Doctors across the UK are feeling the pressure as more and more patients are seeking out the weight-loss jab, Mounjaro. With a recent survey revealing that one in 25 GP appointments now involves discussions about the jab, it’s clear the demand is high. This comes after reports suggested thousands of people who could benefit from the medication on the NHS aren’t accessing it, thanks to funding hurdles and geographical disparities.
Research by the BMJ indicates that less than half of England’s commissioning bodies have started prescribing Mounjaro, even though NHS England began rolling it out. Many patients who qualify still can’t get it via the NHS, and most are turning to private options. The phased rollout of this weight-loss treatment is planned over 12 years, but local healthcare boards haven’t fully prepared, leaving GPs to manage demand without the necessary support.
Doctors report a significant increase in patients asking about Mounjaro, with many expressing concern over how these demands affect time available for treating other illnesses. Some GPs worry that patients who currently buy the jab privately might soon turn to the NHS, seeking prescriptions they can’t afford privately.
The Department of Health and Social Care insists integrated care boards should ensure these critical treatments are accessible, especially for those with the highest needs. The Health Secretary aims to prevent financial barriers from limiting access to these life-changing jabs, as Mounjaro’s manufacturer increases prices in the private sector.
Many believe new funding models and digital-first delivery systems are crucial to broadening access and harnessing these treatments’ potential health and economic benefits. Without such changes, the UK risks widening health inequalities, with only those who can pay privately reaping the benefits.