Weight Loss Management

Posted on June 16th, 2023

On 8 March 2023 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published a Technology appraisal guidance on the weight-loss drug Semaglutide (Wegovy®) https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta875

This recommended that Semaglutide should be prescribed, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, as part of specialist weight management services, to people with at least one weight-related co-morbidity and a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35kg/m2 or between 30kg/m2- 34.9kg/m2 who meet the defined criteria.

NICE state that there is no evidence of effectiveness if Semaglutide is used as by itself without additional weight loss advice and support.

As there has been significant media coverage we are receiving requests to prescribe this medication.

Patients should be assured that Sheffield Integrated Care Board are working with providers to develop a pathway in line with NICE to make both Liraglutide (Saxenda®) and Semaglutide (Wegovy®) available.

However, at present South Yorkshire integrated Care Board (ICB) has asked that neither should be prescribed by GPs.

We are notifying the ICB of patients who may fit the criteria and benefit from receiving this medication.

We are however happy to provide support for weight loss at the surgery and can refer patients to several weight management services.

You can also self-refer to local weight management service https://www.livelightersheffield.com