The NHS tirzepatide programme reaches 100,000 patients, retatrutide clears a key safety milestone, and NICE publishes long-awaited guidance on the management of obesity in pregnancy.

---

NHS Tirzepatide — 100,000 Patient Milestone

NHS England has confirmed that the tirzepatide obesity prescribing programme has reached 100,000 patients, just under 3 months after launch on 1 February 2026.

3-month data summary:

• Cumulative patients: 102,400
• Prescribing rate: 8,200 new patients per week
• Dose distribution: 2.5 mg 42%, 5 mg 38%, 10 mg 16%, 15 mg 4%
• Early outcomes (patients with ≥8 weeks data, n=68,000): Mean weight loss 4.8%; ≥5% weight loss in 38%
• Adverse events: 6,800 Yellow Card reports (predominantly GI); 12 serious adverse events (pancreatitis 4, acute cholecystitis 5, severe hypoglycaemia in T2D patients 3); all consistent with known safety profile

---

Retatrutide — TRIUMPH-2 Safety Review Passed

Eli Lilly announced that the independent DSMB for TRIUMPH-2 (retatrutide in obesity with type 2 diabetes) has completed its pre-specified interim safety review and recommended continuation without modification.

The TRIUMPH programme remains on track for primary endpoint readouts in Q4 2026.

---

NICE — Obesity in Pregnancy: New Guidance

NICE has published new guidance on the management of obesity in pregnancy, the first update since 2010.

Key recommendations:

Pre-conception:

• GLP-1 receptor agonists should be discontinued at least 2 months before attempting conception
• Bariatric surgery should be deferred until at least 12–18 months post-operatively before attempting pregnancy

Antenatal:

• All women with BMI ≥30 kg/m² should be offered referral to a specialist antenatal weight management service
• Enhanced monitoring for gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and fetal macrosomia

Postnatal:

• GLP-1 receptor agonists: not recommended during breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
• Weight management support should be offered from 6 weeks postnatally

---

This update is prepared for UK healthcare professionals. All prescribing decisions should reference current NICE guidance, the BNF, and individual patient clinical assessment.