NHS gets 12 years to roll out new weight-loss drug Mounjaro

Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, which is already available on the NHS, works in a similar way. But that can only be given to those under the care of specialist weight-loss management.

There are around 40,000 people estimated to be in that position.

The drugs can be bought privately. Both medicines are also already available for people with type 2 diabetes – although semaglutide is marketed as Ozempic for those patients.

The rollout of Mounjaro opens up the option of this new generation of weight-loss drugs to the wider public who are struggling with severe obesity.

To be eligible, patients will also need to have one obesity-related condition, such as type 2!diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease.

Under the rollout plans, those with the highest clinical need will be prioritised first.

It is estimated around 220,000 will benefit in the first three years.

NICE then plans to evaluate how that is working, before pushing ahead with the wider rollout.

As this is final draft guidance, it is still possible rollout could be delayed if there are any appeals made against the decision. If there is not, the guidance will be rubber-stamped before Christmas, NICE said.