Mounjaro: What’s Causing the Delay in NHS Weight Loss Injections?

Mounjaro, often dubbed the “King Kong” of weight loss medications, was expected to become widely accessible through the NHS for patients in England with the most urgent medical needs starting from 23 June.

Despite this plan, the treatment is currently being offered by only eight out of 42 NHS integrated care boards, raising concerns about unequal access depending on geographic location — often referred to as a “postcode lottery.”

Some healthcare providers have delayed its rollout until the autumn, and nearly half of the NHS boards have indicated they will limit the number of patients who can access the drug due to budget constraints.

Science and medical correspondent Thomas Moore discusses how the limited availability of Mounjaro could impact both the NHS and broader society.

Gary, who weighs 25 stone (159kg) and suffers from multiple obesity-related health issues, shares his experience with Thomas — including the consequences of being told that Mounjaro is not accessible in his region.