Home / Health / NHS Approves Super-Strength Wegovy Jab
NHS Approves Super-Strength Wegovy Jab
13 Jan
Summary
- A stronger 7.2mg Wegovy dose is now approved by the NHS.
- Clinical trials show this dose can achieve over 20% weight loss.
- Concerns exist regarding patient tolerance and high costs.
The NHS has approved a significantly stronger 7.2mg dose of the weight loss injection Wegovy, offering new hope for individuals struggling with obesity. This enhanced maintenance dose, demonstrated in the STEP UP clinical trial, has shown the potential for users to lose up to 20.7% of their body weight when combined with lifestyle changes.
This development follows trials where around a third of participants with a BMI over 30 achieved substantial weight loss, exceeding 25% after 72 weeks. While digestive issues like nausea were reported as common side effects, particularly during dose escalation, the new dosage aims to assist those who have plateaued on the standard 2.4mg treatment.
Despite the potential benefits, some obesity experts remain cautious. Concerns have been raised about patient tolerance for the tripled dose and the associated high costs, suggesting that uptake may be limited. The drug manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, has applied for approval of a single injection delivering the full 7.2mg dose at once, anticipated later this year.
