More than 1.6 million Britons will receive the ‘King Kong’ of big blows in the NHS over the next 12 years.
Mounjaro, which can help users lose more than a quarter of their body weight in 18 months, should be given to the most overweight cases first, says NHS England.
The shots will be offered with a “comprehensive” health plan that includes diet and exercise.
Over the next three years, the jabs could be given to nearly a quarter of a million people with a BMI of 40 or more, plus three health problems linked to excess weight, including heart disease, high blood pressure or obstructive sleep apnea. dream.
The phased rollout would allow the drug to be offered to 1.6 million people over 12 years, eventually including those with a body mass index of 35 or higher and weight-related health problems.
Mounjaro can help users lose more than a quarter of their body weight in 18 months
Trials have shown that the drug can cause patients to lose an average of 21 percent of their body weight in 36 weeks.
Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, has been dubbed the ‘King Kong’ of slimming hits because extensive testing has indicated that it is the most effective on the market.
Trials have shown that the drug can cause patients to lose an average of 21 percent of their body weight in 36 weeks and 26 percent of their body weight in 84 weeks.
To make the rollout faster and easier for patients, officials have said prescriptions could be issued through “virtual clinics” instead of face-to-face appointments.
A consultation has been launched on the proposals, which will be considered by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) before publishing its final guidance on Mounjaro and obesity later this year. The proposals would see the scheme reviewed after three years, before a wider expansion.
Mounjaro, which costs £122 a month, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, a family of medicines that help control blood sugar. Other GLP-1 agonists include semaglutide, which is sold under the brand names Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus.
Dr Sam Roberts, chief executive of Nice, said: “This new generation of weight loss medicines has the potential to achieve significant health and wellbeing benefits for people living with obesity.” They can also prevent the development of serious health problems, reducing long-term risks for people. Our independent committee concluded that this medicine is effective and good value for money.
“Its use will help people living with obesity lose weight and, as a result, substantially reduce their risk of developing serious health problems associated with obesity, such as heart disease and stroke.”
Mounjaro works by causing the body to produce a hormone called GLP-1 that is released naturally from the intestines after meals.
NHS England’s national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, added: “This drug will be a powerful part of our arsenal to combat obesity and help many more people lose weight and reduce their risk of diabetes, heart attacks and strokes”. This phased rollout will ensure those with the greatest clinical need can access it as a priority – a quarter of a million people will be able to benefit over the first three years.
“With the large number of people potentially eligible for these treatments and GP teams already offering record numbers of appointments, the NHS is developing a range of digital and community services to deliver the benefits of weight loss drugs whilst continuing to ensure GPs can deliver all the other vital services patients depend on.’
The latest Health Survey for England, published last week, found that obesity rates have not fallen since 2019.
In 2022, almost one in three adults in England were obese, while two-thirds were overweight.
