New report calls for unified action as the UK faces a crucial turning point for obesity treatment

• Obesity in the UK: Navigating a Pivotal Moment for Change, asks for immediate action and a joined-up approach to improve the treatment and management of those living with obesity
• The report launch follows discussions and recommendations from a roundtable held in Parliament last month 
• Despite the recent NICE approval and rollout of Mounjaro, waiting lists for face-to-face NHS weight management services can be up to two years and come with strict criteria 

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London | 23 April 2025 - Juniper, a NICE evaluated provider of multidisciplinary weight-management services, today - in light of updated NICE guidelines for breakthrough GLP-1 medications - launches a landmark report, Obesity in the UK: Navigating a Pivotal Moment for Change, which calls for immediate action to be taken to improve the treatment and management of obesity. 

Following a roundtable discussion in Parliament that brought together clinicians, academics, parliamentarians, industry associations, and patient groups, the report highlights the outputs and recommendations for immediate action on transforming weight management services in England.

The report urges immediate action to be taken by the Government to maximise on the opportunity of the availability and NICE approvals of GLP-1s to make access more equitable across the country. Key takeaways from the report include: 

• Tackling obesity should be a national priority and we need a cross-party National Obesity Plan: Obesity is a national problem that will not go away without a focused government-led strategy. A National Obesity Plan must give ICBs (Integrated Care Boards) the funding and guidance required to tackle this epidemic effectively, with thorough consideration for groups that are more likely to experience obesity. 
• Digital healthcare must be embraced in a changing treatment landscape: Recent NICE guidance has indicated Mounjaro can be rolled out in a phased approach on the NHS. As part of a National Obesity Plan, digital innovation must be embedded into the system and healthcare teams must receive reassurance they can use digital tools to deliver weight management services and medication effectively. 
• Obesity funding must match the scale of the issue: While short-term funding into the availability of weight loss medication and more readily available holistic care would be in the millions of pounds, the long-term national productivity gains and cost-savings to the NHS achieved through a healthier population will drive significant return on this investment.

The UK is facing one of the highest adult obesity rates in Europe. NHS data reveals that 29% of adults in England are obese, and a staggering 64% are either overweight or living with obesity. If current trends continue, nearly 40% of the UK population could be living with obesity by 2040. The economic burden of this health crisis is vast, with obesity-related illness costing the NHS an estimated £11 billion per year. Further to this, NHS waiting lists remain historically high, with individuals waiting 19 days for a GP appointment and 7.3 million people still waiting to start treatment, which significantly hinders the treatment of obesity and its related health complications. 

GPs in England will now be able to prescribe Mounjaro for weight management on the NHS from the 23rd of June to selected cohorts, marking a dramatic step forward in treatment options for patients alongside the current tiered weight management system that is in place throughout the NHS.

Kevin Joshua, Superintendent Pharmacist & Clinical Lead at Juniper says, “With obesity and its downstream effects costing the UK billions every year, we are proud to launch our landmark report, 'Obesity in the UK: Navigating a Pivotal Moment for Change'. This report underscores the urgent need for immediate action to enhance the treatment and management of obesity in the UK and prioritise this issue at a national level.

“The introduction of GLP-1s has transformed the fight against obesity, but their success is maximised when integrated into a joined-up approach to obesity management. In today's evolving healthcare landscape, digital innovation must be embraced. Digital platforms play a vital role in this integrated approach. Leveraging technology, these platforms can bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers at scale, but healthcare teams require the reassurance and resources to utilise digital tools effectively for delivering tailored weight management services and medications.

“It’s vital we make sure we understand the scale of the obesity crisis in the UK. The long-term benefits, including national productivity gains and NHS cost savings, far outweigh any initial costs. A healthier population is not just a health imperative but an economic one, and we must commit to driving this change."

Dannica Sanchez, Juniper patient comments, “I started to gain weight rapidly during the pandemic. I had always been an active person but with gyms closed and using food to comfort myself from the trauma of having contracted Covid-19 and becoming seriously ill, my weight started to increase. Having a diabetic family member, I knew the health risks I was facing with my weight gain. 

“I didn’t want to be ill due to my weight gain, I wanted to live a long and healthy life. When I started showing signs of becoming pre-diabetic I knew I had to take action to lose weight but different diets just weren’t working for me. 

“As a theatre practitioner I had considered gaining weight in order to access weight-loss services but seeing first hand how strained the NHS can be I didn’t want to be a burden on a healthcare system that is at capacity, nor did I want to put on any more weight. GLP-1 medication has truly been a game-changer for me. This medication has given me the tools I needed to succeed where I had previously failed. It’s been a powerful ally in my weight loss journey and has helped me discover a renewed sense of self-esteem. I feel like I have a new lease on life with more energy to engage in activities and socialise. This medication is an important tool for others who may be struggling with their weight management.”

Please find a link to the report here.

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About Juniper

Juniper offers more than just weight loss—it’s a complete, science-backed journey to better health. We combine clinically proven GLP-1 medications with one-on-one support from expert dietitians and nutritionists who are with you every step of the way. From building healthy habits to making sustainable lifestyle changes and setting meaningful goals, your personal team helps unlock long-term success.

You’ll be connected with UK-registered prescribers who tailor your medical treatment as your body and needs evolve, plus gain access to a supportive community of over 10,000 Juniper members who share, uplift, and inspire.

Our easy-to-use app puts powerful tools at your fingertips: nutritious recipes, progressive workouts, and evidence-based resources—all designed to keep you motivated and on track.

With ongoing health coaching, progress tracking, clinical consultations, and a dedicated care team, Juniper delivers a new, highly effective approach to weight management that’s as personal as it is proven.

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