Falling Scales

The National Health Service (NHS) in England is to start prescribing the weight-loss jab, Wegovy. Advice will also be given on diet and exercise. This 'controlled and limited launch', will only apply to patients with a Body Mass Index of more than 30 and at least one weight-related co-morbity (e.g. diabetes or high blood pressure). Patients will get the jab for a maximum of 2 years (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/sep/04/nhs-in-england-to-start-prescribing-weight-loss-jab-wegovy-despite-low-supply). Wegovy, inspite of its cost (between £150 and £300 per pack, depending on dose) is in short supply. This may make it difficult to treat the thousands of qualifying patients. Although the treatment sounds costly, it's still considerably cheaper than fitting a gastric band or dealing with the aftermath of a stroke or a 'heart attack'. The scheme has the added advantage of not taking up hospital beds and/or surgical time. The NHS, however, would be well-advised to carefully monitor the scheme and its aftermath. This could ensure there are no detrimental consequences to what's quite a long exposure to the drug. It's also important to record what happens, when the injections and other support ceases. It's also a natural medical experiment.