Weight-Loss Drug Mounjaro: "Changed My Life," Says Mother-of-Two
A weight-loss drug that has gained significant attention in recent years, Mounjaro, is set to be available on the NHS in England starting March 2024. This announcement comes after increasing interest from those who have either privately purchased the drug or are hoping to access it through the NHS. For some users, like Alix Harvey, Mounjaro has already made a life-changing impact.
Alix Harvey's Weight Loss Journey
Alix Harvey, a 35-year-old marine biologist from Plymouth, is among the early adopters of Mounjaro. She started taking the drug in May 2023, following years of struggling with weight gain after having two children. Harvey’s weight had become a growing concern, and she realized that if her situation didn’t change, she would likely end up morbidly obese by her late 30s.
"I got to the stage where I went 'if this continues, I'm going to end up morbidly obese in my late 30s,'" she explained.
After six months of using Mounjaro, Harvey’s transformation is remarkable. Her body mass index (BMI) dropped from 32 to 22, and she lost 25% of her body weight. According to NHS guidelines, individuals with a BMI of 25 or higher are considered overweight, and those with a BMI of 30 or more are classified as obese.
Harvey described the experience as life-changing. "It’s completely changed my attitude to food," she said, adding that the drug also motivated her to start going to the gym and take up weightlifting. Although Mounjaro functions as an appetite suppressant, Harvey initially struggled to consume more than 1,000 calories per day. However, as the effects diminished, her appetite increased again, and she eventually found a balanced approach to her diet.
Despite the significant cost of about £170 per month, Harvey felt that she saved money on food and drink and intends to stop taking Mounjaro. Although she would not qualify for the drug under the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines — which require a BMI of 35 or higher and at least one obesity-related health condition — she emphasized the importance of offering the drug gradually to ensure comprehensive support for users.
"It’s not a quick fix. Having that maintenance plan for afterwards is really vital," she stated, acknowledging that weight loss should be sustainable, and people need guidance in maintaining their progress after stopping the medication.
Jane Graham’s Struggles with Health and Weight
For 60-year-old cardiac physiologist Jane Graham, Mounjaro represents a potential solution to her long-standing battle with weight. Living in York, Graham has struggled with weight loss despite numerous attempts, including diets like the 5:2 method. She has also faced serious health challenges, having had a heart attack nine years ago and now being pre-diabetic.
"My arms and legs aren't fat, just the middle of my body — which is where the risks lie," Graham explained. "My waist is 42 inches, but I weigh 12 stone, and I can’t get it off."
Graham hopes that access to Mounjaro through the NHS will allow her to lose two stone (12.7kg) and improve her overall health. However, she faces an obstacle in the form of NICE guidelines, which state that individuals like her with a BMI of 30 are not eligible for the drug unless they have another obesity-related condition. This has left her frustrated and feeling that time is running out.
"If I have to wait 12 years to access the drug, I’ll be 72, and whatever is going to happen to me will have happened," Graham said, expressing concern that delaying access could result in irreversible health consequences. She also expressed a desire for medical supervision while using the drug, as her pre-existing conditions could complicate the process.
The NHS Rollout and Concerns Over Access
The NHS’s decision to roll out Mounjaro from March 2024 is a step towards addressing the growing demand for weight-loss treatments. However, the rollout will be gradual, and many patients like Graham may have to wait for access due to the criteria set by NICE. The organization has acknowledged that many people will face delays, with some having to wait several years before they can use the drug through the NHS.
NICE chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Benger explained that this decision was made to protect vital NHS services and to explore ways of delivering weight-loss medications effectively. He emphasized that the new generation of weight-loss drugs, including Mounjaro, could help improve health outcomes, but they must be introduced carefully to avoid overwhelming the system.
A Lifeline for Those Struggling with Obesity
Mounjaro’s potential to change lives, like that of Alix Harvey, has sparked hope among those struggling with obesity and related health issues. However, as many users point out, the drug is not a magic bullet. Sustainable weight loss requires ongoing support, balanced nutrition, and lifestyle changes, including exercise and mental health care. The gradual rollout of Mounjaro through the NHS is a positive step, but comprehensive care plans are essential to ensure that individuals do not regain the weight after stopping the medication.
As more people like Jane Graham await access to the drug, there is an urgent need to address concerns about how the NHS can balance providing effective treatments with ensuring that people receive the proper support for long-term success. While Mounjaro has proven to be a life-changing solution for some, its role in a larger, holistic approach to weight management remains crucial.