A potent weight loss injection known as the “King Kong” of weight loss treatments is currently only accessible through the NHS in select regions, with concerns arising about its effectiveness. The introduction of Mounjaro by NHS England last year was met with enthusiasm; however, an investigation by the British Medical Journal has revealed that the distribution of the injections is being limited. The NHS estimated that 3.4 million individuals could benefit from this drug, leading to a phased rollout plan spanning 12 years.
Initial projections indicated that 220,000 patients would be prescribed Mounjaro within three years. Nevertheless, recent analysis suggests that the funding allocated for the first year covers only a fraction of the required doses. Information obtained through Freedom of Information requests to regional NHS bodies revealed that a significant number of them have not commenced prescribing Mounjaro as outlined in the rollout strategy.
Ellen Welch, from the Doctors’ Association UK, expressed concerns about the disparity between national goals and local implementation, stating that the current rollout strategy is inadequate. Previous research has shown that Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, can facilitate significant weight loss over an 18-month period, provided there is personalized dietary guidance and lifestyle coaching to accompany it.
The Obesity Health Alliance cautioned that the NHS lacks the capacity to expand the distribution of these transformative weight loss injections. Presently, most patients obtaining Mounjaro do so through private means, prompting the government to stress the importance of making such treatments accessible to all, regardless of financial status.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has pledged to address concerns about affordability after the drug’s manufacturer announced price increases in the private sector. While NHS England has initiated a phased rollout of Mounjaro to prevent overwhelming GPs, funding gaps have been highlighted in various regions, hindering access for eligible patients.
Dr. Jonathan Hazlehurst, an expert in endocrinology, emphasized the underfunding of the rollout, stressing the importance of clear guidelines and adequate funding for successful implementation. The current commissioning model has led to inequalities in access to obesity care, with some areas facing significant budget shortfalls compared to patient needs.
In response, the NHS and the Department of Health and Social Care have affirmed their commitment to supporting the gradual rollout of tirzepatide for eligible patients, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based care and access to weight management services. Plans are in place to expand access to these drugs as part of a broader strategy to address the obesity epidemic and ensure equitable access to modern treatments.