Doctors Warn of Risks as Weight Loss Drug Mounjaro Rolls Out in UK
Health professionals are alerting general practitioners to be vigilant as the weight loss medication Mounjaro is being prescribed across the UK. This injectable drug, initially for type 2 diabetes, presents potential health dangers that doctors must quickly recognize and address to ensure patient safety.
The Mounjaro Rollout
The National Health Service (NHS) began offering Mounjaro earlier this week. Experts from King’s College **London** and the University of East Anglia are urging doctors to be cautious. While this drug may seem promising to some, its use comes with several potential hazards.
Celebrities like **Jeremy Clarkson** and **Gemma Collins** have openly shared their experiences with Mounjaro injections. However, there has been less discussion regarding the drug’s possible downsides. Experts are concerned about potential problems in the health sector as doctors can now prescribe this GLP-1 medication.
“I’ve seen patients in primary care who are clearly taking the medications, but they haven’t been given wrap-around care,”
—**Dr. Laurence Dobbie**, General Practice Expert, King’s College London
**Dr. Dobbie**, who helped create the latest guidelines for UK GPs, warns that drugs such as Mounjaro can lead to severe health issues. Around 1.5 million people in the UK are already using GLP-1 jabs to assist with weight loss. More than one million people are taking these medications privately and seeing GPs with various problems.
How Mounjaro Works
Mounjaro, like Ozempic, is a weight loss drug. It primarily treats type 2 diabetes. The drug mimics two hormones: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). These help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce appetite.
Who Can Get It?
GPs in England can prescribe Mounjaro to patients. Initially, those at the most significant health risk due to being overweight will be offered the drug. The NHS estimates that about 220,000 individuals are in the most need. These patients will receive Mounjaro through the NHS over the next three years.
To qualify for a Mounjaro prescription, patients need a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher. Those from a minority ethnic background qualify with a BMI of 37.5. Patients must also have four out of five conditions: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and vascular disease, high cholesterol, and obstructive sleep apnea.
The NHS hopes Mounjaro will become more widely available. This would mean more people in need could access it through their GP. According to the CDC, obesity affects nearly 42% of adults in the United States, highlighting the growing need for effective interventions (CDC 2024).
Red Flags
Doctors are alerted to watch out for four key symptoms. They include dizziness, falls, gastrointestinal symptoms, or rapid weight changes. Patients should stop the injections if they are trying for a baby, due to unknown risks. They should also stop a week before surgery.
Mounjaro’s manufacturers, **Eli Lilly**, stated, “Patient safety is Lilly’s top priority.” They actively monitor, evaluate, and report safety information. Adverse events should be reported under the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme. The patient information leaflet warns that inflamed pancreas is an uncommon side effect.
The Bottom Line
As Mounjaro is rolled out across the UK, GPs are key to managing patient safety. They must quickly identify potential adverse effects and provide suitable support. By doing so, doctors can assist those seeking to manage their weight and related health issues.
