Several prominent UK-based insurers including Aviva, Axa, and WPA will not cover the costs of the newly launched weight-loss drug, Wegovy, under their private medical insurance policies. Since insurers typically cover acute conditions, which are characterised as diseases, illnesses, or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment, the so-called "miracle" obesity drug developed by Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) does not qualify. WPA further noted a general exclusion on obesity in its policy provisions. Despite the stance taken by these insurers, the weight-loss medication, known scientifically as semaglutide, has been introduced in the UK as part of a controlled and limited launch starting from 4 September. The drug will be available through specialist NHS weight management services, where it will be prescribed alongside a regimen of a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Semaglutide, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Wegovy, is also found in another drug by Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO), Ozempic, which has been previously available on the NHS for the treatment of type-2 diabetes. The introduction of Wegovy comes amidst a surge in interest, partly fueled by endorsements from celebrities such as Elon Musk and Jeremy Clarkson, who have publicly shared their positive experiences with the drug. Research conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine showed that patients shed an average of 15.3 kilograms over a 68-week treatment period compared to 2.6 kg for those on a placebo. "In participants with overweight or obesity, 2.4 mg of semaglutide once weekly plus lifestyle intervention was associated with sustained, clinically relevant reduction in body weight," read the study.
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