Story perspectives

NHS Faces £786 Million Cost Rejecting Weight-Loss Drugs

9/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A poll shows the NHS will spend twice as much on rejecting weight-loss drug requests than on prescribing them.
GPs can prescribe Wegovy and Mounjaro only to select obese patients with specific health conditions.
Currently, 220,000 adults qualify, but 15 million could benefit.
CheqUp's survey indicates GPs spend significant time denying requests, potentially costing the NHS £786 million annually.
The NHS's annual budget for weight-loss jabs is £317 million.

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Story summary

A poll shows the NHS will spend twice as much on rejecting weight-loss drug requests than on prescribing them.
GPs can prescribe Wegovy and Mounjaro only to select obese patients with specific health conditions.
Currently, 220,000 adults qualify, but 15 million could benefit.
CheqUp's survey indicates GPs spend significant time denying requests, potentially costing the NHS £786 million annually.
The NHS's annual budget for weight-loss jabs is £317 million.