NHS Begins Rollout of Weight-Loss Jab Mounjaro By England GPs
Starting today, GPs in England can prescribe the weight-loss injection Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to severely obese patients for the first time on the NHS. Until now, access was limited to specialist NHS clinics or costly private prescriptions. About 220,000 patients with the "greatest need" - those with a BMI over 40 and at least four obesity-related health conditions - are expected to qualify to be prescribed Mounjaro in the next three years. The drug, which helps control appetite and blood sugar, may help users lose up to 20% of their body weight.
Health officials see this as a big step in tackling obesity. “We urgently need to address rising levels of obesity and prioritise support for those who are experiencing severe ill health,” said Dr Claire Fuller from NHS England. Health Secretary Wes Streeting added: “The NHS was founded on a promise to ‘universalise the best’ and this government is determined to bring revolutionary modern treatments to everyone who needs them, not just those who can afford to pay.”
However, GPs are concerned about the added pressure. Prof Kamila Hawthorne of the Royal College of GPs warned that doctors are already overwhelmed and proper training is needed to safely manage these treatments. For now, the rollout remains phased, with broader access planned over the next few years.
