NHS to Gradually Roll Out Mounjaro Weight-Loss Drug Over 12 Years

Only 10% of eligible patients in England will initially access the treatment due to phased rollout prioritizing those with highest clinical need.

Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide and developed by Eli Lilly, has been approved by NICE for use in patients with a BMI over 35 and at least one weight-related health condition.
The phased rollout will prioritize 220,000 patients receiving care from specialist weight-management services over the next three years, with broader access planned over a 12-year period.
The decision to limit initial access was made to protect other NHS services and to evaluate how to safely and effectively implement the drug’s distribution.
Clinical trials showed Mounjaro achieved significant weight loss, with patients losing an average of 20% of body weight, surpassing results from similar drugs like semaglutide.
Health officials emphasize that Mounjaro must be taken alongside lifestyle changes, including a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, and warn of potential side effects such as nausea and indigestion.