Access to weight loss medications on the NHS in London
Mounjaro™ (tirzepatide)
Mounjaro™ (tirzepatide) is a medication launched in the UK in 2024. It is currently prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published guidance on the use of Mounjaro™ for weight management purposes. The guidance states that Mounjaro™ can be prescribed for:
- People aged 18 and over who have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35kg/m2 (usually 2.5 kg/m2 lower for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds)
- and a specific condition related to their weight
NICE estimates around 3.4 million people in England are eligible for Mounjaro™. The roll out of Mounjaro™ will have to be carefully managed to ensure healthcare professionals can prescribe and support this drug safely. Initially, only those with the most urgent need will be prioritised to receive the medication.
Work is being done nationally and locally to ensure the fastest and fairest rollout of this medication to ensure those with the greatest need can access the treatment.
People who meet the eligibility criteria will be able to access Mounjaro™ initially through specialist weight management services starting in spring 2025 and through primary care services starting summer 2025. Until then, Mounjaro™ will not be available on an NHS prescription for weight loss purposes.
NHS South East London is already implementing a process for Wegovy™ (semaglutide) prescribing and some people are already receiving this treatment. We hope that access to this on a wider scale will be available in the same timescale as Mounjaro™.
It can be difficult for people living with obesity to access the support they need, we are working hard to ensure more support is available.