And MPs: Note the NICE guidance quoted “BMI over 35 and ONE … comorbidity”
Professor Fowler's comments came in response to an MP who asked why 'every single person GPs have on record as overweight and obese' couldn't be offered weight loss medication over the next six months. Other MPs on the committee also suggested the current rollout was too slow and asked how it could go faster.
NICE advice has previously estimated that around 3.4m people in England would be eligible for the weight-loss drug tirzepatide, based on guidance that it should be offered to anyone with a BMI over 35 and 'one weight-related comorbidity'.
The phased NHS rollout means the drug is currently available only to a much smaller group of patients on the NHS, with a BMI of 40 or greater, along with at least four of a list of five long-term health conditions.
