Weight-loss jabs to be offered on NHS for people at risk of further heart attacks

This page reports that the NHS will offer the weight-loss drug Wegovy for free to over one million people in England at risk of heart attacks and strokes. The health watchdog NICE recommends the weekly injection as an "extra layer of protection" for patients with heart conditions or serious circulation problems who are overweight. Clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people showed that Wegovy, used alongside existing heart medicines, reduced the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 20%. Notably, benefits appeared early in trials before significant weight loss occurred, suggesting the drug acts directly on the heart and blood vessels rather than solely through weight reduction. Experts estimate that disease could be prevented in approximately 70% of cases based on available evidence.