Britain will limit Eli Lilly’s anti-obesity drug to patients with the ‘highest’ need

LONDON — Britain will start offering Eli Lilly’s weight-loss drug next year but will limit the drug to people with the greatest need as the country tries to adapt to new ways to treat obesity, amid the rising demand.

Health authorities in Britain recommend tirzepatide, sold there as Mounjaro, for people with a body mass index over 35 and at least one related health condition. But these criteria would mean that 3.4 million patients in England alone would be eligible for the drug.

Instead, the country’s National Health Service will aim to first treat around 220,000 people with tirzepatide – in addition to a specialist, low-calorie diet and increased physical activity – who have the highest clinical need.