16-06-2025
GPs beg patients to stop asking for fat jabs as they prepare to start Mounjaro national rollout
FAMILY doctors are pleading with patients to stop asking for fat jabs as they prepare to start a Mounjaro national rollout.
NHS GPs will be able to prescribe the tirzepatide drug for weight loss from next Monday.
Despite soaring demand for jabs, the NHS currently only prescribes Ozempic — primarily for type 2 diabetes patients.
Experts warn only 220,000 people are likely to get jabs by 2028.
Surgeries have posted online warnings.
Crayford Town Surgery in Kent said: 'We do not prescribe weight loss jabs so please do not ask.'
Fairhill Medical Practice in Kingston, South West London said: 'Once we are able to prescribe, they will be offered to those with the highest medical need only.'
Olivier Picard, chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: 'NHS provision won't meet demand straight away.
'In reality, many GPs lack the bandwidth to deliver the level of support needed.
'We expect that many people will continue seeking it privately.'
Highfield Surgery in Blackpool said: 'We are currently receiving a significant increase in the numbers of patients requesting help with weight management.
'A lot of these requests seem to stem from the current interest and information in mainstream or social media regarding the use of GLP-1 injections.
'Currently GPs are unable to prescribe these injections.'
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Family doctors are pleading with patients to stop asking for fat jabs as they prepare to start a Mounjaro national rollout
Credit: Alamy
