Access to Wegovy™ in south east London – an update
It was announced in the press on Monday 4 September that Wegovy™ (semaglutide) is now available in the UK and on the NHS – through a controlled and limited launch. We are waiting for further national information on supply and distribution, and what it means for South East London in particular.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), is the organisation that decides which treatments are made available on the NHS. NICE has said that Wegovy™ should be used in the management of overweight or obesity in adults, 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 South East London, Wegovy™ will only be prescribed by our NHS specialist weight management services. It will not be prescribed by GPs. This is in line with NICE guidance.
As ever, we continue to encourage people living with overweight and obesity to access support through NHS Choices and local NHS advice and services.
We will issue an updated statement once we have been given more information by NHS England on available supply of this medication.