Wegovy (ozempic) approved for weight loss on the NHS

[AutisticLegoLover]

I've just read an article on the BBC news saying that semaglutide known as Ozempic used to treat type 2 diabetes has been given the go ahead for weight loss on the NHS. It will be marketed under the brand name Wegovy.
This has been known for some time but it's interesting and note that the criteria is a BMI at the higher end of obese rather than just over 30. It can be prescribed for those with a BMI at the lower end of the obese scale if there are comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension etc.

Private companies in the UK are currently selling this (as ozempic) for those with a BMI of 30 or 27 plus additional comorbidoties.

Will private companies have to change their prescribing to fit the new criteria or can they continue to prescribe off licence?

Without seeing the NICE guidance I only have the news article to go off and it will lack the finer details but I'm surprised that the NHS will only be licensed for the higher obesity end unless there are other factors.

The price is much cheaper than private companies but the criteria much stricter.

I'll link the article below.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-64874243

I read this today...good to hear it's been approved. At 39.5 BMI I'm hoping to qualify on the NHS 🤞

According to the article in the Independent, they are classing the below as qualifying conditions

Nice has issued final guidance recommending semaglutide (also known as Wegovy and made by Novo Nordisk) for adults with at least one weight-related condition and a body mass index (BMI) score of at least 35. The weight-related conditions that make obese people eligible include type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia (unbalanced or unhealthy cholesterol levels), obstructive sleep apnoea and heart disease.

I'm classed as morbidly obese but don't have any of the listed conditions, so it's another thing I wouldn't be able to get, and I can't afford to pay for it. I wonder if it will ever become available without having to have anything else too