Mounjaro weight loss jab available at GPs
Prescriptions for Mounjaro jabs, to help people lose weight, will be available at GP surgeries in England from today - but only for those who meet very strict criteria.NHS England says while the long-term plan is for the jabs to be more widely available, a staggered approach is needed to reach those most at need, manage GPs' workload and NHS resources.Some GP practices are already warning patients who do not meet the criteria that they should not book appointments to discuss the jabs right now. Pharmacy trade organisations say they are concerned that demand for Mounjaro from GPs will outstrip supply.
Mounjaro, or tirzepatide, is a weekly injection that was initially licensed to help treat type 2 diabetes, but is now also prescribed to help those with obesity lose weight. The medicine makes you feel fuller so you eat less. In clinical trials, people taking it lost 20% of their body weight.
Who is eligible for Mounjaro from GPs right now?
According to NHS England, the first group of patients who will be able to get the jab from their GP or a community clinic, will be those most in need.This is people with:a BMI of 40 or over (or 37.5 if from a minority ethnic background) and four out of five of the following conditions: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and vascular disease, high cholesterol and obstructive sleep apnoea People will also get "wrap-around" care - including support with exercising and following a healthy diet, for example.But prescriptions for the drug will not necessarily be available from all local GPs. In some cases, they will come from other primary care services.NHS England says people should check their integrated care board (ICB) website for more information. (That's the organisation that is responsible for planning the health services for a local population).
Dr Claire Fuller, co-national medical director of primary care at NHS England, says greater access to weight-loss drugs will make a "significant difference to the lives of people" living with obesity and experiencing severe ill health. "This is an important next step in the rollout of weight-loss drugs, with community-based services now able to offer this treatment from today," she said. But some GP practices have issued notices on their websites saying very few patients on their lists will qualify for the medicine straight away and if anyone doesn't meet the criteria, they should not book an appointment.Other weight loss services like workshops and apps are available, the messages say. One GP surgery asked for patience while community services are set up.
Will I get Mounjaro if I meet the criteria?
It is unlikely all patients who want Mounjaro and meet the criteria, will get it straight away, according to the trade association for large pharmacies, the Company Chemists' Association.Chief executive Malcolm Harrison said although the medicines are likely to "transform the lives" of millions, "it is unlikely that the planned GP provision will be sufficient to meet patient demand".And weight loss jabs are relatively new in healthcare terms. Some GPs and other other healthcare staff need training in how to offer them safely and appropriately. Mounjaro also requires monthly check-ups for patients during the first few months of taking it, making this a labour intensive process for doctors.Surgeries will also be looking at their capacity to provide the wrap-around care needed alongside the injection. Then there will be those who can't take Mounjaro right now - for example, women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding. People who have had certain conditions - like pancreatitis or certain thyroid tumours should not take the drug either. Individuals will need to have a chat with their GP or clinic to weigh up the potential side-effects too.
Where else is Mounjaro available?
Mounjaro has been available in specialist NHS weight loss clinics since March.Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, is another weight loss jab which works in a similar way. It can be prescribed to certain groups of people under the care of specialist NHS weight loss management clinics.Both medicines can also be bought privately.Dr Claire Fuller, of NHS England, says not everyone will be eligible for weight loss drugs."It's important that anyone who is worried about the impact of their weight on their health discusses the range of NHS support available with their healthcare professional," she explained.
When can I get Mounjaro if I don't fit the criteria right now?
Interim guidance from NHS England suggests Mounjaro will be available to some 220,000 people over the next three years. Their current plan suggests it may be available in phases:June 2026: expanded to include people with a BMI of 35 to 39.9 who have four out of five conditions listed aboveApril 2027: also offered to people with a BMI of 40 and above who have just three out of five conditions listed aboveThe health watchdog, NICE, will then take stock of how the rollout has been going and decide if it is the right to time to offer it to more people with obesity. Around 3.4 million people are likely to be eligible over the next 12 years, estimates suggest.
What about the rest of the UK?
