Weight-loss drug tirzepatide, sold commercially as Mounjaro, is to be made more widely available on the NHS in Wales. However the initial roll-out will be limited to specific groups of people because NHS Wales is not ready for the huge demand.
It means that, for now, GPs will continue to be blocked from prescribing new weight-loss drugs. Around 186,000 people in Wales are estimated to be eligible for tirzepatide alone, which has been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for managing obesity.
Until now, weight loss medication was only available on the NHS through specialist weight management services. The Welsh Government has now shifted the focus to high-risk patients with an urgent need to lose weight for specific medical reasons.
Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said the new arrangements ensure people with urgent clinical needs can access treatment more quickly while arrangements for wider access are being developed. Medical conditions could include:
The change follows NICE’s approval of tirzepatide in December 2024 for treating obesity in adults. NICE usually requires a new drug to be available within two months. But because of the potential demand, it granted an exemption, extending the implementation period to up to 12 years.
This has given the Welsh Government time to build capacity. It’s developing a new model to expand availability of tirzepatide – and other weight loss medications – across specialist, primary care and community settings. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community
As well as ensuring access to the drugs is “equitable” to all in-need patients, Cardiff also wants the roll-out to be combined with wrap-around support, ensuring prevention and early intervention remain crucial.
Mr Miles said: “There is considerable demand for specialist weight management services and growing pressure for access to these medications through the NHS.
“To help meet demand in a sustainable way, we are building capacity and capability, while ensuring people with the most urgent clinical need can access treatment without delay.
“This approach recognises that some people need access now.” Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
The current specialist-only rule also applies to semaglutide (Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda), two other weight-loss drugs where global demand is outstripping supply.
Anyone already receiving these drugs on the NHS can continue their treatment via specialist weight management services.
Welsh ministers say they will make further announcements about the deployment of weight-loss medicines as the country’s new clinical pathway is developed.
