NHS braced for more demand for weight loss drug

NHS bosses in the North East have updated guidance around the use of the weight loss drug Mounjaro.

- SAM VOLPE Health Reporter

The drug ~ a branded form of a medication known as Tirzepatide - has been available to a small number of people with certain medical conditions on the NHS since June.

However, with its cost privately rising health bosses expect the already surging demand to grow yet further. This is despite the fact that as it stands eligibility is tightly-controlled in terms of who can get the jabs on the NHS.

NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board boss Samantha Allen said: “You may have seen recent media coverage about the cost of the weight loss drug Mounjaro(R) (Tirzepatide) rising for private patients from September. ‘This increase will not affect the medication’s cost to the NHS.

“However, we expect this change may prompt more patients to ask about accessing Mounjaro on the NHS or to seek advice if they are considering stopping taking the medication.