As of this week, GPs are able to prescribe dangerous weight loss jabs on the National health Service (NHS)

It seems that around 220,000 people with the ‘greatest need’ will be able to receive Mounjaro with strict criteria in the first year of its rollout.

Initially, only those with a body mass index of over 40 and who have at least four other health problems linked to obesity will be eligible.

Sky news reports: Some doctors have raised concerns about the additional workload this new programme will bring, while pharmacists fear it could lead to supply shortages.

While an estimated 1.5 million people are now taking weight loss drugs across the UK, they could previously only be accessed through specialist services or private prescriptions.

Dr Claire Fuller from NHS England said: “We urgently need to address rising levels of obesity and prioritise support for those who are experiencing severe ill health – and greater access to weight loss drugs will make a significant difference to the lives of those people.”

She added: “While not everyone will be eligible for weight loss drugs, it’s important that anyone who is worried about the impact of their weight on their health discusses the range of NHS support available with their healthcare professional.”

The chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs welcomed NHS England’s decision to pursue a phased rollout, and said current workloads must be factored in to ensure the jabs can be prescribed safely.