Obesity: Drugs

Obesity is estimated to cost the NHS £11.4 billion per year and wider society around £74.3 billion.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body responsible for assessing the clinical and cost-effectiveness of new medicines and health technologies for the National Health Service in England. NICE uses a structured process, including the assessment of clinical and economic evidence and the use of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), to determine if a new treatment offers good value for money. NICE takes into account all health-related costs and benefits, which may include public health outcomes and impacts on associated health conditions. These assessments allow NICE to make evidence-based recommendations on whether a medication should be routinely funded by the NHS.

The newest obesity medicines, semaglutide (Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) have been assessed and recommended by the NICE as clinically and cost-effective treatment options on the NHS for obesity. They can provide an effective tool, when prescribed alongside diet, physical activity and behavioural support, to support some people living with obesity to lose weight.

Clinical trials of Mounjaro® have found an average weight loss of approximately 20%. Weight loss is associated with significant improvements in both the management of existing conditions and the risk of developing weight related health conditions. Generally, greater weight loss is associated with more health benefits so obesity medicines could have a potential impact on a number of obesity associated health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnoea and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as on obesity rates.