Weight-loss drug approved for use by NHS Scotland

A drug that can help people shed up to 10% of their body weight has been approved for use by NHS Scotland.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) said semaglutide can now be prescribed for patients in a specialist weight loss management service.

Delivered via an injection into the skin, the drug - marketed as Wegovy - makes people feel fuller so they eat less.

It was approved for use by the NHS in England in March.

The drug has been used under the brand name Ozempic to treat Type 2 diabetes since 2019.

But it can now be used as part of weight loss treatment, alongside a diet and exercise programme.

The SMC, which provides advice to NHS Scotland about the value for patients of newly licensed drugs, published its latest update on Monday.

Dr Scott Muir, SMC chairman, said: "This has been a record breaking month for SMC in terms of the numbers of medicines that we have been able to accept for use in the NHS in Scotland.

"Obesity is a serious public health issue in Scotland.

"Used alongside a weight management programme including diet and exercise, semaglutide (Wegovy) could assist carefully selected patients in their weight loss journey."

The 2021 Scottish Health Survey, published last November, found 30 per cent of adults were living with obesity and four per cent were classed as morbidly obese.

The so-called "skinny jab" is widely used in the US and endorsed by many celebrities but soaring private demand means global supplies have been limited.

Experts warn the jabs are not a quick fix nor a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.

In trials, users often put weight back on after stopping treatment.

Semaglutide has been available from pharmacies for weight loss privately under other brand names, such as Saxenda, since last year.