Mounjaro is available through specialist weight management services in the NHS in Wales. The Welsh government is considering other arrangements, including involving primary care, in the future. In Northern Ireland, a new regional obesity management service will be introduced gradually over the next few years, with a community-based service where patients will have access to lifestyle support and obesity medication if appropriate. Very few people are currently being prescribed drugs for weight loss on the NHS in Scotland, research by BBC Scotland News has established. In Scotland, health boards make decisions on which medicines are available in their areas.
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GPs can prescribe weight loss jabs on the NHS from today - but strict eligibility criteria in place
Why you can trust Sky News GPs will be able to prescribe weight loss jabs on the NHS from today. - with strict criteria for the first year of the rollout. Initially, only those with a body mass index of over 40 who have at least four other health problems linked to obesity will be eligible. 0:21 Some doctors have raised concerns about the additional workload this new programme will bring, while pharmacists fear it could lead to supply shortages. While an estimated 1.5 million people are now taking weight loss drugs across the UK, they could previously only be accessed through specialist services or private prescriptions. Dr Claire Fuller from NHS England said: "We urgently need to address rising levels of obesity and prioritise support for those who are experiencing severe ill health - and greater access to weight loss drugs will make a significant difference to the lives of those people." She added: "While not everyone will be eligible for weight loss drugs, it's important that anyone who is worried about the impact of their weight on their health discusses the range of NHS support available with their healthcare professional." 1:22 The chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs welcomed NHS England's decision to pursue a phased rollout, and said current workloads must be factored in to ensure the jabs can be prescribed safely. Professor Kamila Hawthorne went on to say: "While weight loss medications have a lot of potential benefits for patients who are struggling to lose weight and who meet all the clinical criteria for a prescription, they mustn't be seen as a 'silver bullet' to aid weight loss. "We also need to see a focus on prevention, stopping people becoming overweight in the first place so they don't require a medical intervention later." 9:19 Her remarks were echoed by the National Pharmacy Association's chairman Olivier Picard, who says "prescribing these medications alone misses the point". He argued that they need to be part of a comprehensive strategy that includes lifestyle coaching, exercise and nutritional guidance - but many GPs currently "lack the bandwidth" to provide this support. "As a result, we could end up in a situation where patients are prescribed the medication, lose weight, and then experience rebound weight gain once the course ends - simply because the foundational lifestyle changes weren't addressed," Mr Picard added. Estimates suggest about 29% of the adult population is obese.
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Around 220,000 people with 'greatest need' are expected to receive Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide and made by Lilly through the NHS over the next three years. The drug is an antidiabetic drug which lowers blood sugar levels and and slows down how quickly food is digested. From Monday, GPs in England will be allowed to prescribe Mounjaro to severely obese people who also suffer from a range of other health problems. Patients previously needed to access the drugs through a special weight loss service. But leading family doctors said some GPs have expressed concern about the additional workload linked to the rollout. And pharmacy experts also said there could be pressure on supplies of the drug. In the first year of the programme, the drug will be offered to people with a body mass index (BMI) score of over 40 who have at least four other health problems linked to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes; high blood pressure; heart disease; and obstructive sleep apnoea. Estimates suggest around 1.5 million people in the UK are already taking weight loss drugs, which may have been prescribed through specialist weight loss services or via private prescription. Dr Claire Fuller, from NHS England, said: 'This is an important next step in the rollout of weight loss drugs, with community-based services now able to offer this treatment from today. 'We urgently need to address rising levels of obesity and prioritise support for those who are experiencing severe ill health – and greater access to weight loss drugs will make a significant difference to the lives of those people. 'These drugs are an important tool alongside the range of wraparound NHS support and advice on good nutrition and increasing physical activity, which will be vital in helping some people lose weight and reduce their risk of serious long-term conditions. 'While not everyone will be eligible for weight loss drugs, it's important that anyone who is worried about the impact of their weight on their health discusses the range of NHS support available with their healthcare professional.' Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'While we recognise the potential benefits of weight loss drugs, we know many GPs are concerned about the implications of the rollout of weight loss drugs into general practice, both in terms of workload and training to appropriately initiate and manage these treatments. 