Is tirzepatide available on the NHS?

These days, you can barely turn on your TV or scroll through social media without hearing about the latest weight loss drug that's taking the industry by storm.

Undoubtedly, these pharmaceutical interventions can be life-changing for those who have previously struggled to lose weight through traditional avenues. However, amidst the cost of living crisis, it may feel challenging to justify spending money on a medication that you're not 100% sure will work for you.

One medication that may be on your radar is tirzepatide, which is approved in the UK and Ireland for weight loss. But, you may be wondering — how exactly does the weight loss drug work, how much does it cost, and is tirzepatide covered on the NHS?

To help you make an informed decision, here are all the key facts you need to know about this promising medication.

What is tirzepatide?

Sold under the brand name Mounjaro, tirzepatide is the active ingredient in a medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and excess weight.

Unlike some other daily weight loss medications like liraglutide, it's administered by subcutaneous injection (under the skin) once per week. Manufactured by US pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Co., it's part of a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists.

These mimic hormones secreted by the intestine that prompt insulin production after a meal. In people with type 2 diabetes, this helps to regulate blood sugar levels — leading to better metabolic control and weight management.

However, even in people without diabetes, these medications reduce appetite by slowing down the amount of time it takes the stomach to empty, and sending signals of satiety to the brain [1].

Many also find that it can help eliminate some of the mental 'noise' around food, which helps them make healthier decisions, effortlessly.

Tirzepatide is also known as a 'twincretin', as it is one of the only medications that work on 2 incretin hormones — glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP).

This dual-action effect has been found to significantly reduce glycemic levels and improve insulin sensitivity and improve lipid metabolism [2].

How effective is tirzepatide (Mounjaro)?

Several clinical trials suggest that when combined with a reduced-calorie diet, tirzepatide is one of the most effective treatments on the market for weight loss.

In one study, overweight and obese adults were put on either tirzepatide or a placebo for 72 weeks. 57% of participants in the 10 mg and 15 mg groups saw a reduction in body fat of 20% or more, compared to just 3% in the placebo group [3].

In another trial, tirzepatide was compared to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy).

At 40 weeks, the average reduction in body weight with tirzepatide at the maximum dose of 15 mg was 11.2 kg, compared to 5.7 kg with semaglutide [4]. Plus, tirzepatide achieved a greater reduction in weight-related health problems, such as glycated hemoglobin levels.

However, more recent data has showed that patients on the highest possible dose of Wegovy lost up to 20.7% of their body weight [10], compared to 20.9% with Mounjaro at its highest dose [11] — showing that both can be highly effective when used consistently and with the right support.

Plus, Wegovy is often more affordable than Mounjaro, making it more favourable for ongoing weight management.

What are the most common side effects of tirzepatide?

Like any medication, tirzepatide comes with a range of potential side effects you should be aware of [5]. These include:

• Stomach issues including nausea and bloating
• Vomiting
• Acid reflux
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Mild allergic reaction at the site of injection

Other, more serious side effects include:

• Severe digestive issues, which may lead to kidney dysfunction
• Pancreatitis

If you notice any side effects while taking tirzepatide, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider. They will be able to work with you to find more appropriate treatment options.

Who's eligible for tirzepatide (Mounjaro)?

According to the MHRA, Mounjaro can be administered to adults with type 2 diabetes, and obese patients with a BMI (body mass index) of over 30 [7].

In some cases, it can also be prescribed to overweight patients with a BMI between 27 and 30 if they have another weight-related condition including high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, and health problems. These are the guidelines followed for eligbility in the Juniper Programme.

Can you get tirzepatide through the NHS for weight loss?

If you've been Googling 'tirzepatide UK NHS' to find out whether you can access it, you're in luck. Mounjaro is now available on the NHS for weight loss, and can be prescribed by GPs.

However, access is limited and the eligibility criteria is incredibly strict. As such, officials are asking people to not approach their GPs about the weight loss medication unless they meet the criteria.

The initial rollout of Mounjaro on the NHS is planned to reach 220,000 people over 3 years. To be eligible to receive Mounjaro from a GP or community clinic over the next 3 years, the person must meet the following criteria:

Year 1

• BMI ≥ 40 (or ≥ 37.5 for some ethnic groups)
• 4 or more weight-related comorbidities (e.g. type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea)‍

‍Year 2

• BMI 35 to 39.9
• Still require 4 or more co-morbidities‍

‍‍Year 3

• BMI ≥ 40
• 3 or more co-morbidities

A full rollout is planned over 8 further years, eventually covering patients with BMI ≥ 35 and at least one comorbidity.

Combining medication with lifestyle change for sustainable weight loss

The good news is, even if you're not able to access tirzepatide on the NHS, there's another avenue with similar clinical and cost-effectiveness — that actually sets you up for life.

The Juniper Programme provides a holistic approach by pairing medically backed treatments with habits that create lasting change. Research shows that without sufficient lifestyle change, some people gain back the weight after they stop taking weight loss medications [9].

Kickstart your weight loss journey with Wegovy or Mounjaro, two groundbreaking weight loss medications that mimic the GLP-1 and GIP hormone to help control cravings, delay stomach emptying, and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Given the comparable weight loss outcomes, you might like to consider Wegovy. It's a proven and effective weight loss medication that is a smart alternative if you’re looking to reduce your treatment costs.

In the Juniper Programme, we help you make lifestyle and habit changes and we’re in it with you for the long run; having helped thousands of women achieve their weight loss goals. Once in the programme, you’ll have regular access to a team of health professionals who are here to listen, guide and help unlock a healthier you.

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