Mounjaro: A New Incentive for Weight Loss on the NHS
General practitioners (GPs) in England are set to receive financial incentives to prescribe Mounjaro, a groundbreaking weight loss drug, to eligible patients. Starting in April, the government will add average bonus payments of £3,000 per year to GP contracts for prescribing this medication. Additionally, GPs will receive approximately £1,000 annually for referring patients to weight loss programs.
Government Aims to Expand Access
Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the importance of ensuring access to weight loss support based on need, not financial status. He stated, “Weight loss drugs can be a real game changer for those who need them. I’m determined that access should be based on need, not ability to pay.” This move aims to address the growing trend of individuals purchasing weight loss drugs privately, and the risks associated with unregulated prescriptions.
Mounjaro and Wegovy: A Comparison
While Mounjaro became available on the NHS in 2025, uptake has been slower than anticipated. The incentive program specifically targets Mounjaro prescriptions. Another new-generation weight loss drug, Wegovy, is currently prescribed through specialist NHS weight loss services, rather than by GPs.
Current Eligibility and Future Expansion
Currently, access to Mounjaro is restricted to individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40 and certain associated health conditions. However, the NHS plans to broaden eligibility to those with a BMI over 35 next year. By 2028, the goal is to have 220,000 patients on Mounjaro through the NHS. Lower eligibility thresholds are in place for certain ethnic groups.
Expert Reactions and Concerns
Obesity experts acknowledge the incentives as a positive step, but caution that access will remain limited to those with the greatest clinical need. Katharine Jenner, director of Obesity Health Alliance, noted, “This doesn’t mean weight loss drugs will suddenly be available to everyone who wants them.” She also stressed the importance of addressing the broader food environment to prevent obesity.
Dr. Katie Bramall of the British Medical Association expressed concerns that the incentives won’t address the disparity between those who can afford private treatment and those who cannot. Prof Victoria Tzortziou Brown of the Royal College of GPs highlighted that prescribing decisions are based on clinical judgment, and increased workload could pose sustainability challenges.
The Bigger Picture: NHS Incentives and Prevention
Incentive payments are a common feature of GP contracts, previously used to improve care for conditions like dementia and boost vaccination rates. This is the first time weight loss drugs have been included. The government hopes this initiative will shift the NHS focus from treatment to prevention, addressing the growing obesity crisis in England.
Learn more about obesity and weight management: NHS Healthy Weight
Source: BBC News
