The UK Government and pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of weight loss drug Mounjaro, have announced a new health innovation scheme to combat obesity. Announced on 12 August, the programme is backed by up to £50 million from the government and an additional £35 million in grant funding from Lilly. A portion of £10 million has been set aside specifically for proposals in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
NHS organisations are invited to apply for funding by proposing innovative approaches to obesity care beyond current weight management services. The programme aims to explore new delivery methods, such as through pharmacies or online, to make holistic care more accessible to patients from all backgrounds. Currently, the NHS offers services including prescription weight loss medication like Mounjaro and the 12-week NHS Digital Weight Management Programme.
Approximately 28% of UK adults are obese, and about one in three children leaving primary school are overweight or living with obesity, according to national surveys. Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: 'New ways of accessing support to tackle obesity, such as through pharmacies or with help from digital tools, could be transformational for people's quality of life, and for society.'
NHS England national medical director Dr Claire Fuller commented: 'Obesity is one of the biggest public health challenges we face and costs the NHS billions of pounds every year, so this collaboration between government and industry to drive new ways of supporting people with obesity could make a huge difference.' Health Secretary Wes Streeting added: 'This collaboration will help patients living with obesity in a matter of months – through testing better access to weight loss services and treatments.'
Patients in certain areas could begin using these services as soon as summer 2026. Eligibility will be determined by local clinicians in line with national guidelines. The initiative aims to improve patient outcomes while reducing strain on the NHS and GPs.
