Wales Delays GP Prescriptions for New Weight-Loss Drugs

The Welsh Government has confirmed that GPs will remain unable to prescribe new weight-loss drugs such as tirzepatide (Mounjaro) because NHS Wales is not yet equipped to handle the significant demand expected once the treatments are made widely available.

Rollout Paused Due to Capacity Concerns

An estimated 186,000 people in Wales could be eligible for tirzepatide, which has been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for managing obesity.

However, Welsh ministers have decided to pause the rollout while a new “clinical pathway” is developed to expand specialist services and ensure the health service can manage demand safely and fairly.

Under the interim rules, only specialist weight management services can prescribe the drugs. GPs are barred from doing so, except in specific cases involving high-need patients, such as those undergoing cancer treatment, preparing for organ transplants, or receiving fertility care.

Specialist-Only Rule for Weight-Loss Drugs

The restrictions apply not only to tirzepatide but also to semaglutide (Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda) — two other well-known weight-loss medications that have seen a global surge in demand, causing ongoing supply shortages.

An update issued today (October 23) by Sioned Rees, director of public health, and Andrew Evans, Wales’ chief pharmaceutical officer, confirmed the measures.

They said: “The new model will include the development of a clinical pathway with the aims of treating and managing obesity as a chronic, recurring condition and to support equitable access to weight-loss drugs and associated wrap-around support.”

Existing Patients Not Affected

Patients already receiving treatment through NHS weight management services before the circular was published will not have their prescriptions stopped and can continue their courses as normal.

Officials also clarified that the restrictions do not apply to tirzepatide when prescribed for its other licensed uses, such as diabetes management.

Building a Long-Term Obesity Strategy

While NICE typically expects new treatments to be available within two months of approval, it has granted an exemption in this case, allowing Wales and other UK nations up to 12 years to implement the rollout, recognising the scale of the eligible population and the pressures on health services.

The Welsh Government acknowledged the “considerable demand” for access to weight-loss medications, saying the delay will allow the NHS to develop a robust support system.

Officials added:

“The work being undertaken to develop a new clinical pathway will support building capacity and capability across Wales — across specialist, primary care and community settings.

These pathways will ensure tirzepatide and other weight-loss medications can be made available in the NHS in Wales in a seamless, equitable, safe and effective way.”