In a groundbreaking development, the weight-loss drug Mounjaro is scheduled to be available on the NHS in England starting this March. This comes amid a surge in the popularity of various weight-loss medications that are being sold privately through clinics and pharmacies across the country.

Life-Changing Results for Users

The BBC News recently spoke with several individuals eager to share their experiences with Mounjaro, either as current users or those hoping to access it through the NHS. Among them is Alix Harvey, a 35-year-old marine biologist from Plymouth. After the birth of her two children, she found herself battling significant weight gain.

"I reached a point where I thought, 'If this continues, I'm going to end up morbidly obese by my late 30s,'" she recalled. Since beginning Mounjaro in May, Alix transformed her lifestyle dramatically. Her body mass index (BMI) plummeted from 32 to 22 as she lost 25% of her body weight over six months, leaving her feeling revitalized and more in control of her health.

"It's changed my life... my whole attitude towards food has shifted," she said, noting that she has become motivated to hit the gym and try weightlifting. Although she initially struggled to consume even 1,000 calories daily, her appetite eventually steadied, allowing her to enjoy a more balanced diet. Interestingly, Alix mentioned that she spends around £170 per month on the drug but has effectively offset this cost by buying less food.

However, while she has benefitted significantly, Alix worries about Mounjaro's long-term sustainability, acknowledging that users may regain weight after discontinuing the drug. "It’s not a quick fix. A maintenance plan is essential for keeping that weight off,” she emphasized.

Facing Challenges: Health Risks and Eligibility

Jane Graham, 60, a cardiac physiologist from York, expressed the urgency of accessing Mounjaro through the NHS. After surviving a heart attack nine years ago, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for her, especially with the looming threat of diabetes. Jane described the deep frustration of having tried numerous diets—“I feel like I've lost the fight after so long,” she admitted—yet still facing challenges in managing her weight.

With a BMI of 30, Jane finds herself ineligible for the drug under current NICE guidelines, which require individuals to have a BMI over 35 along with obesity-related health problems. Disappointed and concerned about the potential delays in accessing help, she voiced her fear: “By the time I wait 12 years... I might not be around anymore.”

NICE has placed a decade-long window for the NHS to implement the drug due to fears of overwhelming existing health services. Chief Medical Officer Prof. Jonathan Benger stated, “We’ve had to make this difficult decision in order to protect vital NHS services and to evaluate how best to deliver this new generation of weight-loss medications.”

Unexpected Success Stories: Private Clinics and Risks

One couple taking a different path is Paul, 53, who, along with his wife, has opted for private prescriptions of Mounjaro. Paul disclosed that his wife has already shed 5 stone (31.7kg) since starting the medication in July, and he began his journey in October. Having struggled with obesity for years, Paul found Mounjaro had a profound effect on his hunger cues, enabling him to overcome cravings he once couldn’t resist.

Despite the financial strain—his wife pays £180 a month for her prescription, and Paul has been sharing her supply—he remains hopeful for NHS access. “The wait is too long for many,” he said, acknowledging the risk of taking medication not specifically prescribed to him. “It feels like a bit of a gamble, but I plan to consult my GP soon for a check-up.”

Overall, the rollout of Mounjaro brings promising news to those grappling with weight management. However, it also highlights significant concerns regarding accessibility, long-term support, and monitoring to ensure users can maintain their achievements even after stopping the drug. The journey is complex, but for many individuals, Mounjaro represents hope—one life-changing decision at a time.