Weight loss injections known as the “King Kong” of weight loss shots are currently only available through the NHS in certain regions, sparking concerns over the effectiveness of the rollout.
The introduction of Mounjaro by NHS England received significant attention last year, but a recent investigation by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) revealed that the injections are being limited in availability. The NHS estimated that 3.4 million individuals could benefit from the treatment, leading to a phased 12-year rollout plan.
Despite plans to prescribe the injections to 220,000 patients within the first three years, analysis indicates that the funding allocated for the initial year covers only a fraction of the required doses. Data from regional NHS bodies revealed that not all areas have commenced prescribing Mounjaro as outlined in the rollout strategy.
According to Ellen Welch, co-chair of Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK), the disparity between the national plan and local implementation highlights the inadequacies of the current rollout strategy. Prior studies have shown that Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, can aid in achieving significant weight loss over 18 months, but it necessitates personalized diet and exercise guidance to maintain results.
Concerns raised by the Obesity Health Alliance underscore the challenges faced by the NHS in expanding access to these transformative weight loss injections. While most patients currently opt for private procurement of Mounjaro, the government emphasizes the importance of ensuring equitable access to these drugs.
In response to rising prices in the private sector, Health Secretary Wes Streeting pledged to prevent individuals from being priced out of accessing weight-loss jabs. The manufacturer’s decision to increase prices prompted concerns about affordability, with the cost of the highest dose potentially rising substantially.
The phased rollout of Mounjaro by NHS England aims to prevent overwhelming demands on general practitioners. Initially targeting severely obese individuals with specific health conditions, the rollout strategy faced criticism for inadequate funding allocation to regional care boards.
Dr. Jonathan Hazlehurst, a consultant endocrinologist, highlighted the underfunding of the rollout, pointing out discrepancies between patient targets and available resources. The current commissioning model has led to disparities in access to obesity care, creating a “postcode lottery” scenario for patients.
Recognizing the importance of weight loss drugs in managing obesity, the NHS assured ongoing support for the phased rollout of tirzepatide, aligning with NICE guidelines. Efforts are underway to establish new primary care services to address the needs of eligible patients gradually.
The Department of Health and Social Care emphasized the importance of making these weight loss drugs available to those in need, emphasizing a shift towards prevention and equitable access to modern treatments for obesity management.