The NHS is set to roll out a major new treatment that could transform the prevention of heart attacks and strokes for over a million people in England. Semaglutide, better known by its brand name Wegovy, has been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for use in patients with cardiovascular disease who are also overweight or obese. The decision marks a significant step forward in tackling one of the UK’s leading causes of death.
Under the new guidance, around 1.2 million people who have previously experienced a heart attack, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease—and who have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or above may become eligible for the treatment over the coming years. The drug, administered as a weekly injection, will be prescribed alongside lifestyle interventions such as a healthy diet and increased physical activity.
Semaglutide is not entirely new to the NHS. It is already used under the brand name Ozempic for managing type 2 diabetes, and has also been available through specialist services for obesity. However, this latest approval broadens its use significantly, recognising its potential not just for weight loss but for reducing serious cardiovascular risks.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that semaglutide can reduce the likelihood of major cardiovascular events including heart attacks and strokes by around 20% in people with existing heart and circulatory conditions. This is a notable breakthrough, particularly given that many patients who have already experienced such events are at significantly higher risk of recurrence.
The NHS has negotiated a deal to make the treatment cost-effective, enabling wider access across the health service. This aligns with the broader ambitions of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan, which focuses on preventing long-term conditions, reducing hospital admissions, and improving overall quality of life.
Experts have welcomed the move as a “life-changing” development. Helen Williams, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, highlighted the potential for the drug to prevent thousands of future cardiovascular events when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. Similarly, health leaders emphasise that while medications like semaglutide are powerful tools, they work best as part of a broader approach to health.
The introduction of Wegovy for cardiovascular prevention also reflects a growing understanding that so-called “weight loss drugs” have benefits beyond reducing body weight. Organisations such as the British Heart Foundation note that these medications are increasingly seen as vital in preventing life-threatening conditions.
However, experts also stress that treatment must remain personalised. Stroke survivors, for example, may have varying needs depending on their condition and mobility. While semaglutide offers a promising option, other interventions including blood pressure management, anticoagulants, smoking cessation, and dietary improvements remain essential components of care.
Ultimately, the NHS’s decision represents a shift towards more proactive and preventative healthcare. By expanding access to innovative treatments like semaglutide, the health service aims not only to extend lives but also to improve their quality, helping patients manage chronic conditions more effectively and avoid future health crises.