NHS England has proposed that patients likely to achieve the greatest clinical benefit from shedding weight are prioritised to receive weight loss jabs as part of a consultation into its use.
A range of community-based services and digital technologies are being developed to deliver the injection, known as tirzepatide, to nearly a quarter of a million people in England during the first three years of implementation.
Under plans laid out in an application to the National Institute for Health and Care excellence (NICE), the models would be tested and evaluated to support weight loss for an increasing number of people over the following nine years.
Tirzepatide – also known as Mounjaro – has been shown in clinical trials to be more effective than diet and exercise support alone. In a recent trial, patients lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight in 36 weeks.
The plans have been described in an application from NHS England to NICE that proposes a phased launch of the Mounjaro weight loss jab without compromising other crucial NHS services.
A three-week consultation on the plan opened on 3 October for registered stakeholders for three weeks.
NICE will consider all responses received before final guidance on Mounjaro and obesity is published later in 2024.
Prevention of health issues
Professor Sir Stephen Powis is NHS national medical director. He said: ‘This drug will be a powerful part of our arsenal to tackle obesity and support many more people to lose weight and reduce their risk of diabetes, heart attack and stroke.
‘This phased rollout will ensure those with the greatest clinical need can access it as a priority – with a quarter of a million people able to benefit over the first three years – while we develop new and innovative services through which other weight loss treatments can also be delivered.
‘With the sheer number of people potentially eligible for these treatments and GP teams already delivering record numbers of appointments, the NHS is developing a range of community-based and digital services to provide the benefits of weight loss drugs while continuing to ensure GPs can deliver all other vital services patients rely on.’
Dr Sam Roberts, chief executive of NICE, added: ‘This new generation of weight loss medications has the potential to achieve important health and wellbeing benefits for people living with obesity. They can also prevent serious health problems from developing, reducing the long-term risks to individuals.
‘Our independent committee found this medicine to be both effective and good value for money. Its use will help people living with obesity to lose weight, and as a result substantially reduce the risk that they will develop serious health-related problems associated with obesity such as heart disease and stroke.
‘Because of the very large number of people who could potentially benefit, NICE accepts that a phased roll out is required. However, we now need to hear from stakeholders on the proposals we have received from NHS England.’
Obesity rates stabilise
In September, NHS data revealed that obesity rates had begun to plateau for the first time in two decades.
The number of children who are overweight has fallen to the lowest level since 2000, while obesity rates in adults have remained stable for the past five years
Published last month, the annual data measured the height and weight of 9,000 adults and children across England to record their body mass index (BMI).
Almost one third (27%) of children aged two to 15 were found to be overweight or obese – marking the lowest level since 2000. It is also down from 30% in 2019 and a peak of 34% in 2004.
In 2022, 29% of adults were living with obesity, and 64% were overweight or living with obesity. This has remained stable since 2019, where 28% were living with obesity and 64% overweight or living with obesity.
Registered stakeholders can submit their comments on the consultation via nice.org.uk until Tuesday 22 October 2024.
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