NHS England has revealed that GPs in the country can now prescribe Mounjaro jabs to adults who meet strict criteria.
New guidance has revealed that the weight loss jab can now be offered to people through their GP surgery if they have a BMI of 40 or over, or 37.5 if from a minority ethnic background.
Additionally, people are also eligible for Mounjaro if they are living with four out of five of the following conditions: high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnoea and heart and vascular disease.
In order to manage NHS resources and GPs’ workload, the staggered approach will ensure people most in need have access to the weight loss injection first.
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Initially used to treat type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro now helps to treat obesity. People using the jab can lose up to 20% of their body weight due to the drug suppressing the hunger hormone, meaning you feel full for longer and eat less.
Currently, there are not enough GPs to manage the demand for weight loss jabs, so people are advised to not get in touch unless they meet the criteria.
Alongside access to the weight loss jab, eligible individuals will also get ‘wrap-around’ care, such as support with exercising, advice on healthy eating and regular check-ups.
For more information, people should check the website of their local integrated care board (ICB) – the organisation responsible for planning the health services for a local population.
Dr Claire Fuller, Co-National Medical Director of Primary Care at NHS England, said: “Greater access to weight-loss drugs will make a significant difference to the lives of people living with obesity and experiencing severe ill health.
“This is an important next step in the rollout of weight-loss drugs, with community-based services now able to offer this treatment from today.”
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Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: “Weight-loss injections do work but GPs are over-burdened already and don’t have a big enough workforce to deal with demand.
“It’s a lot safer to come to us than buying online or over the counter, but we are asking people not to approach GPs unless they think they meet the criteria.”
Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the Company Chemists’ Association, said: “Although the medicines are likely to transform the lives of millions, it is unlikely that the planned GP provision will be sufficient to meet patient demand.”
Dr Fuller explained: “Not everyone will be eligible for weight-loss drugs. It’s important that anyone who is worried about the impact of their weight on their health discusses the range of NHS support available with their healthcare professionals.”
