December 5, 2024

expert reaction to NICE final draft guidance on tirzepatide for obesity

Scientists comment on final NICE draft guidance on the use of Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for obesity. 

Helen Kirrane, Head of Policy and Campaigns, Diabetes UK, said:

“We welcome the new guidance from NICE on overweight and obesity management and the recommendations for widening access to Tirzepatide for weight loss, which now includes rolling out to people with prediabetes.  However, we have concerns over the length of time it might take for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes to gain access.

“As the numbers of people living with or at risk of the condition continue to rise, supporting people to lose weight is key to preventing type 2 diabetes and, for those with a recent diagnosis, to putting the condition into remission.

“Medications such as Tirzepatide, have a significant role to play in the overall treatment and management of type 2 diabetes as well as being an option for some people to help with weight management.

“When implemented, these changes will broaden the support available for people managing type 2 diabetes as well as reducing the number of those at risk of going on to develop the condition.  We look forward to engaging with NHS England on their forthcoming guidance for prioritising the rollout of Tirzepatide.”

Prof Lora Heisler, Chair in Human Nutrition, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, said:

“We should be offering patients the best and most effective medicines for any condition.  Therefore, this is a very important step forward in helping patients with health complications associated with obesity to receive the most effective medicine currently on the market to help improve health through weight loss.  Improving health more broadly on a national scale also benefits the NHS and the UK economy.  However, tirzepatide is not a magic cure – it still comes with possible side effects and will need to be taken alongside diet and exercise.  It is particularly important for obese patients requiring drugs to help shift weight to engage in physical activity whilst taking the medicine.  This is because weight loss primarily leads to the loss of body fat, but also commonly leads to the loss of some muscle.”

‘Final draft guidance: Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity’ was published by NICE at 00:01 UK time on Thursday 5 December 2024. 

Declared interests

Prof Lora Heisler: “I have no conflicts with Lilly.  No financial associations or funding.  I have consulted and collaborated with some of their competitors.”

For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.