GP surgeries issue warning over new ‘weight loss jabs’ to be introduced on NHS next week

Demand for Mounjaro cannot realistically be met

The drug - also known as tirzepatide - lowers blood sugar levels and is most commonly affiliated with diabetes sufferers, yet in December 2024 the NHS announced its approval of Mounjaro prescriptions for the obese across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with Scotland already allowing it.

By next Monday (June 23), the NHS will have completed a phased release to eligible patients, but warns that just 220,000 people may be offered a prescription before 2028.

Per the government website, between 2023 and 2024, 64.5% of English adults aged 18 years and above were estimated to be overweight or living with obesity.

Ahead of the rollout, many GPs have claimed patients still won't be able to get their hands on Mounjaro at their premises.

Crayford Town Surgery in Kent shared with The Sun: "If you are asked to attend a weight management review with a nurse please be aware that we do not prescribe the weight loss injections at the surgery so please do not ask."

Fairhill Medical Practice in South West London added: "Once we are able to prescribe, they will be offered to those with the highest medical need only."

Olivier Picard, chair of the National Pharmacy Association, also weighed in with: "NHS provision won't meet demand straight away. In reality, many GPs lack the bandwidth to deliver the level of support needed.

"We expect that many people will continue seeking it privately."

This follows a first-of-its-kind trial between Mounjaro and Wegovy that took place, as researchers wanted to check which of the two products resulted in the most substantial weight loss.

After a 72-week period, Mounjaro resulted in a 20% weight reduction while Wegovy resulted in 14%.

The trial involved 750 obese individuals averaging close to 18 stone.