A quarter of a million people are set to receive the “King Kong” of weight loss jabs under plans for an NHS rollout. Tirzepatide - also known under the brand name Mounjaro - was given the green light to be prescribed for obesity as well as type 2 diabetes earlier this year. A trial found that patients who took it alongside diet and exercise advice typically lost a fifth of their body weight in 36 weeks.
The health service is now preparing for a phased rollout which will prioritise those most in need. NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said the new drug will be "a powerful part of our arsenal to tackle obesity and support many more people to lose weight and reduce their risk of diabetes, heart attack and stroke". READ MORE: Weight-loss jabs could soon be offered to obese children as young as six He added: “This phased rollout will ensure those with the greatest clinical need can access it as a priority.
..while we develop new and innovative services through which other weight loss treatments can also be delivered.
“With the sheer number of people potentially eligible for these treatments and GP teams already delivering record numbers of appointments, the NHS is developing a range of community-based and digital services to provide the benefits of weight loss drugs while continuing to ensure GPs can deliver all other vital services patients rely on.” Digital services could see patients prescribed the drugs in virtual clinics, without needing to at.
