The reach of weight loss drugs is extended

LONDON (EFE)— As of yesterday, family doctors in England are authorized to prescribe GLP-1 agonist obesity drugs, such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, under specific conditions and a phased implementation, the country's National Health Service (NHS) reported.

The measure extends to patients diagnosed with obesity and conditions associated with being overweight, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and obstructive sleep apnea.

“Initially, obese people diagnosed with weight-related health conditions (…) and a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more (…) will be able to access tirzepatide (Mounjaro),” the NHS detailed on its website.

The drugs include tirzepatide and semaglutide, the latter marketed under the names Wegovy and Ozempic.

The first phase of implementation will involve the use of Mounjaro in approximately 220,000 people over the next three years. "We are seeking to ensure the necessary capacity and resources for a safe rollout," NHS sources said.

The initial phase will focus exclusively on patients with the greatest clinical need. At the end of this three-year period, "options will be considered and recommendations made to expand access to the drug in the NHS," health officials said.

Wegovy is intended for people with a BMI of 35 or higher, or 32.5 or higher if they belong to specific ethnic groups, such as Asian, Chinese, Afro-Caribbean, and Middle Eastern people. “That threshold will be 30 to 34.9, or 27.5 to 32.4 if (…) you meet other criteria,” the NHS explained.

Each NHS Integrated Care Board in England will be responsible for assessing patient eligibility in their area.

"Access will be determined on a case-by-case basis, following clinical and ethnic origin criteria," the agency added.

In addition to the medication, patients will receive nutritional guidance and physical activity recommendations. "Those treated should maintain a healthy, low-calorie diet," the NHS said in its official statement.

Claire Fuller, NHS co-medical director for primary care, stressed the importance of access. “We urgently need to address rising levels of obesity and prioritize support for those with serious health conditions,” she said.

“Greater access to weight-loss medications will make a significant difference in these people's lives,” he added.

The aforementioned drugs had already been prescribed by specialists since March 23, but their availability through primary care expands the scope of treatment. "This is an important step within a supervised medical strategy," medical sources stated. Authorities emphasized that this medical intervention will be applied under strict controls.

"This is not a generalized solution, but rather a tool within a comprehensive health plan," they indicated.

The use of GLP-1 agonists has been associated with significant weight loss, but their use requires medical supervision. "These medications should only be administered under close supervision," the NHS statement concluded.