What is the weight loss phase of Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) treatment in the National Health Service (NHS)?

From the Guidelines

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is not currently approved by the NHS specifically for weight loss in the UK, and its use for this purpose should be guided by the most recent clinical evidence and NHS guidelines. While Mounjaro has been approved for type 2 diabetes treatment on the NHS, it has not yet received formal approval for weight loss management as a primary indication. The NHS does not have an official "weight loss phase" protocol for Mounjaro. For weight management, the NHS typically recommends starting with lifestyle modifications, then considering approved weight loss medications like Orlistat, or in some cases, Wegovy (semaglutide) which has recently been approved for weight management 1.

Key Considerations for Weight Loss

• The most recent evidence suggests that intentional weight loss is associated with a significantly lower risk of adverse clinical outcomes, and has beneficial effects on risk-factor control and quality of life (QoL) 1.
• Pharmacological treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, may be considered for further weight reduction in patients who have not reached their weight targets through lifestyle modifications alone 1.
• The SURMOUNT-1 trial showed a dose-dependent weight-loss benefit with tirzepatide, a combined glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist, compared with placebo in obese adults without diabetes over 72 weeks 1.

Recommendations for Mounjaro Use

• If you're interested in medication-assisted weight loss, you should consult with your NHS GP who can discuss appropriate options based on your medical history, BMI, and whether you have weight-related conditions.
• They may refer you to weight management services if appropriate, and consider the use of approved weight loss medications like Orlistat or Wegovy (semaglutide) as part of a comprehensive weight management plan.
• The use of Mounjaro for weight loss should be guided by the most recent clinical evidence and NHS guidelines, and should only be considered in the context of a comprehensive weight management plan that includes lifestyle modifications and regular monitoring of efficacy and safety 1.

From the Research

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) NHS Weight Loss Phase

• Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and GLP-1 receptor agonist that has shown significant efficacy in weight loss and chronic weight management 2, 3, 4, 5.
• The SURMOUNT program, a global phase 3 clinical trial, demonstrated that tirzepatide resulted in substantial reductions in body weight (16.5% to 22.4%) over 72 weeks in people without diabetes 4, 5.
• Tirzepatide has been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic weight management, with doses of 5,10, and 15 mg once weekly 4, 5.
• The safety profile of tirzepatide is similar to that of GLP-1 receptor agonists, with gastrointestinal adverse reactions being the most common side effect 3, 4, 5.
• Tirzepatide has also been shown to improve multiple obesity-related complications, including sleep apnea, metabolic-dysfunction associated steatohepatitis, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and diabetes prevention 5.

NHS Weight Loss Phase with Mounjaro

• There is no specific information available on the NHS weight loss phase with Mounjaro, as the studies provided do not mention the NHS or the UK healthcare system specifically.
• However, the studies suggest that tirzepatide is a effective and safe treatment for weight loss and chronic weight management, and it is likely that it will be considered for use in the NHS weight loss phase in the future 2, 3, 4, 5.

Efficacy and Safety of Mounjaro

• The efficacy and safety of tirzepatide have been demonstrated in several clinical trials, including the SURPASS program and the SURMOUNT program 3, 4, 5.
• Tirzepatide has been shown to result in significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference, as well as improvements in multiple cardiometabolic risk factors 3, 4.
• The safety profile of tirzepatide is similar to that of GLP-1 receptor agonists, with gastrointestinal adverse reactions being the most common side effect 3, 4, 5.