Access to Mounjaro on NHS Limited for Many in England

Less than 50% of England's population currently has access to tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro, through the National Health Service (NHS), despite the official rollout commencing over two months ago. An investigation by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) highlights significant disparities in the availability of this weight-loss medication.

The NHS had planned a phased rollout of Mounjaro, recognizing the potential benefits for an estimated 3.4 million individuals struggling with obesity. This initiative, which began on June 23, 2025, was developed in collaboration with NHS England and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, aiming to manage the costs associated with the drug.

However, as of now, only 18 out of 42 commissioning bodies, representing 43% of the country, have initiated the prescribing of tirzepatide according to the established rollout plan. Data acquired through Freedom of Information requests reveal that while NHS England anticipates that 70% of eligible patients will seek treatment, only nine Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have confirmed sufficient funding to cater to this expected demand.

Experts are expressing concerns over inadequate funding and insufficient public communication regarding the rollout, which is contributing to distress and uncertainty among patients and healthcare providers alike. The financial constraints faced by ICBs have complicated their ability to deliver necessary services effectively.

Among the 40 ICBs that responded to the BMJ's inquiry, four reported that their funding covers a mere 25% or less of their eligible patient population. The Coventry and Warwickshire ICB reported the lowest coverage, at just 21% of eligible patients. In Birmingham and Solihull, funding has been allocated for only 52% of eligible patients, leading to difficult decisions about resource allocation that prioritize the most effective use of available funds.

In London, only one of the five ICBs, South West London, has begun prescribing Mounjaro. Many GP practices across the country, including those in Suffolk and North East Essex, have posted notices advising patients not to contact them for prescriptions, citing insufficient funding that only covers 25% of eligible patients.

Healthcare advocates emphasize the need for clearer communication regarding the eligibility criteria for accessing Mounjaro on the NHS. There is a growing concern that the existing rollout strategy is inadequate and does not align with the public expectations set at a national level.

Experts warn that the underfunded rollout could have lasting implications, particularly as the number of eligible individuals is expected to rise in subsequent years. NHS England has projected that 220,000 patients will be treated within the first three years; however, initial funding appears only to support about 10% of that figure.

Healthcare professionals note that there are patients who would greatly benefit from immediate access to Mounjaro but are not currently prioritized under the existing rollout framework. The president of the Association for the Study of Obesity remarked that the funding shortfall is a significant setback for individuals living with obesity, who require evidence-based treatment options for their health management.

As the situation develops, further scrutiny of the NHS's approach to the rollout of Mounjaro is anticipated, particularly regarding its ability to meet the needs of the population it aims to serve.