's health system is expanding access to weight-loss injections for people at risk of heart problems, following new guidance from NICE. The weekly semaglutide jab, sold as Wegovy, is being recommended for overweight and obese patients with certain heart or circulatory conditions. The guidance says eligible patients should have a BMI of 27 or higher and be on other medicines such as statins, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and more exercise, to prevent heart attacks and strokes. It’s a move that could see roughly 1.2 million people across England benefit from this treatment.

Semaglutide works as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, helping regulate blood sugar, appetite and digestion. While it’s long been prescribed to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, the new guidance expands its use to weight management with cardiovascular benefits. In effect, the NHS is acknowledging that addressing weight directly can boost outcomes for patients who already face heart-related risks.

Experts described the development as a meaningful step for reducing cardiovascular events and improving quality of life, noting that weight loss can complement traditional targets like lipids and blood pressure. The plan prioritizes a holistic approach: medication paired with lifestyle changes to tackle the root causes of heart disease. While decisions about cost and access are ongoing, the potential to prevent heart attacks and strokes has generated optimism about the impact on public health.

For patients, this means access to a new therapeutic option that could support sustained weight loss and better heart health, all within the NHS framework. As the program rolls out, clinicians will guide eligibility and monitor progress, ensuring the treatment fits into each patient’s broader care plan.

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