World ( The cow news digital ) The National Health Service National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom has announced a major preventive healthcare initiative aimed at reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes among high-risk patients through the use of a weight-loss medication.
Under the new plan, NHS will provide the weight-loss injection Wegovy to approximately 1.2 million individuals who are considered vulnerable to cardiovascular disease. The decision follows approval from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which has endorsed the drug for use in specific patient groups.
Wegovy, which contains semaglutide, is a weekly injection designed to assist in weight management by regulating appetite and improving metabolic function. It is primarily prescribed for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher who already suffer from heart-related conditions or are at significant risk of developing them.
Medical professionals will assess patients’ current treatments, including commonly used medications such as statins, before prescribing the drug. The goal is to integrate Wegovy into existing cardiovascular care strategies to enhance overall patient outcomes.
Clinical studies have indicated that semaglutide may reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by approximately 20 percent. Interestingly, experts note that these benefits can appear relatively quickly, even before significant weight loss occurs, suggesting that the drug may have direct positive effects on cardiovascular health.
Wegovy works by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates hunger, helping patients feel fuller for longer and reduce calorie intake. Over time, this leads to gradual and sustained weight loss, which further supports heart health.
read more
- China Urges Global Support for Sustainable Sudan Solution
- US Envoy Backs Israel’s Claim to Wider Middle East
However, healthcare experts have also highlighted potential side effects, including nausea, bloating, and digestive discomfort. Patients are advised to combine the treatment with healthy dietary habits and regular physical activity for best results.
The NHS plans to begin rolling out the treatment during the summer, with most patients expected to remain on the medication for up to two years while long-term effects continue to be studied.
Officials describe the initiative as part of a broader shift toward preventive medicine, aiming to reduce the long-term burden on healthcare systems by addressing risk factors before serious conditions develop.
