At the NHS ConfedExpo conference in Manchester, Professor Sir Stephen Powis described the upcoming rollout of weight loss drugs in GP surgeries as a significant milestone for healthcare access.

Starting later this month, General Practitioners (GPs) in England will be able to prescribe Mounjaro (tirzepatide) directly to patients, improving access compared to previous requirements for specialized weight loss services.

Sir Stephen highlighted that this rollout could benefit around 220,000 individuals in its first three years.

The NHS aims to expedite the rollout of these medications, which are currently being used by approximately 1.5 million people through public and private prescriptions.

With around 29% of UK adults classified as obese, obesity currently costs the NHS an estimated £11.4 billion annually, a financial burden deemed unsustainable.

Sir Stephen claims that weight loss injections like Mounjaro could be as transformative as statins for obesity management in the UK.

While expressing optimism about the future of weight loss drugs, he cautioned that they are not a 'silver bullet' and can have side effects such as nausea and dehydration if not prescribed properly.

Concerns have been raised about the potential side effects of these medications, including nausea, dehydration, and inflammation of the pancreas, as well as the risks of unsafe online access without medical oversight.

The NHS plans to monitor the rollout of tirzepatide and assess its long-term efficacy and safety, with an expectation that more drugs will be introduced in the future.

Plans are in place for a review by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) after three years to evaluate the uptake and outcomes of these drugs.

Looking ahead, the NHS aims to explore innovative methods for drug delivery, including through pharmacies and digital platforms, to enhance access to these treatments.

Sir Stephen expressed confidence that the cost of these treatments will decrease over time, similar to the experience with statins, as more options become available.