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

Weight-loss jabs will be offered on NHS for people at risk of further heart attacks 7 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Michelle Roberts Digital health editor Weight-loss jab Wegovy will be offered for free on the NHS to more than a million people in England at risk of heart attacks and strokes. The watchdog NICE says people with these health issues, or serious circulation problems in their legs, and who are overweight, should have the weekly jab "as an extra layer of protection". A GP or specialist will check if it is the right option for those already taking other heart medicines, such as statins, and alongside a healthy diet. Drug trials suggest Wegovy can help slash the risk of future heart and circulation problems. Cutting heart risk In tests on tens of thousands of people , the jabs - alongside existing heart medicines - were linked to a 20% reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes. Importantly, benefits were seen early in the clinical trial, before significant weight loss occurred, suggesting the drug works directly on the heart and blood vessels, not just through weight loss, says NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Each year in the UK, there are around 100,000 hospital admissions due to heart attacks, another 100,000 people experience a stroke and around 350,000 people live with peripheral arterial disease. …