The National Health Service (NHS) in England has initiated a widespread rollout of weight loss injections, offering a new avenue for individuals struggling with obesity and related health complications.

The drug Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, will be accessible through prescriptions from general practitioners (GPs). Around 220,000 individuals are anticipated to receive Mounjaro over the next three years. The medication, manufactured by Lilly, functions as an antidiabetic drug, regulating blood sugar levels and slowing digestion.

Initially, Mounjaro will be prescribed to individuals with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 40 who also present with a minimum of four additional health issues linked to obesity. These include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and obstructive sleep apnea.

, representing NHS England, stated:

“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.”

—, NHS England

She emphasized that these drugs should complement NHS support, nutritional guidance, and increased physical activity. A recent study published in “The Lancet” projects that obesity rates could affect 35% of the world’s population by 2035 (The Lancet 2024).

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) endorses tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for managing obesity in specific patient groups.

Tirzepatide is administered via a weekly self-injection. Healthcare professionals will provide comprehensive instructions on its proper use. Prior to prescription, the healthcare provider will discuss potential benefits, limitations, and potential side effects.

Patients prescribed weight loss drugs must adhere to a balanced, reduced-calorie diet and maintain regular physical activity. Tirzepatide is contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as individuals with certain pre-existing health conditions.

The NHS advises women taking oral contraceptives to use an additional barrier method, such as condoms, for the initial four weeks of tirzepatide treatment and for four weeks following each dosage increase. This precaution is necessary because tirzepatide may interfere with the absorption of oral contraceptives.

Potential side effects of tirzepatide, as noted by NICE, can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

Broader Implications

Current estimates suggest that approximately 1.5 million individuals in the UK are already using weight loss medications, obtained either through specialized services or private prescriptions.

According to :

“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… 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.”

The NHS initiative aims to broaden access to these treatments and prioritize preventative healthcare strategies.