MPs criticise NHS rollout of weight-loss drug Mounjaro
In a new report a group of MPs say only 6% of eligible patients will receive the drug over three years
MPs have criticised plans for the rollout of weight-loss drug Mounjaro on the NHS, describing them as “unambitious” and reaching a “woefully small number of people”.
According to the Commons Health and Social Care Committee, only about 6% of eligible people will receive Mounjaro during the first three years, forcing many to turn to private providers.
The report calls for obesity to be treated as a long-term condition, akin to diabetes, emphasising the issue of relapses.
"Two-tier system"
MPs highlighted disparities in drug access and urged the Government to reassess the rollout pace of Mounjaro.
They suggested involving digital providers for improved accessibility and suggested a summit on GLP-1 access to explore solutions.
In June 2024, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) recommended Mounjaro for managing overweight and obesity.
The NHS has also approved semaglutide, (Wegovy) for obesity, but many get their prescriptions for the drug privately due to NHS shortages.
With Mounjaro, the NHS estimated 2.8 million eligible patients and predicted a £15.2 billion cost over five years if all presented within the first year.
Nice agreed to a gradual rollout at NHS England’s request.
The NHS is aiming for 220,000 people to access Mounjaro over three years, making just 6% of those eligible based on Nice recommendations, according to the Health Foundation.
The report suggests new framework targets for local population access to GLP-1s as monthly prescription numbers exceed 2.37 million packs, primarily obtained privately.
MPs stated that people living with obesity are let down by NHS access to weight-loss drugs and other programmes.
They criticised the reliance on ability-to-pay for GLP-1 medication, warning of widening disparities correlating with poverty.
Calls were made for better GP and prescription data-sharing and a review of MHRA's resources regarding illegal GLP-1 trade.
A report chapter on children noted high demand for specialised CEW clinics, with long waiting times and lists.
Only 100 families per year can be supported in South Yorkshire, despite 16,000 children qualifying for referral.
MPs stressed the need for service redesign ensuring holistic support for overweight children.
Overall, obesity services are described as fragmented with inconsistent provision and no user-friendly patient pathways across the country.
6% set to access drug in three years
Committee chairwoman Layla Moran highlighted the chronic nature of obesity affecting millions in England, necessitating structured NHS support.
She stated a new national care pathway would improve public health and save NHS funds long-term, alongside recognising obesity as a serious health condition.
Moran also noted the inaccessibility of weight-loss drugs and underutilisation of bariatric surgery compared to neighbouring countries.