American Relocates to UK and Makes Surprising Discovery About Her Weight During Work Commute - OK! Magazine

From June this year, NHS England GPs have been able to prescribe Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injections – but with strict criteria. This 'miracle' weight loss drug was originally licensed for type 2 diabetes treatment, but it also has appetite-suppressing properties.

The medication works by activating two receptors called GLP-1 and GIP to increase the level of incretins – hormones – in the body. It aids your body in producing more insulin when needed, reduces the glucose produced by the liver and slows down the rate of food digestion, all contributing to lower blood sugar levels.

In England, an estimated 3.4 million people will be eligible for this medication in the long term, but it's expected that just 220,000 people will be able to access Mounjaro in the first three years, as it will initially be rolled out to those with the greatest need.

Due to lengthy NHS waiting lists, many Brits are opting to privately purchase weight loss medication at a cost of around £200 per month - set to rise soon. However, it's still crucial to seek professional healthcare advice.

Rachael Joy, the chief clinical officer at SheMed (shemed.co.uk), emphasises the importance of blood tests in determining patient suitability for GLP-1 medications. She warns, 'These medications can pose risks if underlying conditions like liver issues, thyroid dysfunction or high triglycerides go undetected, which is common in self-reported, online prescriptions. Without lab work, patients may be unknowingly put at risk. To ensure safety and effectiveness, blood testing must be a standard part of obesity treatment for every patient.'

Here's what you need to know about GLP-1 medications and managing your weight...

Eligibility

Currently, patients require a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above to qualify for Mounjaro on the NHS. However, if you're from a Black, Asian or other minority ethnic background, you may be eligible with a BMI of 37.5 or higher.

You'll also need to have been diagnosed with four out of five weight-related health issues: Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and vascular disease, high cholesterol and obstructive sleep apnoea.

BMI calculations

Your BMI is determined by comparing your height and weight, with ethnicity also factored in. Despite criticism for not taking into account muscle mass, health conditions and gender, it remains the most widely used method for assessing obesity.

The NHS offers an online BMI calculator. According to this tool, a BMI of 18.5-25 is considered healthy, below 18.5 is underweight, 25-30 is overweight, and over 30 is obese.

Location matters

While the main eligibility criteria for Mounjaro injections are set nationally, the rollout is handled locally by Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). This can result in variations in how the drug is prescribed.

While GPs in England can prescribe Mounjaro, the injections are currently only available through specialist weight management services in Wales. Northern Ireland is setting up a regional obesity management service and the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has also approved the use of Mounjaro, but with a lower BMI requirement.

Lifestyle changes

Even with a GLP-1 prescription, lifestyle modifications and medical follow-up are still necessary. Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, comments, 'We welcome investment that helps people living with excess weight access much-needed support, but drugs alone are not the solution.'

Nutritionist and psychologist Dr Naomi Newman-Beinart emphasises the importance of a healthy lifestyle, stating, 'GLP-1s can be a helpful tool, but they work best as part of a bigger picture, and always with proper medical support.'

Looking to the future

For those who don't qualify or reside in areas where GPs aren't providing the treatment, BBC Morning Live's Dr Xand van Tulleken offers some hope: 'If you think these drugs would help but you don't meet the criteria, I think it's worth saying there are lots of drugs in the pipeline, and it is very likely that the price can come down. I think over the next few years, the picture is optimistic for people who want these drugs.'

For 31 year old Calinda Robinson from Tennessee, Mounjaro was a game-changer. Since moving to London, she has been on a weight-loss programme, making sure to choose one that conducted thorough checks.

It was a particular morning during her commute to work that provided the motivation she needed.

'I moved to London in July 2023 and realised that the city is not designed for large sizes. On my first day of commuting to work, I realised how much I stood out in the crowd. The seats on the Victoria line are very snug and when the crowds entered I found myself shrinking back and trying to make myself take up less space.

'I have always been large, even as a teenager at high school, and despite running three miles a day my weight never budged. I have a thyroid condition, which makes it harder to lose weight, and I accepted I was always going to be big.

'When everyone started talking about weight loss jabs, I was sceptical at first. I'd tried many things and nothing seemed to work. But after doing some research I ordered from a reputable company, knowing that if I experienced any side effects a clinician would talk to me directly. It felt like someone was there, holding my hand.

'After six weeks I noticed I hadn't touched any of my snacks and I was not going for seconds at dinner. Eight weeks later I had to buy new trousers. I started at 116kg and I'm now 75kg – down 41kg.

'The medication makes me feel powerful, like I can finally take control of my health. It's good to see the NHS making this medication more accessible to those who need it. I really think that having a clinician hear your concerns and be proactive with healthcare makes all the difference. I have never felt as confident in my life.'