NICE decision to limit the availability of weight loss drugs is ill-judged, says Tony Blair Institute

TBI Director of Health Policy Dr Charlotte Refsum said:

“NICE's decision to limit the availability of weight loss drugs is ill-judged. TBI research has found that a 20% reduction in 6 long term conditions (many of which are caused by obesity) would lead to a 0.75% uplift in GDP within 5 years, and a 0.98% uplift within ten – through people living longer, healthier, more productive working lives. Instead of weighing the cost of roll-out against personal benefit NICE should consider the benefit to national income these drugs could generate.

“The cost of these drugs will also come down in time. Some are nearing the end of their patent while around 150 are sitting in the pipeline. If the NHS is worried about upfront costs but wants quicker results then it should look at innovative funding agreements with industry that can even out the cost over time.

“It is short-sighted to deny patients access to a NICE approved drug that will prevent illness, reduce health inequalities and drive economic growth.”

Further info

More details on TBI's analysis and proposals are available below:

Prosperity Through Health: The Macroeconomic Case for Investing in Preventative Health Care in the UK

Moving From Cure to Prevention Could Save the NHS Billions: A Plan to Protect Britain