Weight loss drugs

June 2025

The RCGP has been closely monitoring and engaging with the expansion of weight loss drugs across the NHS in England.

Background to weight loss

While the College recognises the potential benefits of weight loss drugs being prescribed in line with NICE guidance, these medications must not be seen as a ‘silver bullet’ to aid weight loss or come at the expense of other weight loss services. There is no one-size fits all approach to tackling obesity - what works for one patient will not work for another, and it is important to be able to offer a range of interventions to find the right one. More importantly, there is an urgent need to focus on prevention, stopping people becoming overweight in the first place so they don’t require a medical intervention later. It is also important to recognise the role of good nutrition in overall health, and that individuals who are overweight can still be malnourished, a condition that is often overlooked.

Weight loss drugs and safety

As with any medication, weight loss drugs do have side effects which can range in seriousness, this is why it’s important that these drugs are prescribed for the right population and acquired through authorised sources and taken with proper medical oversight and prior medical evaluation. There is growing concern that many patients are choosing to acquire these drugs privately, and GPs may only find themselves the first port of call for patients if they are experiencing issues with these treatments. The College is also concerned by reports of people buying weight loss drugs online without prescription, which poses significant safety risks. 

Roll-out into general practice

The College, and many GPs, share concerns about the implications of the rollout of weight loss drugs into general practice, both in terms of workload and training to appropriately initiate and manage these treatments. It is positive that NHS England are taking a phased approach to the roll-out of Mounjaro as a treatment for weight loss (commencing Monday 23rd June 2025). As part of this, it is important that the roll-out of any weight loss medications in the NHS is consistently evaluated to ensure that there is evidence that these prescriptions are of long-term benefit to patients. As and when this roll-out is escalated, appropriate resourcing for general practice and training for GPs must follow to ensure it can be delivered safely.

There is a potential role for GPs in supporting different delivery models but what’s vital is that GPs are communicated with and guidance updated as more patients become eligible for this treatment. Similarly, GPs need to be provided with appropriate training to ensure clinical safety in the use of this new medication, to address sustaining weight loss and monitoring arrangements, and to promote a holistic approach that considers lifestyle and simple nutrition advice. Additionally, services need to be integrated, with a seamless pathway into more specialised care when complex issues need to be addressed.

For detailed information, our clinical consultation responses on obesity medications can be found on our clinical policy programme page. Additionally, our press comments on this topic can be found in our news section.