Liraglutide Use for Managing Overweight and Obesity: Eligibility and Rationale

Liraglutide, as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), is an endorsed treatment option for managing overweight and obesity in adults. This recommendation aligns with a comprehensive approach involving a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The guidance specifies eligibility criteria based on body mass index (BMI), non-diabetic hyperglycaemia levels, cardiovascular disease risk, and the requirement for prescription and management in a specialized secondary care setting. This framework is designed to target individuals who are most likely to benefit from liraglutide, especially those at a high risk of obesity-related complications.

Criteria	Description
BMI Requirement	At least 35 kg/m² (or at least 32.5 kg/m² for minority ethnic groups at equivalent obesity risk).
Non-Diabetic Hyperglycaemia	Haemoglobin A1c level of 42-47 mmol/mol (6.0%-6.4%) or fasting plasma glucose level of 5.5-6.9 mmol/litre.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk	High risk based on factors like hypertension and dyslipidaemia.
Prescription Setting	Prescribed in secondary care by a specialist multidisciplinary tier 3 weight management service.
Commercial Arrangement	Provided by the company according to the commercial arrangement.

Recommendation Scope: This guideline is not meant to alter ongoing NHS treatments with liraglutide started before this publication. Patients can continue their existing treatment arrangements until deemed appropriate to...

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