'The college shares these concerns, which is why we were pleased NHS England suggested a phased roll-out of Mounjaro as a treatment for weight loss. As and when this is escalated, appropriate resourcing for general practice – including access to 'wraparound' services – and training for GPs must follow. GLP-1s like #Ozempic, #Saxenda, #Wegovy, or #Mounjaro are not an easy #weightloss hack. Find out more about:🔵what they are ❓🔵how they're used 💊🔵who they help 💪 🔗Learn more: — EU Medicines Agency (@EMA_News) January 4, 2025 She added: 'GPs and our teams are already working under intense workload and workforce pressures, and this must be factored into this rollout in order to guarantee it can be delivered safely. 'More widely, whilst weight loss medications have a lot of potential benefits for patients who are struggling to lose weight and who meet all the clinical criteria for a prescription, they mustn't be seen as a 'silver bullet' to aid weight loss. 'We also need to see a focus on prevention, stopping people becoming overweight in the first place so they don't require a medical intervention later.' Dr Hawthorne said there is no 'one size fits all approach' and that the rollout of the jabs should not 'come at the expense of other weight loss service'. She continued: 'The roll-out of weight loss medications in the NHS will need to be consistently evaluated to ensure that there is evidence that these prescriptions are of long-term benefit to patients.' Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association, said: 'The demand for weight loss jabs continues to rise sharply, and more GPs have been directing patients back to pharmacies after initial inquiries, to access these treatments privately. 'As the NHS is now moving to implement National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) guidance, and tirzepatide becomes prescribable to more patients, we expect to see prescription volumes increase rapidly. 'However, NHS provision won't meet demand straight away, so we fully expect that many people will continue seeking it privately from a pharmacy. 'Pharmacists are experts in medication and many of us have lots of experience delivering weight loss injections as part of a package of care including lifestyle advice. 'We are well placed to help roll out weight loss treatment on the NHS, with the right funding to support it. 'The biggest concern we have is that prescribing these medications alone misses the point. 'They should be part of a comprehensive weight management strategy – combining lifestyle coaching, exercise, and nutritional guidance. In reality, many GPs lack the bandwidth to deliver the level of support needed to ensure proper understanding and follow-up. 'As a result, we could end up in a situation where patients are prescribed the medication, lose weight, and then experience rebound weight gain once the course ends – simply because the foundational lifestyle changes weren't addressed.' Around 29% of the adult population in the UK is obese. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'Obesity is now one of the leading causes of ill health, costing the NHS billions. Yet we now have the science, technology, and knowledge to end the obesity epidemic, if we seize this opportunity. 'Obesity jabs are used by 1.5 million people in the UK, mainly through private prescriptions. 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. 'This rollout is an important step in making these medicines more widely available, and beginning to shift the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention, which our forthcoming 10-year plan will deliver.'
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Mounjaro weight loss jab: All you need to know
Some 220,000 people with the 'greatest need' are expected to receive Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide and made by Lilly, through the NHS over the next three years. Here the PA news agency takes a look at the drug and the rollout. – How does tirzepatide work? Tirzepatide, or Mounjaro, is an antidiabetic drug which lowers blood sugar levels and slows down how quickly food is digested. It makes you feel fuller for longer and therefore less hungry. If the jab is recommended by a healthcare professional, those using it will need to eat a balanced, reduced-calorie diet and to exercise regularly while taking it, according to the NHS website. – Who might be eligible for the drug? In the first year of the programme, the drug will be offered to people with a body mass index (BMI) score of more than 40 who have at least four other health problems linked to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes; high blood pressure; heart disease; and obstructive sleep apnoea. It was previously only accessible to patients through a special weight loss service, to severely obese people who also suffer from a range of other health problems. Estimates suggest around 1.5 million people in the UK are already taking weight loss drugs, which may have been prescribed through specialist weight loss services or via private prescription. – How would it be administered? The drug is usually delivered through a self-administered weekly injection which a doctor or nurse will show patients how to use, the NHS website says. – Who cannot take tirzepatide? Mounjaro is not recommended for those who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, breastfeeding or have certain health conditions, according to the NHS. For those taking the contraceptive pill and using tirzepatide, the NHS recommends using an additional method of contraception, such as a condom, for the first four weeks of treatment and for four weeks after each dose increase as the contraceptive pill may not be absorbed by the body during this time. – What are the potential side effects? Potential side effects of tirzepatide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
